North Carolina Pork Industry Leaders Comment after Recent Meeting with Shuanghui International Leadership

RALEIGH, N.C., July 10, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- The leadership of the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (NCDA&CS) and North Carolina Pork Council (NCPC) commented today about their delegation's recent meeting with Shuanghui's leadership in China. 

The meeting was part of a week-long mission led by the NCDA&CS international marketing team to strengthen existing business relationships between China and North Carolina.  The meeting with Shuanghui included a tour of the company's Industrial Park in Luohe as well as a meeting with Chairman Wan Long.  In the meeting, Chairman Wan reaffirmed his commitment to maintaining Smithfield's management team, operations and employment agreements as well as upholding the company's industry-leading safety standards and significant philanthropic efforts.

Advised of the results of the meeting, N.C. Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler said, "It is nice to hear of Shuanghui's support of Smithfield's existing structure. I'm sure chairman Wan's comments will be welcomed by the thousands of North Carolinians whose livelihoods depend on Smithfield."

Additionally, NCPC Chief Executive Officer Deborah Johnson said, "We anticipate that the acquisition of Smithfield will lead to expanded overseas sales and more opportunities for the thousands of North Carolinians who work in the pork production chain."

The delegation visiting Shuanghui also included representatives from Archer Farms of Wayne County (NC) and the National Pork Board.  During the tour, the delegation was shown a Shuanghui slaughtering operation, pasteurized and retorted products productions and packaging of meat products.

About the N.C. Pork Council (www.ncpork.org)
The North Carolina Pork Council (NCPC) is the statewide organization chartered in 1962 to support producers and allied industry partners within the North Carolina pork industry. Today, the pork industry in the state includes more than 2,300 farms, about 46,000 full-time jobs and adds $9 billion to North Carolina's economy.

About the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services  (www.ncagr.gov)
The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services provides services that promote and improve agriculture, agribusiness and forests; protect consumers and businesses; and conserve farmland and natural resources for the prosperity of all North Carolinians.            

SOURCE N.C. Pork Council