Earlier today, the U.S. Supreme Court rejected a challenge to Proposition 12, a California law that mandates more space for breeding pigs. The justices upheld a decision to dismiss the lawsuit from the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) and the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) that sought to invalidate the law. Now, one state will have the power to force industrywide changes and raise the price of pork products across the country. Iowa Pork Producers Association President Trish Cook said the pork industry is frustrated with the Supreme Court?s decision because it isn?t based on scientific studies from pork experts and sets the precedent for other states to regulate commerce outside of their borders.
Many animal rights groups are trying to call this decision a ?victory against factory farming,? but that couldn?t be further from the truth. In fact, it?s small-scale pork producers who will see the most pressure from these changes. Cook said that the most frustrating part of the whole decision is that California could?ve tried to work with the pork industry to create a more science-based solution instead.
Cook said pork groups across the nation will be working with the NPPC and AFBF to go through the Supreme Court?s 50-page opinion and determine what the industry?s next steps will be moving forward.
Cook also wanted to remind everyone that pig farmers work hard every day to make sure that they?re producing a safe product for consumers.
Additionally, the NPPC released the following statement from President Scott Hays:
?We are very disappointed with the Supreme Court?s opinion. Allowing state overreach will increase prices for consumers and drive small farms out of business, leading to more consolidation. We are still evaluating the Court?s full opinion to understand all the implications. NPPC will continue to fight for our nation?s pork farmers and American families against misguided regulations.?
We will have more on the situation as it develops. For more information from the Iowa Pork Producers Association, visit iowapork.org.
