Canada Concerned That VCOOL Rule and Prop 12 Could Disrupt Supply Chains

Canadian Agriculture Minister Lawrence MacAulay met with U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack in Washington D.C. last month to discuss strengthening agricultural ties between the two countries.

During their meeting, Minister MacAulay raised proposed changes in voluntary country-of-origin labeling (VCOOL) regulations for meat and livestock. These regulations along with California's Proposition 12 could restrict trade and disrupt supply chains, said the Minister. 

The USDA proposed a rule last March that allows the voluntary “Product of USA” or “Made in the USA” label claim to be used on...

NPPC Welcomes Steph Carlson as AVP of State and National Relations

Steph Carlson has joined the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) as assistant vice president (AVP) of state and national relations. In her role, she will serve as the primary NPPC point of contact for state pork organizations. Carlson will be based in Des Moines, Iowa.

“Steph’s wealth of experience will be a huge asset to NPPC and state associations,” said Cody McKinley, NPPC vice president of operations and state and national relations “Her agricultural roots run deep, and I’m confident she will represent the industry well and...

Forging Future Leaders: Unveiling the Distinctive Class of the Pork Leadership Institute

The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) and the National Pork Board (NPB) proudly unveil the dynamic lineup for the Pork Leadership Institute’s (PLI) class of 2024. Each year, the PLI program selects a distinguished group of pork producers, and 2024 is no exception. Collaborating closely with state pork association executives and field representatives, NPPC and NPB have identified 19 outstanding individuals from across the nation to join this esteemed group.

The PLI Class of 2024:

• Alabama – Daniel Tubbs
• Arizona – Kevin Rogers
• California – Shelby Sopocy...

Agreement Made with Massachusetts AG in Pork Rule Litigation

Today, the Restaurant Law Center, four state restaurant associations, the National Pork Producers Council, and the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office asked a federal judge to approve their settlement agreement in a federal lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the Massachusetts Pork Rules. The agreement would end a lawsuit filed(Opens in a new window) by the Massachusetts Restaurant Association, HospitalityMaine, New Hampshire Lodging & Restaurant Association, Rhode Island Hospitality Association, the Restaurant Law Center, and the National Pork Producers Council that challenged enforcement guidelines and the underlying 2016 law defining the conditions under...

NPPC Statement on SCOTUS Opinion on California Proposition 12

“We are very disappointed with the Supreme Court’s opinion. Allowing state overreach will increase prices for consumers and drive small farms out of business, leading to more consolidation. We are still evaluating the Court’s full opinion to understand all the implications. NPPC will continue to fight for our nation’s pork farmers and American families against misguided regulations.”

– Scott Hays, NPPC president and Missouri pork producer