Huerta Receives AMSA Award
US - US Meat Export Federation (USMEF) - Mexico's director of Technical Services, Dr Nelson Huerta, was honoured last week by the American Meat Science Association (AMSA) with its International Lectureship Award.
1 July 2010
2 minute read
The AMSA award was established in 1992 to honor an individual for internationally recognised contributions to the field of meat science and technology; active leadership and promotion of international activities in fostering cooperation and open communication; and the dissemination of knowledge for the benefit of society through meat science and technology.
Specifically, Dr Huerta was recognised for his work with USMEF in developing relationships in Mexico which have promoted science-based policies that have had a positive impact on red meat exports. In addition Dr Huerta's recent work in comparing palatability characteristics of US beef versus Mexican and Venezuelan beef has been of interest to the industry and has already been utilised through USMEF marketing activities to counteract unscientific and misleading claims of competitors in international markets.
Philip Seng, USMEF president and CEO, commented: "This award is in recognition of a lifetime of achievements by Dr Nelson Huerta. He is an asset to our organisation and to the global meat industry."
Dr Huerta accepted the award at the AMSA Reciprocal Meat Conference in Lubbock, Texas. In his acceptance speech, Dr Huerta stressed the importance of continued cooperation and education between the United States and Latin America to further improve food safety and meat quality for all parties.
"Dr Huerta's experiences during his career include working as a university teacher and researcher, and the application of his meat science experience in the industrial setting to help solve problems that affect our society," said Dr Robert Delmore, professor of meat science at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, and chairman of the 2010 AMSA RMC planning committee. "Through these efforts, Dr Huerta has enhanced opportunities for companies to engage in international trade and market their products. Our selection committee felt that he embodies the intent of our award and that he is an excellent choice."
As part of his commitment to international cooperation, Dr Huerta has delivered more then 50 presentations in 16 countries including invited lectures, scientific/trade seminars and research results. He continued those efforts last week, leading and moderating an international session titled 'Learning from Each Other: Meat Safety and Quality in Latin America'.
Chad Russell, USMEF director over Mexico, the Dominican Republic and Central America, added: "Dr Huerta is an internationally recognized meat industry expert who is an invaluable member of the USMEF-Mexico team. His technical knowledge and his industry contacts in Mexico and around the world are a great benefit to USMEF members."
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