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College of Agriculture, Environment and Nutrition Sciences

Black Belt Meat Summit

Home > Colleges & Schools > CAENS > Black Belt Meat Summit

 

Tuskegee University will host the Black Belt Meat Summit from April 15 -17, 2026, on campus in Tuskegee, Alabama. This two-day summit brings together farmers, meat processors, livestock producers, ranchers, researchers, industry professionals, and advocates to strengthen sustainable meat production and support rural economies across the Black Belt region.

 

 

Event Overview

The Black Belt Meat Summit—hosted by the Tuskegee University Meat & Poultry Processing Technical Assistance Program (MPPTA)—serves as a platform for education, networking, technical assistance, and showcasing innovative practices in meat and poultry processing. 

Attendees can expect expert presentations, hands-on workshops, breakout sessions, roundtable discussions, networking opportunities, an exhibitor showcase, and tours designed to share best practices and strengthen the regional meat supply chain.


 

About the Summit

Our Mission
Our Goals
Our Values
Meet the Team

Mission

The Blackbelt Meat Summit is hosted by the Tuskegee University Meat & Poultry Technical Assistance Program, dedicated to empowering individuals and businesses in the meat and poultry industry. This summit serves as a vital platform for education, networking, and showcasing innovative practices within the field.

Goals of the Summit

Education and Training

  • Provide comprehensive training sessions and workshops focusing on best practices in meat and poultry processing, food safety, and quality control.
  • Offer technical assistance and resources to producers, processors, and entrepreneurs in the meat industry.

Networking Opportunities

  • Facilitate connections among industry stakeholders, including producers, processors, researchers, and regulatory officials.
  • Encourage collaboration and knowledge-sharing to enhance the competitiveness of the meat industry in the Blackbelt region.

Awareness and Advocacy

  • Raise awareness about the significance of the meat and poultry industry in the Blackbelt region’s economy and its cultural heritage.
  • Advocate for sustainable practices, animal welfare, and regulatory compliance to support the growth of the sector.

Innovation and Technology

  • Highlight advancements in meat processing technologies and sustainable practices that can increase efficiency and productivity.
  • Foster discussions around research findings and their applications in the industry.

Support for Local Producers

  • Promote local meat producers and processors, providing them with a platform to showcase their products.
  • Encourage the development of local supply chains to bolster the regional economy.

Values of the MPPTA

Commitment to Excellence

  • Strive for high standards in education, technical assistance, and industry practices.
  • Continuously seek improvement in meat processing techniques and food safety protocols.

Inclusivity and Community Engagement

  • Embrace diversity and inclusivity by welcoming participants from various backgrounds and experiences in the meat industry.
  • Actively engage with the community to understand their needs and challenges.

Sustainability

  • Promote environmentally friendly practices that ensure the long-term viability of the meat industry.
  • Encourage sustainable animal husbandry practices and waste management techniques.

Innovation and Research

  • Support and disseminate cutting-edge research that enhances productivity and sustainability in the meat and poultry sectors.
  • Encourage innovative approaches and solutions to industry challenges.

Consumer Education

  • Educate consumers about the benefits of locally sourced meat products and the importance of food safety.
  • Advocate for transparency within the meat supply chain to build consumer trust.

Meat the MPPTA Team

MPPTA team members
Headshot of Dr. Lucy Asare-Baah

Dr. Lucy Asare-Baah

Assistant Faculty Member
Department of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences

Email: lasarebaah@tuskegee.edu
Phone: (334)-724-8772
Office: R 207 Campbell Hall & R 70-118, John Kenney Hall

Dr. Asare-Baah supports MPPTA through supply chain development and food systems research, helping strengthen sourcing, distribution, and marketing relationships for meat and poultry processing.

 Headshot of Dr. Derris D. Burnett

Dr. Derris D. Burnett

Department Head
Agriculture & Environmental Sciences; Director, MPPTA

Email: dburnett@tuskegee.edu
Phone: PHONE-HERE
Office: OFFICE-LOCATION-HERE

Dr. Burnett is a meat scientist and leader advancing processing education, farm-direct marketing, and workforce development, supporting small and mid-sized processors across the Southeast.

 Headshot of Dr. Youssouf Diabate

Youssouf Diabate

Associate Professor
Director, Rural Business & Entrepreneurship Development Program

Email: ydiabate@tuskegee.edu
Phone: (334)-724-4232
Office: 200 Mary Starke Harper Hall

Dr. Diabate provides business development support including feasibility studies, market intelligence, and financial planning to help rural entrepreneurs and agricultural enterprises grow sustainably.
Headshot of Dr. Clarissa Harris

Dr. Clarissa Harris

Research Extension Assistant Professor
Meat Science & Food Safety

Email: charris2@tuskegee.edu
Phone: (334)-727-8435
Office: GWCAES/Campbell Hall, Room 205

Dr. Harris leads food safety, technical operations, and workforce development efforts for MPPTA, helping producers and processors strengthen safety practices and performance.

