Pork producers will watch what happens with new legislation proposed by a Midwest congresswoman that will try to stop laws, like California’s Proposition 12, which was passed in 2018. Prop 12 has faced legal challenges for requiring producers – regardless of what state they raise their hogs, veal, or eggs – to provide minimum space for movement for the animals.
Prop 12 requirements:
- Egg-laying hens – “Multitiered aviaries with access to multiple elevated platforms.” Must have at least one square feet of usable floor space.
- Breeding pigs – “Enclosure allowing the breeding pig to lie down, stand up, fully extend limbs, and turn around freely.” Must have at least 24 square feet of usable floor space.
- Veal calves – “Enclosure allowing the calf to lie down, stand up, fully extend limbs, and turn around freely.” Must have at least 43 square feet of usable floor space.
Proposal to End Prop 12’s Enforcement
U.S. Representative Ashley Hinson, a Republican from Iowa, proposed the “Save Our Bacon Act.” The legislation would prohibit laws like Prop 12. The change would require producers to follow confinement laws in their own state, not the laws in another state.
Hinson’s news release about the legislation said laws like Prop 12, “pose a major threat to family farms and food security — both in Iowa and across the country.”
She added, “The Save Our Bacon Act reaffirms livestock producers’ right to sell their products across state lines, without interference from arbitrary mandates. This legislation will stop out-of-touch activists — who don’t know the first thing about farming — from dictating how Iowa farmers do their job.”
EDITOR’S TAKE:
During the past several years we have shared information about Proposition 12 and the legal battles it encountered on the way to becoming law just over a year ago. It has had a major impact on California prices for eggs and bacon, especially the latter. Since becoming law, Prop 12 has limited the number of hogs available for sale to California from other states, since meeting such standards would impose very severe financial burden on pork producers in other states. At the same time, California producers do not have the capacity to meet their state’s demand. No matter the excuse, Prop 12 has been a problem. Only time will tell if Congress can develop a permanent solution.
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