Pork Producers Urge Congress to Fix Proposition 12 During Capitol Hill Visit
Last week, the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) brought 100 pork producers from 20 states to Washington, D.C., urging lawmakers to take action on a critical issue affecting the pork industry: California’s Proposition 12.
“According to the NPPC, California’s proposition 12 is ‘driving up costs for consumers, threatening small family farms, and disrupting interstate commerce.’”
Pork producers met directly with Members of Congress and their staff to share personal stories about the challenges of complying with Proposition 12, which sets specific animal housing standards for pork sold in California—regardless of where it’s raised.
In a bold advocacy move, the NPPC also rolled out a food truck on Capitol Hill, emblazoned with the message “Breakfast Is Essential, So Is Fixing Proposition 12.” The truck served breakfast to passersby while drawing attention to how the regulation affects farmers and consumers alike.
“NPPC President Duane Stateler said, ‘America’s pork producers take pride in providing safe, nutritious, and affordable pork to families across the country. The patchwork of laws set in motion by California’s Proposition 12 threatens our mission by raising prices for consumers, reducing choices, and putting thousands of family farms at risk. Congress must act now to ensure a patchwork of regulations does not further threaten this industry we have worked so hard to build.’”
The NPPC also hosted Baconfest, a reception where lawmakers, staffers, and industry stakeholders gathered to celebrate pork producers and recognize the vital role pork plays in America’s food system.
The push for a legislative solution comes as Congress continues work on the upcoming Farm Bill 2.0. Pork producers are urging lawmakers to include a federal fix for Proposition 12 in the bill to prevent further fragmentation of the U.S. food supply chain and to ensure fair interstate commerce.
With the future of pork production hanging in the balance, the NPPC is calling on Congress to protect America’s pork industry, preserve consumer choice, and support the livelihoods of family farmers nationwide.
Audio Reporting by Dale Sandlin for Southeast AgNet.