NPPC advocates for a farm bill that addresses the challenges and chaos posed by laws like Prop. 12, fully funds the programs that safeguard the nation’s food supply against threats posed by foreign animal diseases, as well as key programs that expand foreign markets for U.S. ag products.

For decades U.S. pork producers have worked tirelessly to eliminate tariffs on exports. Policies that allow for
businesses to trade fairly and with certainty are critical to the continued success of American agriculture and the overall economy. The United States needs more market access that eliminates or significantly reduce tariffs and non-tariff barriers to U.S. exports.

Proposition 12 is a California ballot initiative prohibiting the sale of pork not produced according to the state’s arbitrary production standards. These standards, which were developed without input from hog farmers, veterinarians or experts in animal care or food safety, hurt farmers and consumers throughout the country, while disproportionately affecting low-income households. The facts surrounding this misguided measure must be considered as lawmakers develop a federal solution.

In addition to the issue paper above, check out the costs and impacts of Proposition 12 here. We also encourage you to review our letter to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) for our stance and recommendations, and our letter to agricultural stakeholders for further insights into the issue.

The H-2A visa program allows a very limited number of foreign workers entry into the U.S. for seasonal agricultural work. The seasonal workers permitted under the program do not come close to meeting the pork industry’s need for year-round workers, especially with the decline in rural working age populations. Congress must provide access to the H-2A program for year-round industries.

NPPC advocates for the full enforcement of the Packers and Stockyards Act to guarantee fair markets and competitive opportunities for all producers. We believe that producers, regardless of their size or production system, should have access to the market and the freedom to enter into agreements of their choice. NPPC opposes any legislation or regulations that limit marketing opportunities unless they specifically address clear instances of market failure or abuse of market power. Additionally, we support measures to defund the promulgation, implementation, and enforcement of the current proposed rulemakings.

California is about to regulate North Carolina and farmers across the country. Send an email to Representative Davis with one click.

California is about to regulate Minnesota and farmers across the country. Send an email to Representative Craig with one click.

California’s Proposition 12 is a threat to American families and farmers and could send family farms into a tailspin. Send an email to your members of Congress with one click.