After the Supreme Court’s decision last month in the National Pork Producers Council v. Ross case, producers and lawmakers have been working to figure out how to keep affordable pork in front of the public.
“Iowa pig farmers appreciate Sens. Ernst and Grassley co-sponsoring the Ending Agriculture Suppression Act,” said Trish Cook, President of the Iowa Pork Producers Association. “States should not be able to regulate industries outside of their borders. This bill is a good first step in protecting producers’ livelihoods so they can raise safe and healthy pigs for generations to come. We know what most U.S. consumers want and it’s affordable, sustainable, and nutritious pork to feed their families.”
Senators Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), members of the Senate Agriculture Committee, joined Senator Roger Marshall (R-Kan.) in reintroducing the Exposing Agricultural Trade Suppression Act.
The new legislation would prohibit state and local governments from interfering with agricultural production nationwide while preserving their ability to regulate farming and ranching within their jurisdictions. Rep. Ashley Hinson (R-Iowa) leads the effort in the House of Representatives.
“California’s Proposition 12 is going to hurt the economy of Iowa, which is number one in pork production. Because we farm differently than the eggheads of California think we ought to run our animal agriculture, we can’t sell our product there. We have to solve this problem by passing legislation. Our bill makes sure Iowa pork can be sold everywhere in the nation, including in California, and consumers can afford bacon for breakfast,” said Grassley.
The argument is still that California’s Proposition 12 imposes onerous standards on pork products sold in the state, regardless of where the pigs are raised.
The EATS Act’s policy promises to add significant costs to pork producers and consumers across the nation. Iowa was among 20 states to file an amicus brief opposing the law in 2021.
While California imports most of its pork, the state accounts for 13 percent of the nation’s total pork consumption. The National Pork Producers Council estimated that the cost to farmers to implement Prop 12 measures — such as guaranteeing breeding pigs at least 24 square feet of living space — will come at a cost of $3,500 per sow.
These costs will likely be passed onto consumers, producers, and workers.
“California should look a little bit more like Iowa, not the other way around. Proposition 12 puts the regulatory burdens on the backs of farmers and racks up the price for consumers at the grocery store, and the EATS Act will prevent such actions from crushing our Iowa producers,” said Ernst.
»Related: 11 governors ask to reintroduce bill to bypass Prop 12
