WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Ike Skelton (D-MO) met with representatives from the Missouri Pork Association Delegation yesterday to discuss a variety of topics critical to pork producers.

          “I was pleased to sit down with Missouri pork producers to hear first hand their suggestions about federal agricultural and trade policies and legislation pending in Congress.  The advice I get from farmers always serves me well. 

          “While we talked a great deal about opening trade markets to pork products, clean energy legislation, and input costs that have reduced profit margins, I was particularly worried by their reports that inaccurate references to H1N1 human influenza as “swine flu” have been hurting pork producers in Missouri and throughout the countryside.  These references contribute to the misconceptions about the safety of American hogs and pork products and are especially damaging to hog and pig markets who are already experiencing severe economic losses.  American pork is safe, period.

          “It is precisely because of these concerns that I wrote to the nation’s broadcast, print, and radio news media associations asking them to think about how their incorrect references might be harming American agriculture.  I hope that producers will continue to keep me updated on this matter and other issues impacting the pork industry,” said Skelton.

# # #

9/16/09 Skelton with Missouri Pork Association Delegation in Washington, D.C.

- 30 -

Congressman Ike Skelton (D-MO) serves as Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee . For further information, please contact Rebecca Loving or Whitney Frost at 202-225-2876, or check Congressman Skelton’s website at http://www.house.gov/skelton.