Gov. Heineman Thanks USDA for Providing Assistance to Pork Industry

(Lincoln, Neb. - May 2, 2008) Gov. Dave Heineman sent a letter today U.S. Agriculture Sec. Ed Schafer for purchasing commodities for food assistance programs.

 Yesterday, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced plans to purchase up to $50 million in pork products that will be donated to child nutrition and other domestic food assistance programs. The purchase also is expected to help stabilize the marketplace for pork.

 “I appreciate Sec. Schafer’s quick response to our request,” Gov. Heineman said. “We are hopeful purchases will help provide some stability in the marketplace. Our pork producers in particular have been impacted by the higher cost of feed grains, among other things, and this decision will provide some time to adapt to the changes taking place in our livestock sector.”

Last month, the Governor sent a letter asking Sec. Schafer to consider using USDA funds to purchase pork, beef, turkey, and egg products. Several national agriculture organizations were among those asking USDA to purchase commodities to in an effort to align supply and demand.