The natural consequence of a gathering such as this must be now to consider the need for some type of organisation to further promote the positive aspects and achievements.
This could range from increased exchange of newsletters and information to a permanent international secretariat or committee charged with liaison between national societies and associations, handling international problems and organising international events.
The ultimate of this liaison could result in the streamlining of registration, health and transport procedures that could result in the easier and more economic exchange of genetics world wide.
If this is the level at which we would like or affairs conducted we next must consider the ability and desire of our individual organisations to be involved and the differences between our organisations which must be resolved to ensure a harmonious operation.
Some of our organisations may already be preoccupied with domestic issues, or may not have the financial resources to commit to a new venture.
The differences which must be recognised and overcome are in structures, procedures, terminology, registration systems and requirements, health, quarantine and transport requirements and identification systems to name a few as well as differences in objectives and philosophy.
The extent to which individual organisations would contemplate modifying their objectives and philosophy would depend upon their opinion as to the likely benefits.
Currently there are several factors which may be inhibiting the profitable interchange of genetics. They include generally low prices received for the genetics against high prices charged for the services, uniform conformation and performance of animals, transport limitations and disease restrictions.
There is also the world wide lack of performance data and commercial statistics available to promote the breed.
Members who have experienced any of these difficulties may care to contemplate whether they think an international organisation may have been able to help them.
Indeed if we do not work together to solve the problems, world trade may be restricted to those individuals who are prepared to take the risks.
So where do we go from here? My suggestions are:-
1. Identify the positive benefits of this conference.
2. Identify the problems inhibiting the expansion of
our breed at the national and
international level.
3. Determine what type, if any, of any international organisation could handle the problems.
4. Process these items into a form of resolution which members can take back to their organisations to consider.
5. Organise a subcommittee, or invite representatives from international organisations to discuss proposals received back from each national organisation and make a recommendation.