Since 1957, the Maryland Pork Producers Association (MPPA) has provided consumer outreach while representing Maryland’s swine industry and guiding public policy.
Nationally, pork checkoff is collected during the sale of pork to its first producer. The National Pork Board collects $0.35 per $100 value of pork. Learn more about the checkoff program here.
The number of pigs raised in Maryland has decreased considerably from over 250,000 market hogs in the early 1990’s to under 50,000 today. This has resulted in a reduced checkoff income from a high of $35,000 in 1993 to under $15,000. Even with these limited funds, MPPA:
- Promotes pork to consumers at trade shows, fairs and shows, and other public events. This includes providing information on food safety, cooking temperature, recipes, etc. This expands the market for pork to improve the profitability of the swine industry.
- Assists with the training of pork producers under the NPB Pork Quality Assurance program that teaches farmers how to improve their production and reduces their environmental impact.
- Provides support for young pork producers through 4-H and FFA and through Fairs and shows including providing awards for showing high-quality pigs.
Support for MPPA activities is provided by two national organizations: the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) that is funded through voluntary contributions from pork producers to provide national policy support, and the National Pork Board (NPB) that is funded by checkoff funds to provide product promotion, education and research support at the national level.