With anticipation building around this year’s presidential and congressional elections, it’s a good time to reflect on why a bipartisan approach to advocacy is necessary.
Our industry grapples with many pressing issues that demand urgent attention and collaborative solutions. Whether it’s finalizing the farm bill, limiting government overreach, or minimizing threats to the U.S. pig herd, consistent advocacy for the pork industry is critical, regardless of which party is in the White House or which party controls Congress.
A Commitment to Bipartisanship
By participating in both the Republican and Democratic national conventions this year, NPPC demonstrated its commitment to bipartisanship, ensuring the interests and concerns of pork producers are effectively communicated while finding common ground on important issues. Duane Stateler, NPPC president-elect and Ohio pork producer, and Lori Stevermer, NPPC president and Minnesota pork producer, had opportunities in Milwaukee and Chicago, respectively, to educate federal and state lawmakers, convention delegates and representatives of the presidential candidates on important issues for America’s pork producers.
This is significant as special interests, often with opposing objectives, continue to influence our nation’s leaders. That is why NPPC speaks up through a collaborative approach that allows us to work in a broader context and to leverage the talents, expertise and relationships of others. It also means building coalitions to present a unified front.
Bipartisanship does not mean compromising our principles. With a new administration and Congress on the horizon, finding new ways to work with both sides of the aisle is critical. This approach enables NPPC to achieve meaningful policy achievements and address priorities that are important to producers.
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