Jennifer Moffitt, Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, delivered remarks to SIP investors. She encouraged strengthening of agricultural markets and building of a safer food supply for the U.S.
The 36th annual World Pork Expo, the largest pork industry-specific trade show globally, saw an impressive turnout of approximately 12,000 attendees at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines on June 5-6.
This event, organized by the NPPC, brought together pork producers and industry professionals from across the world for two days of education, innovation, networking, and of course, pork. More than 400 exhibitors from North America, Europe, and Asia showcased their products at the fairgrounds, drawing the attention of dozens of media outlets.
The Expo’s highlights included an NPPC policy panel featuring board officers and staff experts discussing various legislative, regulatory, legal, and trade priorities of the pork industry. Key topics covered included the 2024 Farm Bill, California Proposition 12, agricultural labor, swine traceability, international trade, and disease prevention.
Distinguished guests such as Jennifer Moffitt, Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and Iowa Agriculture Secretary Mike Naig graced the Expo, speaking at exclusive NPPC Strategic Investment Program (SIP) luncheons. Canada’s Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, Lawrence MacAulay, also attended the event.
Another notable feature was the launch of the “Young Pork Advocates Issues Meet,” a speaking competition for individuals aged 17-22. Participants engaged in open dialogues on pressing issues facing the pork industry, proposing solutions and developing motions, mimicking NPPC’s process. After rigorous competition, Emma Kuhns emerged as the winner, earning a $2,500 scholarship and a trip to Washington, D.C., for NPPC’s fall legislative fly-in. Other finalists, Amanda Ostrem, Graca Goettsch, and Bella Stouffer, also received scholarships.
Why It Matters: The World Pork Expo serves as a vital platform for the pork industry to showcase its latest advancements, share insights, and address challenges and opportunities in pork production. This year’s record attendance underscores the significance of this event in fostering innovation and collaboration within the industry.
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig addressed SIP investors during an exclusive luncheon on Thursday.
NPPC officers and leadership engaged in discussion with Canada’s Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, Lawrence MacAulay, and Members of the Parliament.
NPPC officers and leadership engaged in discussion with Canada’s Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, Lawrence MacAulay, and Members of the Parliament.
After two days of competition, the Young Pork Advocates Issues Meet ended on Thursday. This competition, sponsored by Novus International and Nutra Blend, fostered discussion on some of the industry’s key issues between competitors.
During Thursday’s SIP Luncheon, investors benefitted from insights shared during a policy panel featuring NPPC subject matter experts: CEO Bryan Humphreys; Assistant Vice President of Domestic Policy Chase Adams; Manager of Competition, Labor, and Tax Christina Banoub; Director of State Policy Andrew Beardslee; and Director of Food Policy Dr. Ashley Johnson
Thanks to the generosity and support of McDonalds, Lopez-Dorada Foods, and Fulton Market Group, Expo exhibitors and attendees were provided with free breakfast sandwiches during the event.
Ozcar (pictured) and Pip, part of the “Beagle Brigade,” attended the Expo. The U.S. Customs Border Protection provided daily demonstrations showcasing the importance of the canine teams that work daily to prevent foreign animal and plant diseases from entering the U.S
