Swine Veterinarian Public Policy Advocacy Program
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The U.S. pork industry is under mounting criticism from opponents of modern farm animal production methods. Much of this criticism is not based on science. To help balance the scales, the National Pork Producers Council is developing an elite team of swine veterinarians to advocate on behalf of the pork industry and their own profession nationwide. Only 10 to 12 veterinarians will be selected for this group each year.
The training will be held in Washington, DC, in three separate sessions. All costs, including travel, will be borne by NPPC. Participants will learn how policy is made on the federal level and how to communicate effectively with lawmakers and regulatory officials.
Curriculum
Training will consist of three 1 1/2-day sessions held in Washington, DC, in the spring, summer and fall. Written assignments will be completed between sessions. The curriculum will reflect how the federal government directly affects the business and livelihoods of swine veterinarians.
- Session 1: The Washington political landscape changes every two years. This session will look at the current political lineup, and feature an introduction to public policy advocacy and the legislative process. It will also include an overview of the pork industry and NPPC.
- Session 2: The federal regulatory process is a specialty all its own. This season will focus on how regulations are written and approved and what influences that process. Hands-on training will include meeting with key Agriculture Department policymakers.
- Session 3: The final session will cover keys to working with Congress and its staff, as well as the major policy issues facing the pork industry today. Since it coincides with NPPC’s annual Washington conference, this session will also include the first advocacy assignments for graduates.
Faculty
Instructors will include key industry experts, swine veterinarians, government officials and key Washington lobbyists. The broad range of instructors will provide participants with a clear, concise and compelling understanding of public policy and its effect on their businesses.
Graduates
Graduates will be recognized across the pork industry. They will begin receiving policy updates from NPPC immediately and periodically will be asked to weigh in on issues important to the pork industry and their profession.
The next Swine Veterinarian Public Policy Advocates Program will be held September 2012 in Washington, D.C.
To Apply
Contact Liz Wagstrom, DVM, Director of Science & Technology, National Pork Producers Council, at 202-347-3600 or wagstromL@nppc.org.