Des Moines, IA - The National Pork Producers Council hailed the announcement by USDA of a $50 million bonus pork purchase for federal food assistance programs, saying it shows the administration is responding to the dire financial situation facing America's pork producers.
Last week, following a meeting with USDA officials, NPPC President Donna Reifschneider wrote to President Clinton, urging him to take “direct and immediate action to prevent the financial destruction of pork producers and their families.”
The letter asked the president to take action in five specific areas, including increasing government purchases of pork and pork products.
“We appreciate this initial, swift action from the administration,” Reifschneider said. “The pork purchase announced today will help many needy Americans, as well as assist pork producers during this very rocky financial period.”
Reifschneider thanked U.S. Ag Secretary Dan Glickman, as well as U.S. Rep. Leonard Boswell (D-IA) for pushing for the bonus purchase.
Pork producers are facing the lowest commodity prices since 1971 and are losing an average of $50 to $75 per market hog, USDA estimates that U.S. pork producers are receiving approximately $144 million less per week an average than they did during the past five years.
Meat Industry Insights News Service
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