The National Pork Producers Council and the American Farm Bureau Federation, representing more than 5 million members, led a coalition urging Congress to provide regulatory certainty for farmers across the country forced to comply California Proposition 12—and the impending patchwork of differing state laws that could ultimately impact prices for consumers.
Taking their concerns directly to congressional leadership, a coalition of nearly 400 agricultural groups sent a letter to Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-LA) and Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY), detailing robust arguments opposing the extraterritorial state law.
Critics say Prop. 12 sets the stage for an unworkable 50-state patchwork of laws. A proposal in Oklahoma would increase housing requirements beyond Prop. 12. This means that pork producers nationwide, regardless of whether they have converted to be Prop. 12-compliant, would yet again be out of compliance to access another state market.
Multiple university studies show that constructing new, Prop. 12-compliant barns can cost 25-40% more per sow than other housing styles, not including the estimated 15% higher operating costs per pig caused by reduced productivity.
North Dakota State University economists found that since Prop. 12 was implemented, prices for covered products in California have increased nearly 20% on average.
NPPC news release
Comments