Canada - Alberta Pork launches revamped Web sites for consumers, producers

Whether it's "Put Pork on your Fork" or "Farm to Fork," both consumers and producers will find a wealth of helpful information on Alberta Pork's two revamped Web sites. "These Web sites are part of our ongoing commitment to communications," says Jodi Hesse, communications specialist for Alberta Pork. "Whether you're a consumer interested in great pork recipes or a producer looking for the latest industry information, we encourage you to take advantage of the broad information available." The consumer-oriented site, located at www.albertapork.ca, features recipes, interactive videos on cooking with pork, health and nutrition information and promotional programs such as pork contests and pork for kids. It also includes links and information for retailers and professional chefs. "This site celebrates the joy of cooking with pork," says Roy Kruse, Alberta Pork manager of consumer services. "For example, we are very excited about the new virtual meat counter. It's an interactive component that introduces consumers to different cuts of pork and helps them make purchasing decisions at their grocer's meat counter. 'Clicking' on a cut of pork opens a window with cooking instructions, nutritional information and recipes for that specific cut." "Among other highlights, we've improved the presentation of quick, easy and nutritional pork recipes, which have long been a popular component. We still have our interactive videos with slides that make learning new pork recipes more fun and simple to follow," says Kruse. The producer-oriented site, located at www.albertapork.com, serves as a producer and industry information centre. Available information ranges from major news reports, upcoming events, marketing and outlook information to details on a variety of industry programs and initiatives such as quality assurance, animal health and environmental sustainability. This site has archived Alberta Pork media releases, newsletters and the Western Hog Journal, along with research reports. "Having reliable accurate information accessible has never been more important to the success of pork producers," says Hesse. "This site provides a one-stop overview of the key information, not only to keep Alberta pork producers up to date on industry developments to meet challenges and operate profitably, but for non-producers as well. It is designed specifically with rural users in mind, with quick downloads that don't require high-speed connections." Providing access to information creates the ability for users to make informed decisions. The Web sites provide the Alberta pork industry with a communication tool to tell their story. Alberta Pork represents more than 1,500 pork producers in the province. The industry produces more than 3.2 million hogs each year. The overall agriculture industry directly and indirectly generates one out of three jobs in the province.