Pork Producers Urge Action on California Proposition 12

NPPC Supports Pork Industry Priorities

The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) has welcomed the inclusion of several pork industry priorities in the newly released House Agriculture Committee’s reconciliation package.  

NPPC President Duane Stateler thanked congressional leaders, especially Agriculture Committee Chairman G.T. Thompson, for their strong support in addressing key issues for pork producers. 

However, NPPC also emphasized the need for urgent legislative action on California Proposition 12, which has caused uncertainty for pork farmers. Stateler urged lawmakers to fulfill their commitment to solving the problems caused by Proposition 12, stating that a bipartisan solution is needed to ensure long-term stability for the pork industry. 

The reconciliation package includes several essential provisions to support pork production and protect the nation’s food supply. These include maintaining funding for foreign animal disease prevention through key programs such as the National Animal Vaccine and Veterinary Countermeasures Bank, the National Animal Health Laboratory Network, the National Animal Disease Preparedness and Response Program, and the National Veterinary Stockpile. 

Another major focus is expanding international market access for U.S. pork. The Market Access Program (MAP) and Foreign Market Development Program (FMD) help promote American agricultural products overseas. For every $1 spent on these programs, the U.S. agriculture sector gained $24.50 in exports and helped create over 225,000 jobs. 

The package also supports the Feral Swine Eradication and Control Pilot Program. Originally established in the 2018 Farm Bill, this initiative combats the spread of feral swine, which threaten both animal and human health, especially with diseases like African swine fever. 

NPPC calls on Congress to advance this package and ensure a strong, secure future for pork producers and American food systems. As the farm bill takes shape, industry leaders hope for bipartisan support to deliver effective solutions. 

Photo Credit: istock-srdjan-stepic