In this week’s National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) update, the U.S. pork industry saw several critical developments on environmental regulation, food safety policy, and trade leadership — all while gearing up for the upcoming World Pork Expo, set to take place June 4–5 in Des Moines, Iowa.
🌊 NPPC Pushes EPA to Fix WOTUS Rule and Protect Producers from Overreach
What’s happening: NPPC submitted formal testimony and written comments to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) urging a revision of the Biden-era Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule, which the Council says continues to exceed the authority granted under the Clean Water Act.
While the Supreme Court’s 2023 ruling in Sackett v. EPA restricted federal oversight to only major bodies of water and adjacent wetlands, the revised rule still includes overly broad language that could bring farm ditches, ephemeral waterways, and seasonal wetlands under EPA jurisdiction.
NPPC’s stance: “Pork producers need a WOTUS definition that brings clarity and consistency, not uncertainty and federal overreach.”
The Council warns that if left unchanged, the rule could threaten millions of acres of farmland by expanding regulatory burdens and triggering legal and activist scrutiny on standard agricultural practices.
🧪 USDA Withdraws Salmonella Framework That Could Have Set Precedent for Pork
What’s happening: The USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) officially withdrew its proposed “Salmonella Framework for Raw Poultry Products,” a controversial policy that NPPC feared could eventually extend to pork.
The proposed framework would have classified certain levels and serotypes of Salmonella as adulterants, effectively banning some poultry products from entering the food supply — despite FSIS acknowledging current standards are already reducing contamination effectively.
NPPC’s take: “This withdrawal is a win for science and practicality in food safety,” said Dr. Ashley Johnson, NPPC’s Director of Food Policy. “We’ll continue pushing for approaches based on real-world data and consistent outcomes.”
Why it matters: While the framework focused on poultry, its implementation could have created a regulatory blueprint for future pork rules. NPPC’s proactive engagement helped prevent what it viewed as a flawed, unworkable expansion of food safety enforcement.
🌐 Trade Policy Leadership Takes Shape: Lindberg Hearing Held
What’s happening: A confirmation hearing was held for Luke Lindberg, the Trump administration’s nominee for USDA Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs.
Lindberg, currently President & CEO of South Dakota Trade, has a long background in international agricultural partnerships and previously served in leadership roles at the U.S. Export-Import Bank.
NPPC fully supports Lindberg’s nomination, citing his understanding of ag exports, producer interests, and global food policy.
Why it matters: This position is vital to opening new markets, supporting trade negotiations, and leading U.S. representation in international regulatory organizations such as CODEX. It also oversees international food aid and commodity procurement programs critical to U.S. pork.
🐖 All Roads Lead to Des Moines: World Pork Expo Set for June 4–5
The industry’s largest pork event is just weeks away. The 2025 World Pork Expo, hosted by NPPC, returns June 4–5 to the Iowa State Fairgrounds. With over 20,000 attendees expected, the Expo remains a key opportunity for innovation showcases, product launches, and producer networking.
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Exhibit halls will feature the latest in feed, equipment, health solutions, and technology.
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Educational programming, live demonstrations, and industry discussions will support producers navigating today’s market challenges.
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Media registration and full event details are available at www.nppc.org.
Final Thoughts:
From federal environmental rules to food safety policy and global trade leadership, the NPPC continues to act as the frontline advocate for U.S. pork producers. As regulatory battles and trade negotiations intensify, this week’s developments show how industry advocacy is making a measurable impact.
Stay tuned to Swine Web for continued coverage on NPPC actions, legislative shifts, and live reporting from the 2025 World Pork Expo.
