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The cost of Prop 12

An economist with the National Pork Producers Council says new data shows California’s Proposition 12 is having a negative impact on both pork producers and consumers.

Holly Cook Anderson says information from the USDA and analysis from researchers at Noth Dakota State University found the law continues to drive up prices and hurt demand.

“California consumers have spent about $350 million more on pork over these last two years of full enforcement.”  She says, “And at the same time, they’re eating 16% less total pork.”

She says the legislation, which sets minimum space requirements for housing breeding pigs, is also affecting industry logistics.

“There’s also costs incurred at the wholesale and distribution level.”  She says, “What this study found was over 50% of the higher costs that consumers are having to pay is occurring between the packing plant and the retail level.”

Anderson tells Brownfield, “It’s good evidence on what we stand to face if we are not able to have a policy solution that prevents a patchwork of regulations in other states that raise costs for consumers across the country.”

Anderson says the Save Our Bacon Act, introduced by Iowa Republican Ashley Hinson, is included in the latest farm bill proposal and would protect access to interstate commerce and avoid a patchwork of regulations.  Opponents of the measure say it would eliminate more than 500 state laws across the country that protect small producers.

AUDIO: Holly Cook Anderson – NPPC