By Jamie Martin
The USDA’s announcement to make the New Swine Inspection System (NSIS) increased line speed program permanent has been met with strong support from the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC). This move is expected to bring economic benefits to pork producers while ensuring food safety remains a priority.
“America’s pork producers thank U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins and the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) for this needed action that will provide financial security and more stability for pork producers,” said NPPC President Duane Stateler, a pork producer from McComb, Ohio. “Without this program, some pork producers could have incurred an additional loss of nearly $10 a head.”
Since 2019, NPPC has been advocating for higher processing speeds, citing efficiency and financial gains for producers. In November 2021, FSIS approved increased line speeds at six pork plants while studying potential worker impacts.
Extensions in 2023 and 2024 allowed further analysis, leading to a final study in January 2025. The study concluded that increased line speeds were not the primary factor in musculoskeletal disorder risks for workers.
The program’s formal adoption follows legislative support, including its inclusion in the Farm Bill framework introduced in May 2024 by Senator John Boozman.
With the NSIS program now permanent, pork producers can expect greater stability and improved processing capabilities. The NPPC looks forward to working with USDA to further expand these benefits to more plants across the country.
Photo Credit: usda
Categories: National