Agricultural News
National Pork Producers Council Lobbyist Outlines Policy Priorities at Oklahoma Pork Congress
Mon, 27 Feb 2017 17:36:33 CST
Pork producers attending the Oklahoma Pork Congress last Friday had the opportunity to hear from Bill Davis, senior director of congressional relations for the National Pork Producers Council, about some of the latest happenings on the policy front from Washington, DC. Radio Oklahoma Ag Network Associate Farm Director Carson Horn was there to speak with Davis about a few of the topics he is currently focusing his efforts on at the Capitol. One of his priorities, he says, is getting rid of the midnight GIPSA rules left behind by the previous administration.
"We're excited to see the extension of the comment periods on that, we've been very engaged," he said referencing President Trump's recent orders regarding the regulations, which the authors say would bring fairness to the market. Davis disagrees when asked if that is what the rules would actually do. "No, we don't believe so - in fact it would do the complete opposite of that. We would like to see it repealed completely and we're working with the new administration and congress to hopefully make that happen."
Trade is also top of mind for Davis who points out that 25 percent of domestic pork is exported. He says the NPPC is hoping new deals can be struck before long, with the Trans-Pacific Partnership off the table and talk of opening NAFTA up for renegotiation.
"Trade is a lifeblood issue for the pork industry," Davis insisted. "We have encouraged the new administration and look forward to working with them on very quickly moving forward on bilateral trade deals, starting with Japan, with the UK and with other countries as well."
Also on his list, Davis checks off his growing attention to Farm Bill discussions where he'll be pushing for the development of a vaccine bank to offset the threat of potential widespread disease as well as much needed tax reform. He says the NPPC is also keeping their fingers crossed to get US Secretary of Agriculture nominee Sonny Perdue confirmed quickly so work may begin with him to advance the US pork industry.
Listen to Horn's full conversation with Davis about policy issues facing the pork industry, by clicking or tapping the LISTEN BAR below.
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