WASHINGTON — The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) voiced its support of President Biden’s fiscal 2025 budget, which proposed $29.2 billion in discretionary authority for the US Department of Agriculture (USDA). The proposed amount would be a $2 billion increase from the 2023 level.

“NPPC advocated for and supports increased funding for USDA programs that address animal disease prevention and preparedness and programs that support agricultural producers,” the association said in its most recent capital update. “NPPC appreciates the administration's acknowledgment and willingness to address the pork industry's concerns for keeping the US swine herd healthy and keeping food safe.”

The budget addresses several funding requests that would benefit the pork industry including money allocated to African swine fever (ASF).

Proposed funding for USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) includes:

• $4.7 million for swine health programs, including $4.25 million for establishing the Swine Health Improvement Plan (SHIP), a national strategy for biosecurity, traceability and surveillance of diseases.
• $6.5 million — a $20,000 increase over fiscal 2024 — for APHIS’s National Veterinary Stockpile, which consists of animal vaccines, antivirals, therapeutic products, supplies and equipment to respond to animal disease outbreaks.
• $3.99 million for APHIS’s Biotechnology Regulatory Services, which oversees the development and introduction of genetically engineered organisms.

Additionally, the budget provides nearly $3.8 billion for agricultural research, education and outreach.

Biden’s budget serves as a blueprint for program funding levels; however, budgets from the White House are not typically approved as is by congressional lawmakers.