Governors from states that represent over 54 percent of the country’s pork production and 47 percent of its cattle production are calling on Congress to allow producers to bypass Proposition 12.
Last month, the Supreme Court voted to affirm Proposition 12, legislation that bans the sale of pork, veal, and eggs from livestock that aren’t raised according to the state’s production standards. In particular, new requirements include providing at least 24 feet of floor space in order to sell pork products in the state of California. This comes even if these products are being raised in other states.
The 11 governors argue in their letter that Prop 12’s “strict, activist-drafted requirements for pig farming sharply depart from the practices which are lawful in our states.” The governors request the reintroduction of the Exposing Agricultural Trade Suppression Act which was last introduced in 2021.
The bill would restrict state and local governments from imposing agricultural laws on items produced in other states.
In the letter, the governors reference scientific literature that suggests that California’s requirements could make animal health and welfare worst while threatening to disrupt food production systems.
While California may seem like a small fish, the state’s market share includes 13 percent of the pork market. According to the letter, producers are going to have to bear the costs, which include potentially billions of dollars that will be passed on to consumers, producers, and workers.
The National Pork Producers Council estimated that the cost to farmers to implement Prop 12 measures — such as guaranteeing breeding pigs at least 24 square feet of living space — will come at a cost of $3,500 per sow.
“Despite California’s reliance on its fellow States for food, Proposition 12 threatens to disrupt the very system Californians depend on for their pork supply. Its strict, activist-drafted requirements for pig farming sharply depart from the practices which are lawful in our States,” reads part of the letter.
The letter, signed by Governors Kim Reynolds, R-Iowa, Jim Pillen, R- Neb., Sarah Sanders, R- Ark., Eric Holcomb, R- Ind., Tate Reeves, R- Miss., Mike Parson, R- Mo., Greg Gianforte, R- Mont., Joe Lombardo, R- Nev., Kevin Stitt, R- OK., Greg Abbott, R- Texas, and Glenn Youngkin, R-Va., went to House and Senate majority and minority leaders.
