More than 120 pork industry leaders from across the U.S. are in Washington, D.C. this week with one unified goal: to ensure that lawmakers understand what’s at stake for the nation’s pork producers.
The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) is spearheading these face-to-face meetings with federal lawmakers, emphasizing three central pillars:
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Trade policy that expands—not restricts—market access
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Science-based health initiatives like the U.S. Swine Health Improvement Plan (US SHIP)
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Strong, experienced leadership at USDA, including the nomination of Stephen Vaden
🌍 Trade Access Is Essential: No to Tariffs, Yes to Agreements
More than 25% of U.S. pork production is exported, making free and fair trade a non-negotiable priority for producers. NPPC officials are urging Congress to oppose retaliatory tariffs and instead pursue new trade deals with the United Kingdom and India.
In a joint letter with 17 national ag groups to the Trump Administration, NPPC emphasized:
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Support for U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) ahead of its 2026 review
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The importance of avoiding new punitive tariffs
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Concerns over trade tensions with Canada, China, and Mexico, which receive half of all U.S. ag exports
“Additional tariffs on these nations’ imports run the risk of significant retaliatory measures,” the letter warned. “This has the potential for long-term damage to rural America.”
🐷 US SHIP: The Next Step in Protecting Animal Health
NPPC also filed new comments on codifying the U.S. Swine Health Improvement Plan (US SHIP) under USDA. Modeled after the successful NPIP in poultry, US SHIP provides:
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Disease-free certification standards for major threats like ASF and CSF
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Voluntary participation to improve traceability and resilience
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Potential to expedite trade resumption in the event of an FAD outbreak
NPPC’s concern: recent federal proposals would eliminate species-specific advisory committees in favor of a shared model. NPPC insists this approach won’t work.
“Swine health advisements must come from swine-specific experts,” said NPPC in its comments, citing the unique requirements of the swine industry.
👔 USDA Leadership: NPPC Supports Stephen Vaden’s Nomination
Former USDA General Counsel Stephen Vaden is undergoing confirmation hearings to become the next Deputy Secretary of Agriculture. NPPC strongly supports his nomination.
Vaden, who helped develop NPPC’s legal strategy for challenging California’s Prop 12 at the Supreme Court, is seen as a steady, knowledgeable leader who understands the intricacies of ag law and trade.
“We’ve worked closely with Stephen and support his nomination,” NPPC stated. “We urge the Senate to confirm him swiftly.”
🗣️ NPPC President’s Message: Trust and Stability Matter
NPPC President Duane Stateler, a pork producer from McComb, Ohio, summed it up clearly:
“Our ability to trade freely is critical and vital. We trade with business partners, and those relationships depend on trust, certainty, and stability.”
🧭 Why It All Matters
From global trade threats to domestic health protocols to federal leadership transitions, 2025 is shaping up to be a defining year for the future of U.S. pork. NPPC’s advocacy in Washington underscores the vital importance of consistent, informed leadership in policy conversations that impact every barn, farm, and producer.
📌 Stay tuned to Swine Web for continuing coverage on US SHIP developments, trade negotiations, and USDA appointments.
