Interpretive Summary: NAMI launches the Protein PACT Academic Advisory Council
By: Sydney Sheffield
The North American Meat Institute (Meat Institute) recently announced the launch of the Protein PACT Academic Advisory Council. The advisory council was formed to advise on research priorities and the latest evidence related to meat production and consumption. The advisory council consists of seven renowned, independent, with specialties encompassing environmental sustainability, human nutrition and development, and combating hunger.
The Protein PACT unites partners across animal protein in the first-ever joint effort to accelerate the entire animal protein sector’s progress toward global sustainable development goals for healthy people, healthy animals, healthy communities, and a healthy environment. Protein PACT partners are establishing transparent baselines and benchmarks for our efforts, setting ambitious targets for continuous improvement, collecting data to verify and transparently report on progress, and launching comprehensive communications about animal protein’s unique place in sustainable, healthy diets.
Advisory Council members are:
- Dr. Adegbola Adesogan, University of Florida
Research focus: sustainably increasing animal-source food production and consumption, particularly with a focus on the role of animal-source foods in childhood development
- Dr. Keith Belk, Colorado State University
Research focus: red meat quality and safety, animal care, and international standards and trade
- Dr. Mindy Brashears, Texas Tech University
Research focus: food microbiology and food safety
- Dr. Candace Croney, Purdue University
Research focus: animal behavior and welfare, bioethical considerations in food and agriculture
- Dr. Craig Gundersen, Baylor University
Research focus: identifying the causes and consequences of food insecurity and evaluating the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Dr. Alexa Lamm, University of Georgia
Research focus: identifying the most effective ways to communicate about agricultural and environmental science with stakeholders and the public
- Dr. Jason Rowntree, Michigan State University
Research focus: measuring and managing ecological impacts of livestock grazing systems
“The Meat Institute and our Protein PACT partners are making tangible progress toward ambitious goals for the health of animals, people, communities, and the planet,” said the Meat Institute’s President and CEO Julie Anna Potts. “The Protein PACT Academic Advisory Council will play a critical role in ensuring that our efforts are informed by the latest evidence, as well as helping us to identify and fill research gaps.”
The Advisory Council is expected to convene in person at the October 2023 Protein PACT Summit.
