National Pork Producers Council President Addresses Senate on Industry Challenges

Lori Stevermer, President of the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) and a pork producer based in Easton, Minnesota, recently presented crucial insights regarding the pork industry to the U.S. Senate Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee during the “Perspectives from the Field” hearing. Her testimony underscored the pressing issues facing pork producers, with a particular focus on California’s Proposition 12.

Proposition 12: A Threat to U.S. Agriculture

Stevermer highlighted California Proposition 12 as the foremost challenge confronting the pork industry, characterizing it as an existential threat not only to pork producers but to U.S. agriculture as a whole. “We must address the issues stemming from Prop. 12, which has escalated operational costs for farmers, generated uncertainty in business, and increased pork prices for consumers,” asserted Stevermer. She expressed gratitude for the bipartisan support from both President Trump and former President Biden in opposing the regulation.

The Implications of Prop. 12

Developed without consultation from pork producers, veterinarians, or experts in animal welfare, Proposition 12 establishes stringent housing requirements for pigs, thereby restricting the sale of uncooked pork that does not comply with these regulations. This measure presents a significant challenge for producers across the nation, as any pork product sold in California must adhere to its specific standards, irrespective of where the pork was sourced. Notably, under Prop. 12, a package of uncooked bacon sourced from a compliant farm becomes illegal in California if it does not meet the state’s housing dimensions. Interestingly, if that same bacon is cooked before being packaged for sale, it becomes permissible under California law.

Additionally, Prop. 12 mandates that producers obtain outside certification for their farms, a requirement that the NPPC argues is both costly and burdensome. This regulation poses a real threat to the livelihoods of pork-producing families, as it significantly raises the costs associated with raising pigs, thereby endangering their businesses.

Broader Industry Concerns

In her testimony, Stevermer also addressed other critical priorities for the pork industry, including the rising threat of foreign animal diseases, ongoing market access challenges, trade issues, and employment hurdles. She emphasized the urgent need for year-round H-2A visas to address labor shortages that impact the industry’s operational capabilities.

The Strength of the U.S. Pork Industry

Despite these challenges, Stevermer took a moment to underscore the resilience and success of the U.S. pork industry. In 2023, the industry successfully marketed over 149 million hogs, with a total value exceeding $27 billion. This robust performance is not only significant for the producers but also for the economy, as the pork industry supports more than 573,000 jobs across the United States. Stevermer’s remarks serve as a reminder of the critical role that the pork industry plays in both rural economies and the national landscape.

As the NPPC continues to advocate for the interests of pork producers, the testimony from Lori Stevermer stands as a pivotal moment in the ongoing discussion about the future of U.S. agriculture. The organization remains committed to addressing the challenges presented by Proposition 12 and other regulatory issues while promoting the health and sustainability of the pork industry.

Source: National Pork Producers Council