The National Pork Board is introducing Swine University at this week's 2019 Food Network & Cooking Channel South Beach Wine & Food Festival in Miami.
The initiative, which includes a virtual tour of a pig farm and an introduction to the next generation of farmers, engages consumers and shares the sustainability story of today's pig farming. Consumers also will learn about the health and nutritional value of pork.
"Swine University gives us an opportunity to share what our pig farmers do every day to produce delicious, healthy and safe pork with influencers and consumers," said Jose de Jesus, director of multicultural marketing at the National Pork Board. "With many of today's consumers two to three generations removed from farming, it's important to offer the unique opportunity to go inside a pig barn through the power of technology."
An interactive experience explains the progress the hog industry has made over time with research showing how today's pig farming requires 75.9 percent less land, 25.1 percent less water and 7.0 percent less energy use, with a 7.7 percent smaller carbon footprint than 55 years ago.
The National Pork Board will participate in five major events at the show, as well as collaborate with high-profile Latin chefs and influencers including Jose Mendin, a five-time James Beard nominee and driving force behind Pubbelly restaurants; Ana Quincoces, a celebrity chef and lifestyle influencer; and Eddie Zamora, a social influencer and creator of the popular travel and food blog, The Yum Yum Foodie.
The National Pork Board has responsibility for Checkoff-funded research, promotion and consumer information projects and for communicating with pork producers and the public.
Source : Meatingplace