PPPE 2008 celebrates a successful milestone event and looks to a positive future

Pan Pacific Pork Expo 2008, incorporating Uptake, held on the Gold Coast, Queensland 18-19 June was a huge success, drawing plenty of interest from close to 400 delegates.

Due to the current tough climate the Australian pig industry is operating in, this was the first year two major key industry events were brought together – PPPE and Uptake. Both events are biennial and this year marked 10 years for PPPE (fifth event).

Chairman of the PPPE 2008 (incorporating Uptake) Committee, Dr Rob van Barneveld, said the event would not have been possible without the support of the committed exhibitors and sponsors.

“This year there was 33 exhibitors and 14 major sponsors, and I would like to thank each and every one of them for their assistance in making PPPE, incorporating Uptake a fantastic event,” Dr van Barneveld said.

“Events such as these are crucial to the survival of the Australian pork industry. They provide an opportunity for producers to listen to the experts, ask questions and gain a greater understanding of where their industry is heading.

“The industry has been through some tough times, however by gaining a better understanding of where we are heading, and getting high quality research and information from across the world into the wider audience, the Australian pork industry can look forward to a healthy future.

“I have had plenty of positive feedback from all who attended the event, and it was uplifting and motivating to see so many optimistic people continuing to support our industry,” Dr van Barneveld concluded.

Based on the success of the 2008 event, Dr van Barneveld believes that APL and the Pork CRC will consider using a similar platform in 2010 for the delivery of key research outcomes, with June 16-17, 2010 currently suggested as dates at a venue to be advised.