“I’m honored to join the pork community in this important role, which I see as the perfect complement to my time at USDA,” Morris said in a statement. “I have been fortunate to serve the livestock industry for my entire career and I look forward to pouring that passion into developing a strategy to market US pork products abroad — working to deliver increased value for America’s pork producers.”
Morris has served as Deputy Administrator over the Livestock, Poultry and Seed Program since 2004. He brings extensive experience in international trade, shaping livestock marketing strategy and building export programs.
Most recently, Morris played a leadership role in the US delegation that re-opened the Chinese market to US beef exports after a 14-years ban, according to NPB. He also was instrumental in the biotechnology rulemaking process.
“We welcome Craig to the Pork Checkoff. The marketing and global promotion of US pork has never been more critical for America’s pork producers,” said Bill Even, CEO of the National Pork Board. “Craig’s extensive knowledge of the pork industry, export markets and consumer preferences will elevate the role during this crucial time for our industry. In just the past year, we have seen US pork exports grow to 27 percent of all US production, and indications are exports will only continue to increase.”
Dr. Morris is a native of St. Louis County, Missouri. He earned a Bachelor of Science with Distinction in Animal Science from Iowa State Univ. and served as a Regent’s Graduate Fellow while earning his doctorate in Animal Science from Texas A&M Univ.
