Michigan Pork Producers Association (MPPA) was formed in 1969 and became an affiliate member of the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) at that time. NPPC began in the mid-1950’s when a group of producers, concerned about the future growth and profitability of the pork industry, organized the National Swine Growers Council. In 1967, that organization evolved into the National Pork Producers Council. Today, NPPC is one of the nation’s largest livestock commodity organizations. It has producer members in 44 affiliated state associations and provides a unified voice for America’s pork producers on a wide range of industry and public policy issues.
Public policy activities conducted by NPPC and MPPA are funded primarily by a voluntary assessment from producers through the Strategic Investment Program.
In 1985, producers successfully pressed for congressional approval of a national legislative checkoff to fund the pork industry’s promotion, research and consumer information programs. Checkoff funds are collected by 15-member National Pork Board, an independent body established under provisions of the Pork Promotion, Research and Consumer Information Act of 1985. The Pork Board conducts programs in promotion, research and consumer information nationally and contracts with MPPA to execute these programs at the state level.
The current checkoff rate of assessment is .40 of one percent of the market value of each animal (40 cents per $100 value).