Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture

Pork Niche Market Working Group

Purpose

pigThe Pork Niche Market Working Group works 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. Formed in 2002 as part of the Value Chain Partnerships project, the group is transitioning to new leadership within the Iowa Pork Industry Center at Iowa State University.

PNMWG has a part-time coordinator and works with more than 30 organizations and agencies. Oversight is provided by a steering committee with representatives from the Leopold Center, Practical Farmers of Iowa, Iowa State University Extension, Iowa Pork Producers Association, Iowa Institute for Cooperatives, USDA Rural Development and the Iowa Pork Industry Center. PNMWG convenes quarterly meetings where business, agencies, industry group, individual farmers and others exchange information, identify challenges, strategize ways to address those challenges, and learn from funded projects.

The goals of the PNMWG:

  • To provide a forum for groups and individuals interested in niche pork to come together and exchange information
  • To strategize ways of addressing the key challenges facing pork niche supply chains
  • To fund pork niche projects and disseminate information

Working group resources

Our partners

Financial supporters

Other supporters

The PNMWG is coordinated by Pete Lammers, Iowa State University, (515) 520-9174, plammers@iastate.edu.