The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) remains active in addressing key issues affecting U.S. pork producers. This week, NPPC President Lori Stevermer testified before the Senate Agriculture Committee, highlighting challenges posed by California Proposition 12, foreign animal disease threats, labor shortages, and trade concerns. Meanwhile, important developments in trade policy and tax legislation are unfolding that could impact the pork industry.
Stevermer Testifies Before Senate Agriculture Committee
NPPC President Lori Stevermer, a pork producer from Easton, Minnesota, addressed the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition & Forestry Committee, focusing on major challenges facing the U.S. pork industry. The primary concern remains California Proposition 12, which imposes restrictive housing standards that drive up costs for producers and increase pork prices for consumers.
Stevermer emphasized that fixing Prop. 12 is essential to reducing regulatory uncertainty and ensuring market stability for producers across the country. She also highlighted additional industry priorities, including:
- Preventing foreign animal diseases such as African Swine Fever.
- Expanding trade and market access to strengthen global competitiveness.
- Addressing labor shortages, including support for year-round H-2A visas.
With pork production contributing over $27 billion to the U.S. economy and supporting 573,000 jobs, NPPC is urging Congress to advance policies that support a strong and sustainable pork industry.
Jamieson Greer Confirmed as U.S. Trade Representative
The Senate confirmed Jamieson Greer as the new U.S. Trade Representative, a role that is crucial to expanding market access for U.S. pork. Greer previously worked on key trade negotiations, including the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) and past China trade discussions.
NPPC congratulated Greer on his confirmation and emphasized the need to open new export markets while strengthening existing trade relationships. With global demand shifting and new market challenges emerging, securing fair trade agreements remains a top priority for the U.S. pork industry.
House Budget Resolution Supports Tax Cuts for Farmers
The House of Representatives passed a fiscal 2025 budget resolution that proposes extending key Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) provisions set to expire in 2025. The provisions would continue to provide significant benefits for pork producers, including:
- Bonus depreciation – Allowing 100% deduction of qualified equipment costs.
- Estate tax exemption – Maintaining the current $11.2 million exemption per individual, rather than reverting to $5.49 million.
- Qualified business income deduction (Section 199A) – Extending the 20% tax deduction for farm businesses.
NPPC supports extending these tax provisions, emphasizing their importance in farm profitability, financial stability, and long-term growth. The resolution now moves to the Senate for approval, where further debate is expected.
Looking Ahead: NPPC’s Stevermer to Testify at House Ag Hearing
NPPC President Lori Stevermer is scheduled to testify before the House Agriculture Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry to discuss the state of the U.S. pork industry.
Key issues to be addressed include:
- The Farm Bill, including funding for foreign animal disease prevention and ag export programs.
- Trade and market expansion efforts.
- Regulatory reforms needed to support pork producers.
NPPC continues to advocate for policies that protect the livelihoods of America’s 60,000+ pork producers, ensuring a sustainable future for the industry.
For ongoing industry updates, visit Swine Web.
