Agricultural experts can participate in the PQA Plus Advisor training program to earn certification, assist pork producers, promote animal welfare, enhance food safety practices, and support sustainable pork production efforts.
The Iowa Pork Industry Center (IPIC), in collaboration with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, is offering the final Pork Quality Assurance Plus (PQA Plus) Advisor certification training session of the year on October 5, 2026.
Qualified individuals interested in becoming certified advisors are encouraged to submit their applications by September 28,2026 through the IPIC website.
The PQA Plus program is recognized for promoting high standards in pork production and animal care. It is designed to support responsible farming practices while addressing several important areas, including food safety, animal well-being, environmental stewardship, worker safety, public health, and community responsibility.
The program helps ensure that pork producers follow practices that align with modern industry expectations and international standards.
Individuals who successfully complete the advisor certification can play an important role in educating pork producers and their employees. Certified PQA Plus Advisors are authorized to conduct training sessions, provide certification programs, and perform on-farm site assessments. Their work helps producers improve management practices and maintain quality standards within their operations.
To qualify for the advisor program, applicants must be veterinarians, extension specialists, or agricultural educators involved in adult education or production training. Additional eligibility requirements are available through the official application process.
The online certification training session will begin at 9 a.m. on October 5 and is expected to last approximately six hours.
The program is open to first-time participants seeking certification as well as current and former advisors who need to renew their credentials. This allows experienced professionals to maintain their qualifications while providing new applicants an opportunity to join the program.
The training fee is $100. Participants whose applications are approved will receive details and instructions for joining the online session. In addition, the training offers five veterinary continuing education units (CEUs), providing added professional development benefits for veterinary professionals.
For additional information about the certification program, interested individuals can contact Stacie Matchan at sgould@iastate.edu.
Established in 1994, the Iowa Pork Industry Center serves as a collaborative effort between the colleges of Agriculture and Life Sciences and Veterinary Medicine at Iowa State University.
The organization works to advance efficient pork production technologies, strengthen Iowa’s leadership in the pork industry, and support rural development initiatives.
Through research, education, and outreach programs, IPIC provides producers with timely information that helps improve efficiency, productivity, and profitability while supporting the long-term growth of the pork sector.
Photo Credit: porkcheckoff.org/