Pork Industry Pushes for Federal Action

By Scout Nelson

Lori Stevermer, president of the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC), spoke before the U.S. House Agriculture Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry on March 4. She highlighted key issues facing the livestock industry, particularly the challenges posed by California Proposition 12.

Stevermer stressed the need for a federal solution, explaining that Proposition 12 affects not only California but also farmers in other states and even other countries. She warned that without congressional action, the law would lead to a confusing mix of state regulations.

“California Proposition 12 reaches far beyond California to include farmers in other states and even other countries,” said Stevermer. “The outcomes of Prop. 12 defy common sense and create a patchwork of differing state regulations, if Congress doesn’t act.”

She expressed appreciation for the efforts of House Agriculture Committee Chairman G.T. Thompson in addressing this issue through Sec. 12007 of the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2024. She urged lawmakers to ensure this language is included in the 2025 Farm Bill.

During her testimony, Stevermer outlined several problems associated with Proposition 12:

• It has widespread negative effects on both farmers and consumers.
• It enforces inconsistent rules, allowing cooked bacon while restricting uncooked bacon from the same pig.
• It requires farmers far from California to cover the costs of external audits.
• It increases production expenses, making it harder for farm families to stay in business.
• It drives up pork prices at the grocery store, in some cases by as much as 41%.

The U.S. House Agriculture Committee had previously approved a bipartisan 2024 Farm Bill that included all key priorities for pork producers. NPPC is now advocating for the reintroduction and swift passage of the same bill.

In addition to Proposition 12, Stevermer emphasized the significance of trade in supporting U.S. agriculture and pork exports. She called for stronger trade agreements to ensure fair and predictable market access.

Photo Credit: istock-srdjan-stepic