Egg Industry - December 2008

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United Egg Producers (UEP) will continue research on guidelines for both caged and non-confined flocks, emphasizing the importance of compliance, as reported by Dr. Jeff Armstrong, chairman of the UEP Scientific Advisory Committee during the organization’s annual meeting held in October in Greensboro, Ga. A list of the advantages and disadvantages of alternative systems is available from UEP.

Other committee reports reviewed activities and accomplishments of the past year:

•Marketing – Mike Sheats from the U.S. Department of Agriculture reported on current initiatives including the UEP’s Feeding America Program which created Second Harvest. This program incorporated the contributions of 84 egg producers donating 12 million eggs delivered to 92 food banks throughout America. The media response to Second Harvest was beneficial to the image of U.S. egg producers.

•Public Relations – Committee Chairman Paul Sauder, reported on the success of the program of farm visits by consumer groups and the media. This program has proven extremely effective in defusing negative propa-

ganda from activists. Attendees have included restaurant and food service managers and executives in food retailing.

•Environmental – Chairman Amon Baer was re-appointed as the UEP sheriff. His committee continues to deal with many issues involving legislation and regulations impacting egg production. Attendees were updated on the Clean Water Act and the final rulemak-ing that is taking place. It is anticipated that the incoming 2009 administration will revisit some issues under consideration. Items on the committee agenda include clean air, climate change, rodenticides and ammonia emissions. The UEP Environmental Scientific Panel is involved in the technical aspects of these projects to advise the committee.

American Egg Board President Joanne Ivy updated the UEP Board of Directors on current activities. AEB received the 2008 Golden Egg Award from the International Egg Commission for excellence in marketing.

Ivy outlined the media focus for AEB for the coming year. The “Surrounding Moms” advertising and promotion initiative will be continued, focusing on young mothers with

Dolf Baker, president of Cal-Maine Foods, was named UEP Egg Producer of the Year.

children at home and emphasizing the nutritional and economic value of eggs plus their versatility and convenience in preparation.

In addition, several projects have proven successful such as the Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) campaign which promotes adding breakfast in fast food markets.