 Headshot of Miles D. Robinson

Miles D. Robinson

Strike Team Leader
Carver Integrative Sustainability Center (CAENS)

Email: mrobinson2@tuskegee.edu
Phone: (334)-552-1275
Office: Carver Integrative Sustainability Center

Miles supports MPPTA with grant development and project management, leveraging decades of experience assisting farmers, small businesses, and rural development initiatives.

 Headshot of Veronica Royal, MBA

Veronica Royal, MBA

Project Coordinator
Meat & Poultry Processing Technical Assistance (MPPTA)

Email: vroyal@tuskegee.edu
Phone: (334) 727-8814
Office: Post Harvest, Room J | Tuskegee, AL 36088

Veronica coordinates MPPTA partnerships, resources, and implementation strategies to strengthen community-based impact through sustainable rural and economic development.

What to expect

Black Belt Meat Summit

Attendees can expect expert presentations on current trends in meat production and processing, hands-on workshops and breakout sessions, and roundtable discussions focused on Black Belt industry challenges and solutions. The summit also offers networking opportunities, an exhibitor showcase of products and innovations, farm tours to see best practices in action, and local food that highlights the Black Belt’s culinary culture.

More Information

Conference Theme

 

Sustainable Meat Production & Stronger Black Belt Supply Chains

Participants will explore key topics including livestock management, meat processing, food safety and quality, regulatory compliance, innovation in processing technologies, and the economic impact of the meat industry in the Black Belt region—while building connections that support small-scale producers and local markets.

 

Dates & Location

 

April 15 -17, 2026

Tuskegee University, Tuskegee, Alabama

(On-campus locations include sites such as Henderson Hall / Thompkins Auditorium and summit activity areas as listed in the official schedule.)


 

Program Overview

The Black Belt Meat Summit—hosted by the Tuskegee University Meat & Poultry Processing Technical Assistance Program (MPPTA)—serves as a platform for education, networking, technical assistance, and showcasing innovative practices in meat and poultry processing. 

Attendees can expect expert presentations, hands-on workshops, breakout sessions, roundtable discussions, networking opportunities, an exhibitor showcase, and tours designed to share best practices and strengthen the regional meat supply chain.

Who should join?

This summit is ideal for:

 

  • Farmers and ranchers

  • Meat and poultry processors

  • Livestock producers

  • Entrepreneurs and industry professionals

  • Researchers, educators, and students

  • Advocates and stakeholders supporting rural and regional food systems

 

Structure

 

April 9: Tours + Registration + Welcome

  • Pre-conference tour (limited capacity; preregistration required)

  • On-site registration

  • Welcome ceremony and reception 

 

April 10: Main Sessions + Speakers + Networking

  • Welcome and introductions

  • Opening session and technical programming (as scheduled) 

 

April 11: Continuing Sessions + Wrap-Up

  • Additional sessions, networking, and summit programming through the final day

 

Why Participate?

The Black Belt Meat Summit supports the growth and long-term success of the regional meat and poultry sector by:

 

  • Providing education and training in best practices, food safety, quality control, and processing

  • Creating networking and collaboration among producers, processors, researchers, and regulatory stakeholders

  • Raising awareness and advocacy for sustainable practices and compliance

  • Highlighting innovation and technology that improves efficiency and sustainability

  • Supporting local producers and strengthening regional supply chains

 

Scholarships & Support

coming soon

Planning Team

Hosted by the Tuskegee University Meat & Poultry Processing Technical Assistance Program (MPPTA).

Registration

Registration

Registration for the Black Belt Meat Summit 2026 is handled through Eventbrite. Attendees must register in advance to secure their place at the summit, access all educational sessions, workshops, networking events, and included amenities.

To register, visit the official Eventbrite registration page using the link below. On that page you can view ticket types, pricing, and any available early-bird or group rates.

Register for the Black Belt Meat Summit 2026 on Eventbrite

After completing registration, you will receive a confirmation email from Eventbrite with your ticket details. Please bring this confirmation (digital or printed) to summit check-in.

Refund Policy: Refunds and transfer options are available as outlined on the Eventbrite registration page. Be sure to review the event terms before completing your registration.

Hotel / Accommodations

Tru by Hilton, Auburn (Group: Black Belt Meat Summit)

Arrival: 4/9/2025 • Departure: 4/12/2025 • Cut-off: 3/10/2025

Sponsors

Contact

mpptainfo@tuskegee.edu • 334-787-8814