Pork Expo will return in 2002

The National Pork Producers Council Board of Directors plans to bring back the “World Pork Expo” next June in Des Moines. This year’s Expo was cancelled amid concern over the “Foot and Mouth” disease outbreak in Europe. World Pork Expo general manager Ernie Barnes says they hope the one year layoff doesn’t hurt enthusiasm for the event.In past years, the Expo’s attracted 40-thousand pork producers and consumers, including about two thousand visitors from 60 countries. Barnes says the year layoff could be a bonus, as they’ll have more time to prepare. He says they normally have to wrap up one event before they can start planning for the next event.Barnes says a task force will evaluate ways to improve the Expo and meet the concerns of another possible outbreak. He says they plan to look at what he calls “unique and different” bio-security methods to allow live hogs at the show. Barnes says they’ve been able to work agreements to keep the Expo financially sound despite the cancellation of this year’s event.Many exhibitors who pay the cost of the show worked deals to allow the Expo to keep this year’s money. He says they’re working deals to make up the interest on that money at next year’s show. The 2002 World Pork Expo is scheduled for June 6-8th at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines.