The role of meat in nutrition and society, animal welfare, sustainability and consumer trends were the main topics of the congress organized by IMS in which Uruguay participated with a team headed by the Minister of Livestock, Agriculture and Fisheries Fernando Mattos. INAC Board members Eduardo Urgal and Fernando Gómez, and management staff of the National Meat Institute completed the uruguayan delegation.
Minister Fernando Mattos offered a discourse on the effects of climate change and the importance of livestock farming in Uruguay and how it contributes to the economic and social development of the country. He emphasized that “climate change is a global concern and its causes are generated by man and not by cattle.” He also highlighted that developing countries are the most vulnerable to the extreme events of climate change.
On the other hand, INAC’s Strategy Manager, Pablo Caputi, moderated an interesting exhibition on cell-based meat. The exponents in this case were Maarten Bosch (CEO Mosa Meat) and Niyati Gupta (CEO Fork&Good). Caputi mention in his introduction that “Uruguay is a country that lives by and for livestock”, and highlighted the fact of the ban on laboratory meat approved in parliament.
The international meat congress is organized by the International Meat Secretariat (IMS). This non-profit organization brings together international organizations in the meat sector. Based in Paris, it defends the interests of the chain before international organizations (WHO, WTO and OMSA) and also holds events with its members for knowledge exchange.
INAC has been a member of this institution for decades and has been part of its highest governing body (the executive committee) since 2016.
At this International Congress, the composition of the Executive Committee was renewed, where INAC maintains its presence.
The composition of the Executive Committee for 2023 – 2025 is:
Juan José Grigera Naón IPCVA, Argentina (President)
Chen Wei China Meat Association (CCA), China (vice president)
John Masswohl Canadian Cattle Association (CCA), Canada (vice president)
Irfan Allana All India Buffalo and Sheep Meat Exporters Association, India
Laurens Hoedemaker COV, The Netherlands
Alvaro Pereira National Meat Institute (INAC), Uruguay
Dan Halstrom US Meat Export Federation, USMEF, USA
Kent Bacus National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), USA
Trine Thorkildsen Matprat, Norway
