Press releases about Minnesota Pork Producers Association can be found below.

NPPC Disappointed With McDonald’s Decision Questions Remain About Effects On Farming Families

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WASHINGTON, May 31, 2012 – The National Pork Producers Council expressed disappointment with McDonald’s decision to move forward with requiring its pork suppliers to phase out the use of individual sow housing. The fast food firm today announced it wants 100 percent of its suppliers to be gestation stall-free in 10 years.

“While we’re disappointed with its decision, McDonald’s – unlike other food companies – did the research to find out how complex this issue is,” said NPPC President R.C. Hunt, a pork producer from Wilson, N.C. “At least it discussed its plans with the pork industry and has concerns with the available pork supply from stall-free operations and with the transition away from stalls that would be required of producers.

NPPC suggested other food companies consider the supply chain realities of the pork industry before making similar decisions. Read more

NationalPork Producers Council Statement On Animal Abuses At A Wyoming Farm

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May 8, 2012 – Undercover video from a Wyoming hog farm released today by an animal rights group shows practices that are abhorrent to U.S. pork producers. The National Pork Producers Council condemns such actions, which are not in accord with the U.S. pork industry’s best practices that are exemplified in its Pork Quality Assurance Plus program.

Providing humane and compassionate care for their pigs at every stage of life is one of the ethical principles to which U.S. pork producers adhere. U.S. pork producers are committed to caring for animals in a way that protects their well-being. Just as it is to others, mistreatment of animals is appalling to pork producers. We do not defend and will not accept mistreatment of animals.

NPPC understands that the farm in question is taking immediate steps to address the situation, including an unannounced inspection of the facility by the farm’s consulting veterinarian. Individuals responsible for willful abuse of animals must be held accountable.

Statement Of NPPC President R.C. Hunt On Safeway’s Decision On Sow Housing

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America’s hog farmers are committed to producing safe, affordable and healthful foods for consumers, using industry practices that have been designed with input from veterinarians and other animal-care experts. Providing humane and compassionate care for their pigs at every stage of life is one of the ethical principles to which U.S. hog farmers adhere. Read more

NPPC Praises Domino’s For Rejecting HSUS Proposal

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WASHINGTON, D.C., April 27, 2012 – Domino’s Pizza shareholders last Wednesday rejected – by a majority vote of 80 percent – a resolution from the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) requiring its pork suppliers to stop the use of gestation stalls. The National Pork Producers Council hailed the move as a vote for common sense.

Animal activist groups recently have influenced several prominent foodservice companies, including McDonald’s, Wendy’s and Burger King, to make poorly informed decisions on sow housing. Read more

U.S. Department of Labor Abandons Widely Criticized Farm Labor Rule

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WASHINGTON, D.C., April 27, 2012 – The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) Wage and Hour Division Thursday night released a statement withdrawing its widely criticized proposed rule restricting children under the age of 16 from doing regular farm chores. NPPC applauds the DOL for coming to its senses and listening to the thousands of comments submitted by pork producers and other farmers.

The original rule, proposed September 2011, prohibited children under the age of 16 from work in agricultural environments. This prompted a huge outcry from farmers, multiple agricultural organizations, the public, and members of Congress representing rural agricultural districts. Read more