WPA Vision Statement:
Wisconsin Pork Association is the source for representing the state's pork industry. The membership, which is committed to the success of the pork industry, provides the leadership for focusing on the identification and enhancement of opportunities while resolving industry issues. The leadership maintains timely communications to the membership on actions taken regarding factors impacting the pork industry.

WPA Mission Statement The mission of the Wisconsin Pork Association is to insure the future success of the Wisconsin pork industry through the following commitments:
	Represent the interests of our pork industry members with a strong emphasis on social issues, public and government policies, environment, animal welfare and safety.
	Provide maximum value and services while addressing the needs of our membership in return for their commitment, trust and investment.
	Identify, explore, and enhance opportunities and then take appropriate actions.
	Provide timely communications to the membership for clarity and understanding on the efforts of our association.
	Identify, train and develop future leaders of our association to serve the Wisconsin pork industry.

Checkoff Programs
Wisconsin Pork Association activities are paid for with checkoff and non-checkoff dollars. Funding for the checkoff comes from pork producers. The pork checkoff was first established by Congress and went into effect in 1986. The current checkoff rate is 40 cents per $100 value of pork sold by the producer. The National Pork Board collects and distributes checkoff funds for promotion, research and consumer information programs. The checkoff generates around $55 million annually.

A Texas A&M University research study released in 2000 found that the pork checkoff has at least a $4.79 return for every $1 invested during the period from 1987 to 1998. That is for all programs the checkoff funds - research, promotion and consumer information.

A percentage of the money returns to the state and the remaining money supports national level programs. Wisconsin's estimated 2008-checkoff income is $105,000. Committee members who are pork producers or individuals with an interest in the pork industry determine how state checkoff money is used. To check to see which committees are funded with checkoff, visit our Committees page. For more details on national checkoff programs, visit www.pork.org.

Non-checkoff Funds
Non-checkoff funds in Wisconsin are generated through activities like the Pork Schoppe, which is held at the Wisconsin State Fair. These dollars are used for public policy and advocacy awareness with legislators.

In addition, the Strategic Investment Program offers pork producers an opportunity to invest voluntary dollars into both the National Pork Producers Council and the Wisconsin Pork Association, which will be used for legislative and regulatory programs. Click here for more details on the Strategic Investment Program.