Reposted from: https://www.meatpoultry.com/articles/32574-meat-businesses-hog-farms-go-to-washington-for-support-of-prop-12
October 7, 2025
On Oct. 8 a coalition of meat companies, retailers and hog farmers from around the United States will meet in Washington to oppose the Save Our Bacon Act and Food Security and Farm Protection Act (formerly the Ending Agricultural Trade Suppression [EATS] Act), which the groups say is legislation that would put family farmers out of business and end responsible farming practices.
At the National Press Club, more than 200 farmers from 30 states will gather to back California’s Proposition 12 and Massachusetts’s Question 3 and oppose congressional efforts to overturn the laws.
Throughout their time in the nation’s capital, farmers and meat businesses will also meet with members of Congress on these matters.
The groups stated in a release that thousands of family farmers view Prop 12 and Question 3 as a lifeline. If Congress were to wipe out humane farming standards, it would devastate family farmers who have invested in crate-free systems, while stripping states’ ability to pass their own agricultural laws.
“Voters made their voices heard, and we agree with them that animals deserve space to move,” said Russ Kremer, a Missouri hog farmer and Head of Farm Partnerships for True Story Foods. “Prop 12 gives small farms like ours the opportunity to survive during a time when agriculture is heavily consolidated and independent farmers are being pushed out. If Congress rolls back Prop 12, that’s a move against family farmers.”
Earlier this year, the United States Supreme Court declined to hear a case brought by the Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA) regarding Proposition 12.
Before moving to the Supreme Court, IPPA’s case was heard by the US Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit. The lower court ruled in favor of Prop 12 in June 2024. Following that case, IPPA filed its petition with the Supreme Court, which was denied on June 30.
In May 2023, the court ruled against the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) and others who promoted challenging Prop 12.
The Proposition 12 ballot initiative was originally approved by California voters in 2018 and prohibits the sale of eggs, raw pork or veal sourced from animals housed in ways that do not meet California’s minimum standards. The initiative was fully implemented in 2024.
Producers of veal calves are required under Prop 12 to house animals with at least 43 square feet of usable floor space per calf. Producers of sows need a minimum of 24 square feet of usable space per animal with laying hens to be cage-free.
“My farm is Prop-12-certified, and it’s never operated better. Prop 12’s standards made our farm more resilient,” said Brent Hershey, president of Hershey Ag. “Healthier animals mean fewer losses and better productivity, and Prop 12 provides a market that actually rewards the hard work we put in.”
The House Committee on Agriculture held a full hearing on July 23 regarding the implications of California’s Prop 12 and the economic impact it’s currently having on US farmers.
Several industry experts and stakeholders, including NPPC, provided testimony during the hearing discussing financial challenges, operational changes for compliance and higher costs for California consumers.
Several meat companies have announced support of Prop 12 in the past, including Perdue Farms and its pork brands Niman Ranch and Coleman All Natural Meats, True Story Foods, and ButcherBox, the direct-to-consumer meat and seafood brand.
“The farmers who invested in meeting Prop 12 standards took a risk to do the right thing, and we’re proud to partner with them,” said Mike Salguero, founder and chief executive officer of ButcherBox. “Consumer interest in animal welfare continues to accelerate with no signs of slowing down, and undermining Prop 12 punishes the producers who stepped up and the consumers who voted in favor of farming practices they believe in.”