Capital Update – For the Week Ending November 11, 2022
NPPC Weighs in on APHIS New Approach to Livestock Indemnity
What happened? On Nov. 7, National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) submitted comments to the Federal Register in response to an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM) published by USDA’s Animal Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) regarding its new approach on how it determines and pays indemnity for animals and materials that are destroyed during a disease outbreak.
What did APHIS’ ANPRM state? APHIS’ new approach involves adopting a standard indemnity value and consolidating all indemnity regulations under one heading in the Code of Federal Regulations. The ANPR represents the early stages of rulemaking, and APHIS requested public comments and information to support the development of a future proposed rule.
Our take: NPPC supports APHIS’ proposed approach and provided important feedback on indemnity value determination, applicability and eligibility as APHIS works to harmonize its approach across species, disease programs and other USDA agencies. NPPC provided input on the standard value calculation for swine and addressed USDA’s questions related to contract growers, destruction and disposal language and pre- and post-exposure biosecurity requirements. Developing clear and complete indemnity regulations is critical to ensuring that producers are fairly compensated in the event of a disease outbreak.
NPPC Officers and Staff Met with Mexican Pork Producers
What happened? This week, NPPC officers and staff met with Mexican pork producers with OPORMEX in Mexico City to discuss several issues important pork producers in both countries. The primary focus of the conversation was on foreign animal disease (FAD) prevention and preparedness, particularly African swine fever (ASF).
Why is this important? Over the past year, Mexico has been the U.S. pork industry’s number one value and volume export market. The U.S. exported $1.68 billion and 886,799 metric tons in pork and pork products in 2021 alone. Additionally, by sharing a large border with the United States’ southern neighbor, collaboration is essential in protecting our borders and preparing to respond to a FAD to minimize losses to pork producers and risks to export markets.
Arizona Ballot Reform Package on Track to Pass
What happened? In conjunction with the Arizona Pork Council and Arizona Farm Bureau, NPPC supported the “Make it Simple, Arizona” Campaign to advocate for ballot initiative Proposition 129, limiting any future ballot measures to a single subject.
Why is this important? Reforming ballot measures to one subject provides more transparency on voter initiatives and discourages deceptive animal activist activity. It can block initiatives, such as California Proposition 12 and Colorado PAUSE Act, before they formally make the ballot.
What’s the verdict? Arizona is still certifying votes, but Proposition 129 is on track to pass. This will be the first NPPC backed ballot initiative to become law.
2022 Election Day Overview (As of Nov. 11 at 12:30 p.m. ET)
What happened? This week’s midterm elections will determine which party will control Congress for the next two years and beyond.
Where do things stand? Election outcomes will also shape key House and Senate Congressional committees. However, the control of Congress is still undecided with ballots still being counted in several states. Here’s where things stand:
U.S. House of Representatives:
-Democrats – 192
-Republicans – 211
Republicans need seven competitive seats to gain control of the House. It is projected the House split will be 220 Republicans and 215 Democrats.
U.S. Senate:
-Democrats – 48
-Republicans – 49
Senate control will come down to which party wins two out of three races: Georgia, Nevada and Arizona. Final results for Nevada and Arizona are expected next week.
The Georgia run off will take place on Dec. 6 between Democratic incumbent Raphael Warnock and Republican Herschel Walker. Nevada currently stands with Republican Adam Laxalt at 49% and current incumbent Democratic Senator Catherina Cortez Masto at 48%. It is estimated 90% of votes have been counted.
Arizona currently stands at Democratic incumbent Mark Kelly at 51.7% and Republican Blake Masters at 46.1%. It is estimated 82% of votes have been counted.
Outcomes: NPPC looks forward to welcoming incoming freshman and working with veteran lawmakers on informed and smart policies that support the U.S. pork industry.
Educational Opportunities:
Lois Britt Memorial Pork Industry Scholarship
Applications are now being accepted for the 2023 Lois Britt Memorial Pork Industry Scholarship, which is sponsored by CME Group and National Pork Industry Foundation (NPIF) and managed and administered by NPPC. Ten $2,500 scholarships will be awarded to undergraduate students who plan to pursue a career in the pork industry and exhibit characteristics representative of future pork industry leaders. All entries must be submitted by Jan. 3, 2023 to be considered.
Neil Dierks Scholarship
Applications are now being accepted for the 2023 Neil Dierks Scholarship, which is sponsored by the NPIF and is managed and administered by NPPC. One $5,000 scholarship will be awarded to a student seeking a graduate degree in a field related to the pork industry at a land grant university. Submissions are due by Jan. 3, 2023.