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Hinson addresses Vilsack’s comments on Prop 12

A U.S. Representative from Iowa says Congress needs to find a solution that prevents states from passing laws similar to California’s Proposition 12.

Republican Ashley Hinson says the Biden administration agrees. “Secretary Vilsack testified that producers will face chaos because of California’s Prop 12, and this chaos will worsen for producers and consumers alike if other states follow suit.”

Prop 12, which went into full effect January 1^st, bans the sale of pork, veal, and eggs in California from animals anywhere in the country whose confinement does not meet minimum space requirements.

She tells Brownfield the law could have long-term impacts on farm income and food prices. “A 2019 study from the University of Minnesota found it would cost farmers nearly $3500 per sow to renovate their operations to comply with California’s arbitrary standards.”

Hinson says legislation that addresses Prop 12 needs to be included in the next farm bill.