The National Pork Producers Council conducts public-policy outreach on behalf of its 43 affiliated state associations, enhancing opportunities for the success of U.S. pork producers and other industry stakeholders by establishing the U.S. pork industry as a consistent and responsible supplier of high-quality pork to the domestic and world markets.

NPPC’s mission is to fight for reasonable legislation and regulations, develop revenue and market opportunities and protect the livelihoods of America’s 67,000 pork producers. Public-policy issues on which it focuses are in the areas of agriculture and industry, animal health and food safety, environment and energy and international trade.

In addition to working on legislation, regulations and trade initiatives, NPPC gets involved in the political process through its political action committee, PorkPAC. The PAC educates and supports candidates at the state and federal levels who support the U.S. pork industry.

NPPC is governed by a 15-member Board of Directors. The board, along with pork producer delegates from the states, sets policy. Board members are elected from the ranks of the delegates, each of whom is elected by the members of his or her respective state association. Standing committees – there are four – make recommendations for new policies and for changes to existing policies, which are considered each year at the organization’s annual business meeting – the National Pork Industry Forum, which is held in early March.

NPPC also has ad hoc task forces to study and offer guidance on various pork industry issues. Additionally, the organization receives advice and counsel from the meat packing industry through the NPPC Packer Processor Industry Council and from animal health and feed companies through the Pork Alliance Committee.

NPPC often works closely with the National Pork Board and has formed joint task forces with it on some issues, such as an animal identification system, animal well-being and food safety.

As an intern at NPPC, you will be exposed to current relevant issues on which NPPC works, including:

• Animal health and welfare
• National Animal Identification System
• Food Safety and Security
• Federal Budget and Congressional Appropriations
• International Trade Relations
• Pending Free Trade Agreements
• Environmental Regulations