By Jean-Paul McDonald
Farms.com
The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC), in collaboration with the North Carolina and Virginia Pork Councils, recently showcased modern agriculture at the "Celebration of Modern Agriculture" on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.
The event, themed "The Future of Food and Farming," was hosted by the Association of Equipment Manufacturers and highlighted advancements in farm equipment and sustainable practices. This platform allowed NPPC to address critical issues in the agriculture industry and educate the public, policymakers, and media about modern pork production.
Event Importance: The event was significant for NPPC as it provided an invaluable opportunity to share the story of modern pork production, focusing on key issues for pork producers. The attendance of several key members of Congress and U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai underscored its importance in shaping future agricultural policies.
NPPC at USDA’s ‘Farm to Fork’ Meeting: Dr. Ashley Johnson, NPPC’s director of food policy, played a crucial role at the USDA’s 2024 “Farm to Fork” meeting. This meeting brought together representatives from various livestock industries and government agencies to discuss food safety and health. Key topics included preharvest food safety trends, pathogen reduction strategies, and a One Health approach to enhance coordination among stakeholders.
Importance of ‘Farm to Fork’: The "Farm to Fork" meeting allows the agricultural industry to communicate directly with state and federal agencies about food safety concerns, influencing policy. NPPC's active involvement emphasizes its commitment to science-based practices that ensure operational freedoms for producers.
U.S. Pork Exports Performance: March 2024 saw a mixed performance for U.S. pork exports, with slight increases in volume and value compared to March 2023. First-quarter exports, however, were significantly higher than the previous year.
Highlights:
March Performance:
Exports to Mexico fell by 11% in volume and 9% in value.
Significant growth in South Korea (44% in volume, 54% in value) and Central America (28% in volume, 41% in value).
First Quarter Performance:
Exports to Mexico up 4% in volume and 6% in value.
South Korea up 54% in volume and 59% in value.
Australia and New Zealand saw 151% increase in volume and 139% in value.
The value of pork exports in March equated to about $71.18 from each hog marketed, a 12% increase from the previous year. First-quarter exports accounted for 27.6% of total pork production, highlighting the critical role of exports in the industry’s economic health.
These events and data reflect NPPC's proactive efforts to promote modern pork production, influence policy through strategic engagement, and capitalize on export opportunities to bolster the industry’s growth and sustainability.