Key leaders from the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) met with U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins on Tuesday to address critical issues facing the pork industry. The meeting took place just before Rollins joined President Trump and his Cabinet for an address to Congress.
Representing U.S. pork producers were NPPC President Lori Stevermer (Minnesota), President-elect Duane Stateler (Ohio), and Vice President Rob Brenneman (Iowa). The delegation emphasized the essential role of exports in the industry, noting that trade contributes more than $66 in added value per hog, supports over 140,000 American jobs, and generates nearly $16 billion for the U.S. economy.
Key Issues Discussed
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Proposition 12 Concerns: NPPC leaders urged Secretary Rollins to push for congressional action to address California’s Proposition 12, which imposes restrictive housing standards on pork producers. Rollins, during her confirmation hearing, had committed to working with Congress to resolve these challenges.
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Foreign Animal Disease Preparedness: The delegation provided an update on the industry’s efforts to prevent and prepare for foreign animal diseases (FADs), particularly African swine fever (ASF). They stressed the importance of continued funding for:
- The National Animal Health Laboratory Network
- The National Animal Disease Preparedness and Response Program
- The National Veterinary Stockpile
- The National Animal Vaccine and Veterinary Countermeasures Bank
Why It Matters
As head of the USDA, Secretary Rollins plays a crucial role in shaping policies that affect pork producers nationwide. Her oversight includes farm programs, conservation, food safety, foreign animal disease response, marketing regulations, rural development, and trade. She will also be instrumental in shaping the next five-year Farm Bill, which will have significant implications for the pork industry.
With key policy decisions on the horizon, NPPC continues to advocate for the needs of U.S. pork producers, ensuring that issues like export growth, regulatory reform, and disease preparedness remain at the forefront of USDA’s agenda.
