October 27,  2020

 

NPPC: US hog sector in danger of losing more farmers due to lack of COVID-19 relief

 

The absence of concrete COVID-19 relief for hog farmers in the United States will lead to losses of more farmers and the consolidation of the farm sector, said Howard A.V. Roth, president of the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC).

 

"We've lost hog farmers of all sizes due to the COVID pandemic and need additional relief to preserve a highly competitive pork production system in the United States," said Roth. "Without federal assistance, we will lose more hog farmers and see our farm sector consolidate, limiting consumer choice and reducing what have been record production levels in recent years."

 

US hog farmers are facing US$5 billion in collective pandemic-related losses this year following two challenging years due to the US-China trade war.

 

Hence, NPPC is seeking the following provisions in a new COVID-19 relief package:

 

- Compensation for euthanised and donated hogs;

 

- Additional funding for animal health surveillance and laboratories, which have appropriately assisted and shared resources with their public health partners;

 

- Modification of the Commodity Credit Corporation charter so a pandemic-driven national emergency qualifies for funding;

 

- Additional funds for direct payments to producers without restriction;

 

- Extension of the Paycheck Protection Program with modifications to make it accessible to more producers.

 

Roth added: "We appreciate previous relief extended by the administration and Congress to pork producers and other farmers. Unfortunately, it has not stabilised our farm sector; we need immediate action to offset the severe impact of COVID on a key element of the rural economy."

 

- NPPC