We Are NC Pork
North Carolina Pork: By the Numbers
North Carolina’s pork industry helps feed millions of people, supports thousands of jobs and strengthens communities across our state. Here are a few things to know about one of North Carolina’s leading agricultural industries.
#3
In U.S. Pork Production
2,100+
$10.8 Billion
42,000+
Jobs Supported
We are proud to play such a significant role in supporting the state’s agricultural economy, especially in our rural communities. Each of our farms contributes greatly to the local economy, not only through taxes but also by supporting local equipment and car dealers, restaurants, churches, charities, stores, and more. And we are doing this despite a moratorium on building new pig farms.
- Everett Johnson, former president of the North Carolina Pork Council and a hog farmer in Surry County."
The Full Picture
Our Impact
The North Carolina pork industry’s impact extends well beyond the farm. From environmental stewardship and economic contributions to community leadership and global trade, the industry’s reach is broader than many people realize.
Economic Impact
Fueling North Carolina’s Economy
North Carolina’s pork industry generates billions of dollars in economic activity and supports thousands of jobs throughout the state. Its success creates opportunities not only for producers, but also for businesses and workers across a wide range of industries.
$10.8 Billion
Economic Impact
42,000+
jobs supported
$7.1 Billion
Community Impact
Pork has a long history in NC. We’re proud of that continuing legacy.
Impacting Education
Through educational seminars, we provide pork producers with current information from animal scientists, veterinarians, researchers, and experts in waste management, food safety, animal health, and environmental sciences.
Part of Our Community
Pork producers are deeply connected to the communities they call home. They serve as volunteer firefighters, coaches, church members and civic leaders, while supporting local schools, charities and
In addition, the NC Pork Council provides scholarships to North Carolina students studying agriculture and offers educational seminars for pork producers across the state.
No new swine farms have been built in North Carolina since 1997, when the state enacted a moratorium on new swine farm construction.
Even with nearly three decades of restrictions on building new farms, North Carolina remains one of the nation’s leading pork producers.
Environmental Impact
Stewardship and Continuous Improvement
North Carolina pork producers understand that raising pigs comes with environmental responsibilities. Farms operate under a comprehensive regulatory framework that includes annual inspections by the NC Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and compliance with state and federal requirements.
From nutrient management plans to renewable energy projects, North Carolina pork producers continue to adopt new technologies and management practices aimed at protecting natural resources and reducing their environmental footprint. Across the industry, continuous improvement is a priority.
Annual inspections of every permitted farm.
Every hog farm is inspected annually by state officials from NC DEQ to ensure compliance with stringent environmental standards.
One of the nation's most highly regulated livestock sectors.
The North Carolina pork industry is one of the most highly regulated in the country. Producers must comply with environmental regulations at local, state, and federal levels.
Ongoing investment in innovation and renewable energy.
GLOBAL IMPACT
Global Markets, Local Impact
While most pork produced in North Carolina is enjoyed here in the United States, exports create additional opportunities for producers and support jobs across the state.
“From North Carolina barbecue to Japanese Tonkatsu, pork brings home a taste of the world that we can all enjoy.”
$650M
Annual NC Exports
10,000
Jobs Supported
North Carolina exports roughly $650 million in pork products each year, helping feed families around the world while strengthening our economy at home.
Top 5 U.S. Pork Export Markets
- Mexico
- Japan
- China
- Canada
- South Korea
Focus on supporting free trade agreements
The NC Pork Council strongly supports free trade agreements that will expand the market for U.S. pork exports by eliminating tariffs and other trade barriers. Exports raise the value of each hog sold and boost the bottom line of pork producers, and support nearly 10,000 local jobs.
Meet the People Behind the Pork
Get to know the farmers, families and others who make North Carolina pork possible.