Following the disappointing decision from the Supreme Court, the pork industry is now getting ready to deal with the consequences of Prop 12. Pork industry leaders are working as fast as they can with Congress to pass some countering legislation, but for now, producers will have to hunker down and deal with Prop 12. National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) President Scott Hays said Prop 12 is bad for the pigs, the producers, and especially the consumers.
The original ballot initiative for Prop 12 that California voters saw asked if they want livestock animals to be raised humanely, so of course they voted in favor of it. However, Hays said the voters didn?t take into account the cost increases that would result from that legislation.
The changes enforced by Prop 12, which were not based on science, will make it more difficult for producers to provide adequate care for their sows.
The Supreme Court?s decision basically told the pork industry that this issue needs to be resolved through Congress, not the courts.
Fortunately, Hays said he is optimistic that they?ll be able to work with Congress to find a solution.
For more information, visit nppc.org.
