Ireland chosen to host meat forum
It will be the first time in over 30 years that the event, a major forum for the international exchange of new scientific ideas in meat science, will be held in Ireland. Over 500 delegates from more than 60 countries will attend.
Organising committee chairman Declan Troy, Head of Teagasc Ashtown Food Research Centre, said yesterday it is appropriate for Ireland to host ICoMST at this time, as the country’s meat exports have exceeded €2 billion.
“Ireland is now a leading international centre for meat science research,” he said. Mr Troy said meat can no longer be classed as a basic food commodity but as a high quality food which can satisfy modern consumer’s needs in terms of taste, convenience and nutritional values. He said the congress is being supported by industry, government departments and agencies, and by the universities.
The International Meat Secretariat (IMS) €5,000 prize for Meat Science and Technology 2007 will be awarded at the conference.
Food Minister Brendan Smith, who formally launched the congress in Dublin yesterday, said it has set itself an ambitious programme, starting with an examination of science and technological developments in meat quality, advancements underpinning meat safety and innovation in meat packaging.
“The possibilities offered by these new technologies can contribute to a more competitive meat industry while meeting consumer wants and needs,” he said.
