March 22, 2024

US National Pork Producers Council backs Biden's USDA budget proposal

The US National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) has expressed its support for President Biden's fiscal 2025 budget, which proposed US$29.2 billion in discretionary authority for the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), marking a US$2 billion increase from 2023, Meat + Poultry reported.

In its latest capital update, the NPPC affirmed its advocacy for increased funding for USDA programmes focused on animal disease prevention and preparedness, as well as those supporting agricultural producers. The association appreciated the administration's recognition of the pork industry's concerns regarding the health of the US swine herd and food safety.

The proposed budget addresses various funding requests beneficial to the pork industry, notably targeting resources for African swine fever (ASF).

Outlined funding allocations for USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) includes US$4.7 million for swine health programmes, with US$4.25 million designated for establishing the Swine Health Improvement Plan (SHIP), aimed at enhancing national biosecurity, traceability, and disease surveillance.

It also includes US$6.5 million, a US$20,000 increase from fiscal 2024, for APHIS's National Veterinary Stockpile, comprising animal vaccines, antivirals, therapeutic products, supplies, and equipment for responding to animal disease outbreaks.

US$3.99 million in funding has also been allocated for APHIS's Biotechnology Regulatory Services, responsible for supervising the development and introduction of genetically engineered organisms.

Additionally, the budget allocates nearly US$3.8 billion for agricultural research, education, and outreach.

While Biden's budget proposal outlines program funding levels, final budgets typically undergo modification by congressional lawmakers before approval.

-      Meat + Poultry