(NAFB.com) – Pork producers are in Washington, D.C., as part of the National Pork Producers Council’s Capitol Hill fly-in.

This week, the organization is highlighting top public policy issues facing the industry. NPPC says the top priorities include preparing for and preventing foreign animal diseases, addressing an agricultural labor shortage, and increasing pork exports. Nearly 100 farmers from across the country are participating in person for the first time in two years.

NPPC President Terry Wolters says, “Challenges facing our industry continue to evolve, and we hope our efforts this week help lawmakers understand why these issues are so important.”

Producers urge lawmakers to support additional funding for foreign animal disease prevention and preparedness efforts, particularly around African swine fever. Last July, ASF was detected in the Western Hemisphere for the first time in more than 40 years. And, to address an ongoing labor shortage, producers want lawmakers to expand the H-2A visa program to year-round agricultural workers.