Titled the Responsible Pork Symposium, the two-day meeting in Indianapolis, is planned to be an annual event, and hopes to attract delegates from across the US and overseas interest.

The first symposium will be on 5-7 February 2008 at the Omni Hotel - 40 West Jackson Place Indianapolis. It will feature key speakers who will discuss topics that affect the industry's future.
They include:

• Jennifer Garrett, director, nutrition marketing for Kellogg's
• Dallas Hockman, vice president of industry relations for the National Pork Producers Council
• Janice Swanson, director animal well-being, Michigan State University
• Kellye Pfalzgraf, office of animal well-being for Tyson Foods
• Paul Shapiro, senior director of the factory farming campaign for the Humane Society United States
• Steve Kopperud, senior vice president, Policy Directions, Inc.
• Julie Maschhoff, director of public relations and co-owner of Maschhoff Farms
• Charlie Arnot, Center for Food Integrity, will conclude proceedings with a discussion on 'Responsibility = Trust'

A number of other industry stakeholders will also be involved in panel-based discussions focusing on the pork food-chain's responsibilities in areas of food safety, animal welfare,human capital and the environment. Panelist will address threats and challenges that confront the US pork food chain today and in the future. Geared toward senior-level individuals within the pork industry from the farm gate to consumer's plate, the 1 1/2-day event will promote face-to-face communication among key industry influences.

"Every participant along the pork food chain has a responsibility to produce safe, high-quality products for the consumer," says Marlys Miller, editor, Pork magazine.

"It's important that we open the dialogue and build bridges within the chain so that everyone continues to succeed in that goal. The Responsible Pork Symposium is one more step down that path."

Registration is $295 per attendee and includes three scheduled meals. Sponsorships is also available.

For further information on the Responsible Pork Symposium go to www.responsiblepork.com.