The research funding was approved by the boards of directors of both organisations, based on recommendations from the Foundation Research Advisory Committee. The committee evaluates research proposals to determine their value to the industry, and then makes recommendations to the boards for funding. Committee members are professional specialists from different segments of the poultry and egg industry who represent a variety of disciplines.

The Association's research program dates back to the early 1960s, when funds were first approved for poultry disease research. It gradually grew into a comprehensive programme studying all phases of poultry and egg production and processing. Since the inception of the research programme, USPoultry has reinvested more than 22 million dollars into the industry in the form of research grants. The International Poultry Expo is the primary source for the funding. More than 50 universities and federal and state facilities have received grants over the years.

Steve Willardsen of Cargill Value Added Meats, US Poultry & Egg Association chairman, commented: "Research has long been an important part of USPoultry service to the industry. The Advisory Committee is the foundation of the programme. Committee members devote many hours studying and evaluating research proposals before making recommendations for funding. We are grateful for their excellent work. And, a special thanks to D. John Smith, Fieldale Farms, for his effort and commitment chairing the research committee.

"Also, we acknowledge and thank Dr Charlie Beard for his dedicated leadership of our research program since 1993. He has been the guiding force coordinating the work of the committee and ensuring that our investment in research is valuable to the industry. All the best to Dr. Beard in his retirement. We welcome Dr. Henry Marks as he assumes the responsibility of research coordinator."

The latest research grants include:

• Factors Determining Air Velocity Distribution in Tunnel-Ventilated Broiler Houses – University of Georgia
• Optimal Sample Collection Methods for Avian Influenza Virus Detection – USDA-ARS
• Using Forced Wing Exercise to Investigate Broiler Susceptibility to Deep Pectoral Myopathy and Associated Changes in Plasma Creatine Kinase – Auburn University
• Collaborative Studies on Cyanosis in Broiler Breeders – Mississippi State University
• Blackhead Disease (Histomoniasis): Reducing Losses Through Molecular Tracking and Immunisation – University of Georgia
• Identification of Runting and Stunting Syndrome Etiologies and Development of Experimental Vaccines Using New Approaches – University of Georgia
• Systematic Evaluation of In-House Broiler Litter Windrowing Effects on Production Benefits and Environmental Impact – University of Arkansas