This will increase uncertainty over whether bacon or other fresh pork products in the state will be more expe nsive or less available when the new rules go into effect on New Year’s Day.
This lawsuit is the latest in a three-year long, tumultuous process of enacting rules that were overwhelmingly approved by voters. However, the law remains in doubt even though it is about to be enacted. Proposition 12 was approved by voters in November 2018 at a ratio of 2 to 1, but state officials missed deadlines to release regulations governing the humane treatment and care of California’s meat-producing animals.
The majority of hog producers have not made any changes to comply the law. A coalition of business owners now wants more than a two year delay.
“We’re saying that this isn’t going to work,” Nate Rose, spokesperson for the California Grocers Association said.
While some groups have tried to delay the legislation, the state has made it easier to transition to the new system. It allowed pork that was processed under old rules to be kept in cold storage until California’s 2022 deadline, which could help prevent shortages of pork for several weeks or even months.
Josh Boak, the head of farm animal protection at the Humane Society of the United States said that Californians need not be afraid of “pork industry claims of the Apocalypse.”
Simply put, the law requires that all breeding pigs, egg-laying poultry, and veal calves have enough space to stand up and turn around. Pigs can no longer be kept in small “gestation crates”, and must have at least 24 square feet (2.23 meters) of usable area.
The new law appears to be applicable to producers of eggs and veal. However, hog farmers claimed that the changes would not be feasible until the state approves final regulations. North Carolina State University estimates that the new standard will cost approximately 15% more per animal for farms with 1,000 breeding pigs.
The National Pork Producers Council challenged California’s rights to impose standards on businesses located in other states. However, these efforts have so far failed.
California is the largest pork market in the country, with producers from major hog states such as Iowa providing more than 80%. California’s restaurants, grocery stores, and other businesses use approximately 255 pounds (115 kg) of pork each month, according Rabobank, a global financial services company that specializes in food and agriculture.
It’s not clear if the state that consumes 13% of the country’s pork supply will be able to have enough meat. According to the North American Meat Institute, an industry group that represents packers and processors, they “will do their best” to meet California’s needs.
“What will happen to California?” Michael Formica, general counsel of the National Pork Producers Council, said that he doesn’t know. “One thing that we do know is that there will be limited supplies of pork there.”
The uncertainty is exacerbated by the lawsuit that was filed in Sacramento County last month by the California Grocers Association. California Restaurant Association. California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce. California Retailers Association. Kruse & Sons is a meat processor. The suit requests a delay of 28 months until final regulations are adopted for enforcement.
California’s health and agriculture departments claim that the voter-backed measure did not give them enough time for final regulations. In December, the agencies still accepted public comments on revisions. This means that final rules could take months to be approved.
The groups claim that the delay caused them to delay and that they cannot be certain they are complying with the law. They could face penalties.
Rose of the Grocers Association stated that “our concern is the uncertainty.” Rose stated that a March hearing has been scheduled by a judge, but that the group wants to hold it earlier.
The law will take effect January 1. It’s possible that the state can avoid shortages and steep price rises. There are approximately 466 pounds (421 kilograms) of pork stored in the industry. Although not all that meat can be shipped to California, it will likely meet some demand if combined with new supplies from processors who meet the new standards.
According to Daniel Sumner, a professor from the University of California Davis, any disruption “would be significantly smoothed”, who, along with his colleagues, studied the implications of Proposition 12’s price and supply impacts.
An earlier study had projected that bacon prices would soar by as much as 60% in California. However, a UC-Davis report showed that uncooked pork prices will eventually rise by a manageable 8%.
Massachusetts approved a similar animal welfare bill that will take effect next month. However, state legislators are contemplating a one year delay due to supply concerns.
The accuracy of California estimates may depend on how many farmers follow the new standards and how long it takes to transition.
Ron Mardesen, an Iowa farmer, already meets California standards and allows his sows to roam free on large portions of his farm located about 100 miles (160 km) southwest of Des Moines.
He said that they were like a group of old, big sisters with so much space. You can see they are happy. There is no crying or squealing.
Chris Oliviero is the general manager at Niman Ranch in Westminster, Colorado. He said that he hopes California’s new rules will help to change a system he called “lower cost and any cost”.
Oliviero stated that volatility is a concern in the markets. However, I believe that most large agricultural companies have proven that they are capable of solving complex problems when they put their minds to it.
