Brooke Rollins Confirmed as Agriculture Secretary
Brooke Rollins has been confirmed as the 33rd U.S. Secretary of Agriculture with strong Senate support (72-28). The NPPC endorsed her nomination and is committed to working with her on key pork industry priorities, including the 2025 Dietary Guidelines, a new Farm Bill, U.S. pork export promotion, federal pork purchases, and California’s Proposition 12.
NPPC Pushes Back on 2025 Dietary Guidelines
The NPPC voiced strong concerns about the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee’s recommendations, which call for reducing red meat consumption in favor of plant-based proteins. The NPPC argues that such recommendations lack scientific justification and could lead to nutrient deficiencies in vulnerable populations. The organization is working with the Trump administration to ensure that pork remains a recommended dietary protein in the final guidelines.
Ag Coalition Supports Bill to Expand Export Programs
The NPPC and a coalition of 150 agriculture organizations are backing the “Agriculture Export Promotion Act of 2025,” which seeks to double funding for USDA’s Market Access Program (MAP) and Foreign Market Development (FMD) Program. These initiatives have significantly contributed to U.S. agricultural exports and job creation, but funding has remained stagnant since the early 2000s.
Trump Eliminates Steel and Aluminum Tariff Exemptions
President Trump has removed exemptions on the 25% steel and aluminum tariffs, impacting key trade partners, including Canada, Mexico, Japan, and South Korea. The administration introduced the “Fair and Reciprocal Plan,” which will apply country-specific tariffs based on trade fairness assessments. The NPPC is monitoring the potential impact on pork producers and advocating for a resolution to any disruptions in trade.
California Proposition 12 Debated at Ag Hearing
During a House Agriculture Committee hearing on the U.S. farm economy, lawmakers and farmers discussed the negative effects of California’s Proposition 12. Industry representatives confirmed that Prop. 12 has increased production costs, created market uncertainty, and raised consumer pork prices in California. The NPPC remains committed to securing a federal legislative fix to mitigate its impact on pork producers nationwide.
NPPC President’s Testimony Postponed
NPPC President Lori Stevermer’s scheduled testimony before the Senate Committee on Agriculture regarding the pork industry’s economic challenges has been postponed, with a new date yet to be determined. She is expected to provide insights on the state of the industry and advocate for policies that support pork producers.
Stay tuned for more updates from Washington as the NPPC continues to fight for the interests of U.S. pork producers.
