Pork Task Force Will Lead Restructuring

April 26, 2001

A task force has been named that will lead the restructuring and development of the pork industry's future when the National Pork Producers Council has been separated from the National Board. Invited to participate on the task force are 39 members from 20 states that include pork producers representing a variety of production sizes and styles, allied industry and state pork associations.

"The NPPC Board of Directors actually increased the size of the task force from the original resolution to better represent all aspects of the pork industry. The monumental challenge faced by the task force will have direct impact on the pork industry today and into the future," said Barb Determan, NPPC president and an Early, IA, pork producer. The task force will meet in the near future and establish a timetable for recommendations.

NPPC has been in a transition phase since a settlement agreement was signed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Michigan Pork Producers Association and NPPC that ensured the continuation of the mandatory pork checkoff.

That agreement calls for a total and complete separation of the National Pork Board and NPPC, including the programs carried out by each organization. NPPC will conduct only non-checkoff-funded policy activities, while the National Pork Board will carry out checkoff-funded education, research and consumer information programs.