CDFA Releases Q&A Guidance for Prop 12 Implementation

The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) Animal Care Program has recently released additional information regarding the implementation of Proposition 12.  Prop 12 places requirements on producers selling in California to have a minimum cage size and floor space for their animals, that provides for “freedom of movement”.   A recent court order delayed enforcement regarding non-compliant pork products by 6 months for product in the supply chain by July 1, 2023.  The recent guidance released by the Animal Care Program seeks to clarify these provisions and the status of implementation and enforcement.  The full list of 12 questions and answers can be found here.   Some important highlights include:

-Prop 12 minimum usable floorspace requirements went into effect for calves and whole veal meat on January 1, 2020, for egg-laying hens, shell eggs and liquid eggs on January 1, 2022, and for breeding pigs and whole pork meat on January 1, 2022.

-As of January 1^st, 2023, distributors are required to be registered with the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA).

-Distributors can not place orders of non-compliant whole pork meat, prior to July 1, 2023, for future shipments delivered into California after July 1, 2023.

-Non-compliant whole pork meat can not be sold in California after December 31^st, 2023.

-Distributors selling whole pork meat to an end-user in California are to register with CDFA by submitting a completed distributor registration application. This registration was required by January 1, 2023 and is renewed every twelve months.

GCCA continues to engage with CDFA and industry partners on Prop 12 implementation and will update the industry on any new developments.