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.
Click here to see more...