October 14, 2024

Coalition managed partly by US' National Pork Producers Council conducts workshop focusing on managing phosphorus in US

The Agricultural Nutrient Policy Council, a coalition of agricultural groups founded and managed in part by the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) in the United States, held a major workshop in Washington, DC, the US, on managing phosphorus, in conjunction with the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the US Environmental Protection Agency.

More than 125 representatives from US state and national commodity groups, state farm bureaus, state, and national agribusiness associations, consultants, academics, and agricultural companies participated in the event.

Phosphorus is essential for plant and animal growth and is necessary to maintain profitable crop and livestock production. However, it can increase the biological productivity of surface waters, accelerating the natural aging of lakes and streams brought on by nutrient enrichment.

Recent US Geological Survey data on nitrogen and phosphorus in the Gulf of Mexico indicated that phosphorus load trends are not tracking downward similar to nitrogen. At the ANPC workshop, attendees explored the reasons for that and looked at the science that underlies nutrient issues. They also discussed current and emerging science, the body of knowledge on phosphorus losses linked to non-point sources, and better ways to communicate observed trends and what they mean for nutrient reduction efforts.

NPPC is one of the founders of the ANPC and continues to invest significant time and funds to ensure it remains a resource for pork producers and all of agriculture when addressing water quality issues at the local, state, and federal levels. Several state pork councils are also directly involved in the ANPC.

The ANPC, consisting of more than 40 state and national agriculture trade associations and agribusiness members, works with state and federal agencies and members of the scientific community to help agriculture protect water quality in the US. It helps agriculture address nutrient loss challenges and bridges the gap between farmers, lawmakers, and federal agencies to expedite improvements to water quality — while allowing farmers to produce food, feed, fuel, and fiber for the nation and the world.

- National Pork Producers Council