Today, I am representing America's pork producers and am pleased to discuss with you what we believe is a growing, critical need for federal government investment and action regarding agriculture concentration.
Agricultural concentration is a difficult and emotionally charged issue.
It has become more-so as congressional committee after congressional committee has held hearing upon hearing and yet done little tangible work to even understand the critical issues. Many pork producers are concerned about their ability to continue to compete and maintain market access in a hog market that is experiencing increasing levels of concentration. We need your help in understanding the relevant issues in order to take appropriate actions to assure an efficient marketplace that accurately rewards producers while providing an abundant supply of affordable, safe, nutritious pork. Pork Industry Concentration Allow me to update you and Subcommittee members on the current status of concentration and vertical coordination in the pork industry. The market shares of Smithfield, IBP, Swift and Excel are currently included in this measure of total market share.