Center for the Environment & Welfare: Review of Letter Claiming ‘Farmer Support’ for Prop 12 Misleads Public

Jack Hubbard, with the Center for the Environment and Welfare, shares context and perspective on the controversial letter about Prop 12 circulating in Washington and how a review shows it misled the public.

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.

Related Stories
Farm legal expert Roger McEowen discusses the EPA’s rescission of the 2009 endangerment finding on greenhouse gases and what it could mean for agriculture and rural America.
The USDA says the framework is about “ending abusive government overreach” and “protecting farmers, families, and private property.”
The USDA opened a new sterile fly-dispersal facility at Moore Air Base in South Texas to prevent a potential outbreak of New World screwworm and protect the small U.S. cattle herd.
China’s reliance on imported soybeans remains entrenched, shaping global demand and trade leverage.
Cuba remains a steady, nearby buyer of U.S. poultry, pork, dairy, and staples, but legal and compliance risks could still affect shipping and payment channels.
Agriculture remains a key drag on regional growth amid weak prices and policy uncertainty.

Marion is a digital content manager for RFD News and FarmHER + RanchHER. She started working for Rural Media Group in May 2022, bringing a decade of digital experience in broadcast media and some cooking experience to the team.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

The Ranger Road Fire in the Oklahoma Panhandle is now 65% contained after burning nearly 300,000 acres over the past week. Kevin Charleston of Specialty Risk Insurance Agency discusses wildfire recovery, livestock insurance considerations, and the importance of preparedness for producers across the Southern Plains.
Ag leaders say President Donald Trump’s State of the Union is unlikely to spark major agriculture headlines, but ongoing tariff uncertainty and trade policy remain key concerns, as does the debate around glyphosate and the status of the next Farm Bill.
Cotton jassid, a invasive pest, is raising concerns for Southeast cotton growers as experts work to understand its impact this season.
RFD Farm Legal & Tax expert Roger McEowen shares guidance on the 45Z Clean Fuel Production Credit, its impact on renewable energy and agriculture, and what producers should know moving forward.
Singer-songwriter and RanchHER Clare Dunn reflects on the importance of National FFA Week, her time in FFA, and her commitment to advocating for agriculture and rural issues.
Border closures tied to the threat of New World Screwworm continue to stall Mexican fed cattle imports, tightening U.S. feeder cattle supplies over time — triggering feedlot closures that hinder herd rebuilding efforts, threaten the beef supply chain, and shrink production while consumer prices stay elevated.