Meat Quality Research Priorities: Outcomes From a Technical Summit

Abstract

The goals of this article are to outline meat science research priorities, examine the current state of funding, and bring attention to the need for science-based solutions and innovation that maintains competitiveness for meat products while also addressing the talent pipeline of scientists and development of a workforce. It is the product of a meeting of meat scientists across disciplines and species. The meat industry is a cornerstone to modern society and has significant economic importance, with a global worth exceeding $1 trillion. The U.S. meat industry generates over $239 billion in income, supports 1.7 million jobs, and contributes $41 billion in taxes, while benefitting developed and developing nations through robust global trade. Central to the meat industry’s success is the quality of meat products since consumers must have a desire to purchase and consume meat. Livestock and meat production face many challenges. Research efforts must continually increase efficiency, enhance sustainability, reduce climate impacts, address food security, and embrace artificial intelligence, machine learning, robotics, and talent development. However, efforts to impact these areas must also consider downstream impacts on meat quality or risk erosion of consumer satisfaction and demand for meat products. Thus, meat quality should be a fundamental component of all research concerning livestock and meat production, including poultry, small ruminants, and fish/seafood. Despite its significance, there is a troubling trend of decreased public funding for meat quality research in the U.S., posing risks to this essential food source and the development of future scientists. This article provides an overview of meat quality research funding priorities aimed at supporting a sustainable future for meat production, emphasizing the potential implications if funding does not align with these priorities. Furthermore, it highlights the risks to the talent pipeline and global competitiveness if adequate attention is not directed towards these critical areas.