DES MOINES, Iowa – The National Pork Board (NPB) will complete its work on the 2009 strategic plan and budget when it meets in Des Moines, Iowa on Nov. 11 and 12.

The board reportedly began work on the plan and budget in July, when it identified five critical issues it will address during 2009 with resources from the Pork Checkoff. Those five issues are: safeguarding and expanding international markets; the trust and image of the industry and its products; the development of human capital; the competitive advantage for U.S. pork; domestic pork expenditures.

Once the board approves its 2009 strategic plan and budget, the document goes to the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture for final approval.

The remainder of the board’s meeting will be devoted to program committee reports and to discussion of a number of current issues and topics. Those include planning for the 2009 Pork Industry Forum in Dallas in March; a report on the summer-long The Other White Meat® tour; an update on the board’s carbon footprint work; plus reports on the “We Care” responsible pork initiative and on recent animal care and issue issues.

Source: The Pork Checkoff