Gov. Heineman Applauds USDA Assistance to Pork Industry

 (Lincoln, Neb) Gov. Dave Heineman today offered his thanks to United States Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack for his department’s response to a request for assistance to the pork industry.  The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced today the purchase of $30 million in pork as a measure to improve the economic climate for the industry.

“I appreciate the efforts of the President, and Secretary Vilsack and USDA, to respond to our request for action,” said Heineman. “Our pork producers have been in economic distress for well over a year. This type of assistance is critical for improving the market atmosphere for pork.”

Gov. Heineman, along with eight other governors from key pork producing states, sent a letter to President Barack Obama in August outlining several steps to aid pork producers, including asking for the federal government to purchase pork for government feeding programs.

Gov. Heineman and Nebraska Department of Agriculture officials will continue to dialogue with Nebraska pork industry leaders.

“Pork is an important segment of our agriculture industry in the state,” said Agriculture Director Greg Ibach. “We are hopeful that USDA’s actions today will improve the outlook for our swine producers so they can weather this period of unprofitability.”