The National Pork Board (NPB) has introduced a new version of its flagship Pork Quality Assurance® Plus (PQA Plus) program for 2025, continuing its commitment to continuous improvement in food safety, animal care, and sustainability.
The latest update—developed with input from veterinarians, producers, educators, and swine industry experts—focuses on enhancing the user experience while reinforcing core principles that drive consumer trust. The PQA Plus program, which has served as a foundational standard in pork production for over two decades, now includes refreshed content, updated certification processes, and an improved online interface to better support on-farm practices and accountability.
The 2025 version is designed to be more streamlined and accessible, with customizable tools to help producers implement best practices and comply with evolving industry standards. The training remains science-based and practical, emphasizing responsible antibiotic use, biosecurity, proper handling, and animal welfare.
Producers and advisors are encouraged to complete the new certification or re-certify using the updated materials. This continued evolution of PQA Plus reflects the industry’s proactive stance in demonstrating care for pigs, people, and the planet.
For more information or to begin certification, producers can visit www.porkcheckoff.org.
Swine Web will continue to share updates and insights to support the ongoing success of North America’s pork producers.
