Legislation Introduced to Counter California’s Proposition 12

In June, Senator Roger Marshall (R-KS) and Representative Ashley Hinson (R-IA) introduced S. 2019 and H.R. 4417, the Ending Agricultural Trade Suppression (EATS) Act.  The legislation was drafted in response to California’s Proposition 12.  Proposition 12 will prevent the selling of any pork, eggs or veal in California that do not originate from farms following minimum space guidelines for animal housing.  The EATS Act would prohibit a state government from imposing a standard or condition on the preharvest production of any agricultural products sold or offered for sale in interstate commerce if the production occurs in another state.  The legislation would also create a private right of action allowing a legal challenge to any state that restricts interstate commerce of agricultural products based on production methods. The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) has indicated its support for the legislation. NPPC President elect Lori Stevermer said in a Farm Bill Listening Session that it would be unfeasible for average pig farmers in Minnesota and across rural America to comply with California’s rules, and would lead to further consolidation.  GCCA will be closely monitoring the legislation as well as ongoing implementation of Proposition 12.