By Jamie Martin
The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) applauded the Senate’s approval of the Beagle Brigade Act (S.759). This legislation ensures stable funding and statutory backing for the National Detector Dog Training Center, which trains agricultural canine teams to defend against foreign animal and plant diseases.
“American agriculture relies on the National Detector Dog Training Center to prevent the introduction of foreign animal and plant diseases that would cripple our food supply,” said Lori Stevermer, NPPC president and pork producer. “For the pork industry, the ‘Beagle Brigade’ is the first line of defense for keeping threats from foreign animal diseases, like African swine fever, out of the United States.”
The Beagle Brigade, managed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, inspects agricultural imports at ports of entry to stop harmful diseases and pests from entering the country. Their work is crucial for safeguarding the U.S. food supply, national security, and agricultural economy.
The NPPC expressed gratitude to Senator Ernst and other Senate leaders for championing this initiative. They urged the House of Representatives to pass the legislation by year-end to strengthen the program further.
The Beagle Brigade Act is a significant step toward enhancing agricultural biosecurity and ensuring the sustainability of American farming practices.
Photo Credit: national-pork-producers-council
Categories: National