The Joint Poultry Industry Human Resources Council and the Joint Poultry Industry Safety and Health Council consolidate what previously were separate committees that addressed similar issues.

The objective is to enhance the coordination of industry programs in these areas. The industry faces challenges that are common to all three organizations, and the joint councils will streamline their efforts and eliminate duplication.

The three organizations established the goals of the new councils:

• Provide a strong unified voice for the poultry industry
• Promote information exchange between the associations and their members
• More effectively utilize industry and association resources
• Reduce the burden on industry representatives by combining the committees, and
• Each association may still address species-specific concerns.

"Our three associations bonded our respective Environmental Committees together a few years ago, allowing the industry to speak with a common voice and effectively utilize each organization's strengths," said John Starkey, president of US Poultry & Egg Association. "We believe this move will enable the industry to enjoy the same efficiency and effectiveness in the critical HR and safety areas," he added.

George Watts, president of the National Chicken Council also commended the joint effort. "We are pleased to join with the National Turkey Federation and US Poultry & Egg Association in forming industry councils on human resources and safety," he said. "Workplace safety and health is a key objective and core value for all poultry processing companies. The councils will provide a strong unified voice for the poultry industry and will help us effectively focus time and effort on important issues."

"The turkey industry is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment where employees can work with respect and dignity," said National Turkey Federation president, Joel Brandenberger. "The joint councils will allow NTF, the National Chicken Council and US Poultry && Egg Association to collaborate on important worker safety and health issues in a manner that enhances the benefits to members of all three associations. NTF is looking forward to working with the other organizations in this exciting effort," he said.