Protecting Livelihoods and Ensuring Economic Strength: NPPC Panel Highlights Key Industry Challenges at World Pork Expo
The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) recently held a policy panel at the 2023 World Pork Expo to discuss crucial priorities for the pork industry. The panel, moderated by Farm Journal’s PORK Editor, Jennifer Shike, included NPPC board officers and experts who emphasized the importance of protecting producers' livelihoods and maintaining pork production as a vital component of the U.S. economy.
“Advocating for reasonable public policy, expanding exports, protecting our animals from foreign animal diseases and defending efforts to restrict what we do all help keep our farms successful,” says Scott Hays, NPPC president and fifth-generation pig farmer of Missouri. “Despite facing economic headwinds, pig farmers have always prevailed in difficult times to put safe and affordable food on the table.”
Some of the key public-policy issues for pork producers include preparations for and prevention of foreign animal diseases, addressing the agricultural labor shortage and increasing pork exports. The safety of the food supply is a key concern addressed in the farm bill.
Andrew Bailey, the NPPC legal counsel specializing in science and technology, discussed the importance of renewing key farm bill programs that focus on preventing and managing foreign animal diseases. These programs include the National Animal Vaccine and Veterinary Countermeasures Bank, National Animal Health Laboratory Network, National Animal Disease Preparedness and Response Program and National Veterinary Stockpile. Their continuation is vital for protecting the U.S. pig herd.
Dr. Anna Forseth, the NPPC director of animal health, provided updates on the industry's progress in preparing for foreign animal diseases. This includes harmonizing state and federal response, enhancing on-farm preparedness and surveillance, implementing U.S. SHIP indemnity and promoting international trade.
“Pork producers are facing an increasing threat from foreign animal disease, such as African swine fever, and the potential impacts cannot be overstated,” Hays adds. “Farm bill programs and funding support critical prevention and preparedness measures to protect producers and consumers by minimizing risks to the U.S. pork supply.”
The importance of international markets for the pork industry was highlighted by Maria C. Zieba, the NPPC vice president of international affairs. Opening new markets and expanding existing ones through trade agreements, investment framework agreements and market access deals is essential for the industry's success. NPPC is actively engaged in bilateral market access negotiations in Southeast Asia and seeks inclusion in the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework and the U.S.-Taiwan Initiative on 21st-Century Trade.
Christina Banoub addressed the ongoing labor shortage affecting the entire food supply chain, especially the pork industry. NPPC supports expanding the H-2A visa program to provide year-round labor access for agriculture, including pig farming. Despite competitive benefits and higher wage offerings, pig farm employment has declined since 2021. The current visa programs fail to meet the workforce needs of farmers, necessitating the expansion of the H-2A visa program.
NPPC CEO Bryan Humphreys emphasized that recent policy outcomes will have long-term effects on producers. The Supreme Court's decision to uphold California Proposition 12 has prompted NPPC to collaborate with the California Department of Food and Agriculture to ensure a smooth transition for farmers and consumers. Certainty and peace of mind in various aspects of their businesses are crucial for producers during challenging economic conditions.
As the leading voice for the U.S. pork industry, NPPC is committed to shaping policies that enable producers to focus on their core strengths of providing consumers with the safest, most wholesome and nutritious pork products available worldwide.
