Pork Quality Assurance Plus and Transport Quality Assurance

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This page is updated as new program dates and information are received.

PROGRAM GUIDELINES, SCHEDULING INFORMATION
The Iowa Pork Industry Center and Iowa State University Extension and Outreach are teaming up to provide necessary training for producers for both programs. A special rate is available for group sessions. Please contact the ISU Extension field specialist in your area for more information. Check your ISU Extension swine program specialist page for links to your respective program specialist's contact and other information.

PQA PLUS was developed by the Pork Industry Animal Care Coalition to be a continuous improvement program, most recently revised in 2016. The coalition, made up of pork producers, packers/processors, restaurants and food retailers, dedicated itself to finding a food-industry solution that woul give confidence to consumers that U.S. pork is produced in a way that respects animal well-being. PQA Plus merges the food safety and animal well-being concepts of the original PQA program into three steps: individual certification through education, farm site assessment, and the opportunity for project verification that gives customer credibility. For more information on PQA Plus contact the National Pork Board at 800-456-PORK, or go to that website.

TQA was introduced in 2002 by the Pork Checkoff as a quality assurance program designed specifically for transporters, producers and handlers of pigs. It encourages dedication to transporting and delivering the highest quality, safest pork product possible to remain competitive in the global market. The program's mission is to make a positive impact on pork industry animal movement practices through the education and continued training of animal handlers by demonstrating industry-leading techniques which lead to enhanced animal well-being; and quality pork products.

This page is updated as new program dates and information are received.

PQA PLUS and TQA PRODUCER SESSIONS

Each session has a registration fee of $25 per person unless otherwise specified in the specific entry below, payable at the training session. Preregistration is strongly encouraged to ensure that adequate materials are available for all in attendance. See individual meeting entries below for appropriate contact information.

SPECIAL SESSIONS, etc.

A special rate is available for group sessions. Please contact the ISU Extension field specialist in your area for more information. Check your ISU Extension swine program specialist page for links to your respective program specialist's contact and other information.