Greater than 120 pork business leaders from throughout the U.S. are in Washington, D.C. this week with one unified purpose: to make sure that lawmakers perceive what’s at stake for the nation’s pork producers.
The Nationwide Pork Producers Council (NPPC) is spearheading these face-to-face conferences with federal lawmakers, emphasizing three central pillars:
-
Commerce coverage that expands—not restricts—market entry
-
Science-based well being initiatives just like the U.S. Swine Well being Enchancment Plan (US SHIP)
-
Robust, skilled management at USDA, together with the nomination of Stephen Vaden
🌍 Commerce Entry Is Important: No to Tariffs, Sure to Agreements
Greater than 25% of U.S. pork manufacturing is exported, making free and truthful commerce a non-negotiable precedence for producers. NPPC officers are urging Congress to oppose retaliatory tariffs and as an alternative pursue new commerce offers with the UK and India.
In a joint letter with 17 nationwide ag teams to the Trump Administration, NPPC emphasised:
-
Help for U.S.-Mexico-Canada Settlement (USMCA) forward of its 2026 overview
-
The significance of avoiding new punitive tariffs
-
Considerations over commerce tensions with Canada, China, and Mexico, which obtain half of all U.S. ag exports
“Extra tariffs on these nations’ imports run the chance of great retaliatory measures,” the letter warned. “This has the potential for long-term harm to rural America.”
🐷 US SHIP: The Subsequent Step in Defending Animal Well being
NPPC additionally filed new feedback on codifying the U.S. Swine Well being Enchancment Plan (US SHIP) below USDA. Modeled after the profitable NPIP in poultry, US SHIP offers:
-
Illness-free certification requirements for main threats like ASF and CSF
-
Voluntary participation to enhance traceability and resilience
-
Potential to expedite commerce resumption within the occasion of an FAD outbreak
NPPC’s concern: current federal proposals would get rid of species-specific advisory committees in favor of a shared mannequin. NPPC insists this strategy gained’t work.
“Swine well being advisements should come from swine-specific consultants,” mentioned NPPC in its feedback, citing the distinctive necessities of the swine business.
👔 USDA Management: NPPC Helps Stephen Vaden’s Nomination
Former USDA Common Counsel Stephen Vaden is present process affirmation hearings to change into the subsequent Deputy Secretary of Agriculture. NPPC strongly helps his nomination.
Vaden, who helped develop NPPC’s authorized technique for difficult California’s Prop 12 on the Supreme Court docket, is seen as a gradual, educated chief who understands the intricacies of ag legislation and commerce.
“We’ve labored carefully with Stephen and help his nomination,” NPPC acknowledged. “We urge the Senate to substantiate him swiftly.”
🗣️ NPPC President’s Message: Belief and Stability Matter
NPPC President Duane Stateler, a pork producer from McComb, Ohio, summed it up clearly:
“Our potential to commerce freely is important and very important. We commerce with enterprise companions, and people relationships depend upon belief, certainty, and stability.”
🧭 Why It All Issues
From world commerce threats to home well being protocols to federal management transitions, 2025 is shaping as much as be a defining 12 months for the way forward for U.S. pork. NPPC’s advocacy in Washington underscores the very important significance of constant, knowledgeable management in coverage conversations that impression each barn, farm, and producer.
📌 Keep tuned to Swine Internet for persevering with protection on US SHIP developments, commerce negotiations, and USDA appointments.
