Pork Niche Market Group

Gary Huber

A new effort has started to support the development of niche markets for pork. The Pork Niche Market Working Group (PNMWG) has met five times since last November. Its mission is to foster the success of highly differentiated pork value chains that are profitable to all participants, that incorporate farmer ownership and control, and that contribute to environmental stewardship and rural vitality. Strategies to achieve this mission include:

• Identify and address the needs of producers, input suppliers, processors, distributors and entrepreneurs currently involved in pork niche marketing

• Assist with the start up and development of new enterprises focused on alternative and niche pork production and marketing

• Foster cooperation and coordination among agencies, universities, non-profits, and others working to support alternative pork production, processing and marketing

• Foster cooperation whenever appropriate among private enterprises involved in niche pork marketing

• Assist with the development of promotional and educational materials on alternative pork production and marketing in Iowa

• Assist with pork niche market development on local, regional, national and international levels

Four teams are currently working to address needs identified by participants. The topics being addressed by these teams include: 1) production and herd health research; 2) credit and investment; 3) certification, market assessment and promotion; and 4) business planning and feasibility studies. A Steering Team provides oversight and Gary Huber of PFI serves as a part-time coordinator for the working group.

The working group has had participation from nearly 30 organizations, including seven partners that are contributing more than $40,000 to support the group’s work. These partners include the Leopold Center, ISU Cooperative Development Center, Iowa Pork Producer Association, Iowa Farmers Union, Iowa Institute for Cooperatives, Practical Farmers of Iowa, and the Greater Des Moines Partnership.