Prop 12 has drastically shifted the landscape for pork producers, imposing stringent housing requirements that have escalated construction costs and pushed up pork prices by 20% in California.
This has not only affected pork availability but also led to a decrease in sales, with California's share of U.S. fresh pork sales dropping by two percent.
The dialogue at the conference revealed a shared urgency among stakeholders to address these challenges through the upcoming Farm Bill.
Senator Boozman voiced his commitment to securing a bipartisan agreement to ensure the agricultural community can navigate these new regulatory waters without significant detriment.
To inform and engage policymakers, the NPPC hosted a thematic food truck outside Capitol Hill, distributing maple bacon donuts and educational materials about the potential nationwide impacts of Prop 12 if similar legislation is adopted elsewhere.
This initiative underscores a critical moment for the agricultural sector, as industry leaders and legislators align to forge a path forward that supports both producers and consumers in the evolving landscape of U.S. agriculture.