Fixing Prop 12 to Protect Pork Farms

Farm leaders urge Congress to fight costly Prop 12 effects

Pat Hord, an Ohio pork producer and vice president of the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC), and NPPC economist Holly Cook recently testified before the U.S. House Agriculture Committee about the harmful effects of California’s Proposition 12. They urged lawmakers to support Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson’s efforts to address this growing concern for American farmers. 

Proposition 12 bans the sale of pork in California unless it meets strict state-specific production rules. Though it affects only one state, it has caused national problems, including market instability, higher food costs, and a growing patchwork of inconsistent state regulations. 

“A patchwork of conflicting, Proposition 12-style regulations around the country would also lead to even more consolidation of the industry as pork producers are forced to constantly reconstruct their operations or close their doors,” said Hord. 

Cook presented data showing how pork prices in California have increased significantly since Prop 12 took effect, with prices rising 20% on average, bacon up 16%, and pork loins up 41%. At the same time, pork sales volumes have dropped, meaning people are paying more but eating less pork. 

Critics argue that Prop 12 does not improve food safety or animal welfare. In fact, leading veterinary groups oppose the law, warning it could harm animal health by limiting flexible care options. 

The regulations could force small farms out of business, increase costs to raise pigs by 15%, and lead to more industry consolidation. 

U.S. Representative Ashley Hinson (R-IA) introduced the Save Our Bacon Act to help save family farms across the country by providing certainty against a dangerous and chaotic web of conflicting farm regulations, including California Proposition 12. 

National Pork Producers Council President Duane Stateler, a pork producer from McComb, Ohio, spoke to pork producers’ support of the bill. 

“We sincerely appreciate Representative Hinson for consistently engaging with family farmers and championing legislation that provides the certainty we need to pass along our farms to the next generation. Without legislation to shield America’s 60,000+ pork-producing family farms from heavy-handed, multi-state regulations, many producers otherwise would be faced with business-crushing decisions.” 

Bipartisan support for fixing Prop 12 continues to grow. If left unchecked, this law could cause: 

• Farm consolidation and closures 

• Soaring grocery prices 

• Consumer and farmer harm 

• Costly regulatory burdens 

• Health risks to pigs due to poor oversight 

Photo Credit: istock-srdjan-stepic