Wednesday, August 23, 2006 14.30 – 16.30
Round table: Politics and strategies for the development of rabbit production in American countries

Oral presentations of the current situation of rabbit production in each country were given by:

James I. McNitt - United States of America
Carlos M. Becerril – Mexico
Patricia Falconí-Salas – Ecuador
Melida Martínez – Colombia
Maria P. Abraira López de Crespi - Brazil
Daniel W. Denes – Uruguay
Juan Carlos Daita – Argentina

Following these presentations and with the participation of the audience, a discussion session took place resulting in the following outlines:

1. Rabbit production can be considered and implemented in two directions:

1.1 As a mean of rural development and reduction of poverty
1.2 As a commercial enterprise

2. In the last century, during the 70’s and 80’s, rabbit production had a relative importance in many American countries but declined afterwards in most countries for several reasons.

3. There is a present renewed interest in the development of rabbit production in several countries of the Americas.

4. Regional, national and local development programmes aimed to increase rabbit meat production and consumption must be drafted and implemented.

5. Special care must be taken of education programmes in rabbit production, through training programs, production and exchange of educational materials and project experiences.

6. The development of national rabbit meat markets is a must, and there must be a focus on national rabbit producers and on public and private programs; although international market opportunities should also be considered.

7. Special care must be taken of sanitary and health problems, avoiding the introduction and spread of contagious diseases.

8. There is a need for useful knowledge in every country, therefore research programmes (genetic improvement nucleus, local feed evaluations, production systems, health and economic aspects, among others) must be documented and implemented to develop the local technology required. Such documents should be shared amongst countries.

9. The creation of national or regional branches of the WRSA would be instrumental in implementing and expanding research programs.

10. Strategic alliances are needed among producers, industry, scientists and public and private officials in each country.

11. Cooperation with scientists and researchers from developed countries, with special reference to Europe must continue and be encouraged.

12. National and international networks must aimed at seeking funds and resources to implement research programs, lines and projects in developing and emerging countries.

This outline was summarized and presented to the audience during the congress by Carlos M. Becerril, Secretary for Developing Countries (WRSA), after having been previously reviewed by Steven D. Lukefahr, President (WRSA), and Ana Silvia Moura, President (AB-WRSA). The same persons participated in this final edited version.