DES MOINES, IOWA – U.S. pork producers are under extreme financial duress and the COVID-19 pandemic has compounded the situation, NPPC explained in a letter to Congress last week.
“The financial situation of U.S. hog farmers is perilous, and their livelihoods are at stake….If the problems in the sector are left unchecked, without rapid government intervention, the situation will spiral out of control,” NPPC explained.
Among issues highlighted in the letter were labor shortage issues, trade retaliation and logistics impacts and unfavorable market conditions–all exacerbated by COVID-19.
NPPC continued in its message, “U.S. pork producers need your help in asking USDA to intervene in the market to ensure that our hog farmers survive and that American consumers are able to continue to purchase high quality U.S. pork at affordable prices.”
In related news, NPPC announced that its board of directors has decided to cancel the 2020 World Pork Expo in June due to COVID-19 human health concerns.
“While deeply disappointed to cancel this year’s Expo, NPPC’s board of directors unanimously agreed it was prudent to make this decision now,” said NPPC President Howard “A.V.” Roth, a pork producer from Wauzeka, Wisconsin.
World Pork Expo is the world’s largest pork-specific trade show, where more than 20,000 industry professionals gather for three days to showcase innovations, introduce new products and participate in training and educational programs.
