Why COP30 Mattered to U.S. Pork Producers

Why COP30 Mattered to U.S. Pork Producers

On this page:

• A Seat at the Table
• Key Learnings from a Shifting Global Narrative
• Insights for U.S. Pork
• Carrying the Legacy Forward

The 30th United Nations Conference of Parties (COP30) once again brought together leaders in the environment and climate space from all over the globe.

Through our partnership with the Meat Institute's Protein PACT, the National Pork Board (NPB) ensured producers and U.S. pork had a voice in discussions about how to best steward our resources, including the environment. With the help of the Minnesota Pork Producers Association, this year was particularly powerful as seventh-generation pig farmer Madison (Maddie) Hokanson attended with NPB. Maddie's ability to provide insights and examples straight from the farm was incredibly impactful, especially for attendees that may be climate experts but have minimal knowledge of what happens on the farm.

A Seat at the Table

COP provides us the opportunity to share U.S. pork's stewardship story while also listening and learning from countries, companies and stakeholders around the world. There is no other setting where we can do all three at this scale.

For four years, Protein PACT has worked to establish a consistent and proactive presence at COP and NPB has partnered three of those years to highlight on-farm examples and data. With several animal protein organizations in attendance including the American Feed Ingredients Association, Animal Ag Alliance, U.S. Farmers and Ranchers Alliance and more, the collective intent is to ensure U.S. agriculture tells its own sustainability story.

Contrary to common assumptions, neither the Meat Institute nor NPB engages in lobbying or attempts to influence policy development while at COP. Our purpose is to be constructive participants by showing up, sharing our expertise and learning from those who may not fully understand our industry or hold differing perspectives. Between Maddie and I, the pork industry was represented on seven total panels, including two panels she was invited to join onsite because of her strong farmer voice. Our active engagement at COP makes us stronger partners to producers and the broader supply chain.

Key Learnings from a Shifting Global Narrative

It's not every day we get to represent our own industry while hearing about what other countries are doing, including those who do not support our global industry. I found it fascinating to listen to those sessions at COP30 and several themes rose to the top, including:

A more balanced food systems conversation.

A narrative that recognizes the importance of animal protein in human diets was more dominant than in previous years. Discussions increasingly positioned meat and plants as part of a balance approach, which moves away from the rigid 'either/or' mindset that once dominated the space.

European policy trends remain influential.

The Danish government's agricultural carbon tax continues to serve as a global reference point. New insights revealed that a portion of the tax revenue will be reinvested into green initiatives, climate technology and production transformation, targeting higher-footprint agriculture sectors.¹

NGO-driven frameworks are gaining traction.

The World Wildlife Fund promoted "Codex Planetarius and the 1% Fund," a proposed environmental service fee added to the export of major commodities for all producers (no matter their environmental footprint) to subsidize higher-footprint farmers.

Diet-shifting efforts targeting youth.

Locations such as Rio de Janeiro and El Salvador have launched policies aimed at reducing consumption of animal-based proteins, beginning with public school menus to raise children to have a plant-based diet.

Insights for U.S. Pork

The learnings and insights from COP30 underscore the urgency for proactive engagement from U.S. pork. To position our industry for long-term success, I see three key areas where we should focus our efforts.

1. It is essential we strengthen and advance our own narrative.

COP offers a unique forum to share U.S. pork's story while also listening to global peers and understanding emerging trends. By staying attuned to anti-meat strategies and shifting perceptions, we can deliver clear, transparent messaging that demonstrates our ongoing stewardship and progress.

1. Producers must be at the table for climate conversations.

There's a saying that goes, "If you're not at the table, you're on the menu." Nowhere is that truer than at COP. Time and time again, we see conversations about farming led by people who have never stepped foot on a farm. That's why voices like Maddie's are so essential. She brings firsthand experience and credibility, and as she put it: "America's pig farmers have a unique and impressive story to share regarding our dedication to continuous improvement with environmental, social, and economic sustainability."

1. We need to proactively tell our story.

Greater transparency and communication about U.S. production practices are key to ensuring global partners understand the progress U.S. pork is already making. Rather than being reactive, we should be taking a more proactive approach. According to the 2025 State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World, 673 million people are undernourished, meaning they are not getting enough to eat. That's a compelling reminder of the role animal-based protein can play in delivering essential nutrition.

Carrying the Legacy Forward

Maddie represents the seventh generation of her family to farm. Six generations came before her, and she carries both the weight and pride of sustaining that legacy. She's not alone as many pork producers share that same deep-rooted commitment to their families, their farms and their future.

"I feel blessed to have grown up in a farming family that is committed to creating opportunities for future generations. In order for each generational transfer to occur, we have been committed to continuous improvement in environmental, economic, and social sustainability," said Maddie. "It was an honor to share this message with others while representing America's pig farmers in Brazil. We must ensure that animal agriculture has a seat at the table as conversations are had about the practices taking place on our farms every day and their impacts."

As we look ahead, we have an opportunity and responsibility to step up, lead with facts and share how U.S. pork contributes to global stewardship and a sustainable future.

^Sources:

^{https://www.britishagriculturebureau.co.uk/updates-and-information/denmark-agrees-carbon-tax-on-agriculture/}