WASHINGTON (RFD-TV) — The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) is urging Congress to act as California’s Proposition 12 continues to impose costly burdens on pig farmers nationwide and set a precedent for conflicting state regulations.
More than 100 pork producers traveled to Washington to meet with lawmakers and underscore the threat to small family farms.
NPPC President-Elect Rob Brenneman joined us on Friday’s Market Day Report with his reactions. In his interview with RFD-TV’s own Suzanne Alexander, Brenneman talked about the impact that Prop-12 is having on pork producers as well as the industry, and whether the state regulation is driving up costs for consumers.
Brenneman also discussed the NPPC’s trip to Washington to discuss their concerns with Congressional representatives, how he felt the message was received, and any feedback or insight the industry group received from lawmakers. Lastly, he addressed what is at risk if Congress fails to act on the federal level.
Pork Pushes Back on Prop-12
While farmers’ top priority remains animal welfare and food safety, NPPC leaders warn that Prop. 12 stretches far beyond those issues, undermining the Constitution’s interstate commerce protections. The law requires out-of-state pork producers to comply with California-specific sow housing standards, despite 99.9% of U.S. sows being raised outside the state.
“In California, Prop. 12 wholly regulates out-of-state pork production,” NPPC noted in recent comments submitted to the U.S. Department of Justice and National Economic Council. “This makes it an extraterritorial regulation of the $27 billion interstate pork market—driving up costs for farmers and consumers alike.”
Ohio pig farmer and NPPC Vice President Pat Hord testified before the House Agriculture Committee in July, underscoring the uncertainty farmers face:
“Pork producers throughout the country have already collectively spent hundreds of millions of dollars converting existing structures or building new barns to continue selling pork in California. Whatever I do today could need to be changed when a new state decides they want a different housing standard. These are expensive changes, and some farmers may exit the business amid this uncertainty, which increases consolidation.”
NPPC President Duane Stateler, also an Ohio farmer, drew a comparison to home ownership:
“What if you built a brand-new house and followed every code, only to have another state later tell you your electrical work or driveway isn’t acceptable? That’s what pig farmers face every time a state passes an arbitrary law and we have to rebuild barns or lose business.”
The council warns that Prop. 12 has opened the door for other states to pass conflicting regulations, creating a patchwork of costly mandates for farmers while reducing competition and driving consolidation.
“The Supreme Court made clear the ball is in Congress’ court,” NPPC said. “We need lawmakers to act so America’s farms can stay in business and consumers can continue to access affordable pork.”
