Latin American Delegation Sees Newest Technologies At World Pork Expo

To show its continued support for the Latin American (LTA) pork sector, the U.S. Grains Council (USGC) hosted a team of pork industry professionals at the World Pork Expo in Des Moines, IA, in early June.

The expo, the world’s largest pork industry-specific trade show, brought together pork producers and industry representatives from around the world for three days of education, innovation and networking.

“Given their opportunity to increase pork consumption, the Latin American pork industry has the conditions and the potential for sustainable growth. However, one of its main challenges is access to suppliers of genetics, raw materials and equipment to improve their productivity and be more competitive,” said Carlos Maya, USGC regional consultant. “For this reason, this expo is a great opportunity for Latin American pork producers.”

In the past few years, the Council has partnered with six pork producers’ associations in Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Panama and Peru, conducting different programs primarily focused on strengthening the associations’ roles in the development of the pork sectors within those countries, increasing awareness of the use of distiller’s dried grains with solubles (DDGS) and the relevance of appropriate nutrition to increase profitability. These efforts have helped the Council establish and maintain strong relationships with leaders in the LTA pork sector.

The expo offered the Council the opportunity to showcase ideas and technologies that can support further growth for the LTA pork industry. By providing the tools at the expo, the Council hopes the pork professionals invited can influence others in their countries to shift toward more innovative practices.

“APA from Colombia, COPO from Guatemala and Coopagro from Panama – the organizations the invitees represent – are alliances of pork producers that have grains procurement as one of their main activities. In addition to their importance as buyers, they are an example for other producers and groups, and they are constantly aiming to improve their members’ competitiveness. These professionals are among the best references for transmitting knowledge to the industries of their countries,” Maya said.

In July, the Council will continue its efforts to support the Latin American swine industry by supporting Ecuadorian pork producers with a virtual training on biosecurity for the prevention of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS), one of the main challenges of the pork industry. The Council will also participate in an upcoming conference on African Swine Fever at the International Pork Producers Congress (CIPORC) organized by the Peruvian Pork Producers Association.