The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) shared significant updates in this week’s recap, covering important developments for pork producers.
No Capital Update on December 30, 2024
Due to the holidays, the weekly Capital Update will not be released on December 30, 2024.
House Passes “Beagle Brigade Act”
The U.S. House has passed the Beagle Brigade Act (381-20), which authorizes the USDA’s National Detector Dog Training Center. This center trains dogs to detect food, plants, and other materials carrying foreign pests and diseases at U.S. ports of entry. The legislation will now head to President Biden for signature.
- NPPC’s Position: Strongly supports the Act, emphasizing its role as the first line of defense against foreign animal diseases, including African Swine Fever.
- Why It Matters: Foreign diseases cost the U.S. $138 billion annually in losses.
NPPC Disappointed Over Farm Bill Delays
Congress extended the 2018 Farm Bill but failed to pass a new five-year bill, leaving pork producers without critical long-term certainty. The extension includes $10 billion in aid for farmers but does not address challenges such as California’s Prop 12.
- NPPC’s Position: Urges Congress to prioritize the new Farm Bill and fix Prop 12, which has increased production costs and created market uncertainty.
- Why It Matters: The Farm Bill supports programs essential for disease prevention, conservation, and export promotion.
New Agriculture Committee Leadership
The 119th Congress will see new leadership in three of four positions on the Senate and House agriculture committees.
- Senate: Sen. John Boozman (R-AR) becomes chairman; Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) is the new ranking member.
- House: Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-PA) remains; Rep. Angie Craig (D-MN) becomes the ranking member.
- NPPC’s Position: Looks forward to continuing strong relationships with these leaders.
- Why It Matters: Agriculture committee leaders influence agendas and policy priorities impacting pork producers.
NPPC Seeks Comment Period Extension on EPA Draft Emission Models
The EPA released proposed emissions models based on a 2008-2009 study, triggering compliance obligations for producers who signed Air Consent Agreements. NPPC has requested a 180-day extension to ensure thorough review of these models.
- NPPC’s Position: Advocates for sound science and fair compliance processes while working closely with the EPA to address concerns.
- Why It Matters: Accurate models are critical for regulating emissions and ensuring compliance without undue burden on producers.
For more updates, visit SwineWeb.com.
