ARLINGTON, Va. (RFD NEWS) — A letter circulating on Capitol Hill is raising questions about how California’s Proposition 12, which regulates poultry products sold within the state, is being presented to lawmakers and the public. The letter presents what it describes as farmer support for Proposition 12. However, a new review indicates that many of the signatures are not from pork or egg producers, and some signers have no direct connection to animal agriculture.
Jack Hubbard with the Center for the Environment and Welfare joined us on Thursday’s Market Day Report to discuss how the letter originated and what was found during the review process. Hubbard explained the analysis’s findings and addressed concerns about how such information can influence policy discussions.
In his interview with RFD NEWS, Hubbard discussed Prop 12’s impact on the poultry sector, based on what producers have shared with the organization, and outlined how misinformation can create broader ripple effects. He also spoke about the path forward for addressing the controversial regulation at both the state and federal levels.
Hubbard concluded by offering guidance for farmers and ranchers on how to address misinformation, noting increased activity and evolving strategies from animal rights groups.
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