Sponsored By
Meat Conference

At Meat Conference, fighting words against California's Proposition 12

Bill dictates how farmers in other states raise their meat, says Meat Institute

Michael Browne, Executive Editor

March 3, 2020

2 Min Read
meat conference- pigs-livestock-getty-promo_0.png
Beginning in 2022, sows will require a minimum of 24 square feet of usable space per animal, according to California's Proposition 12.deyanarobova/iStock/Getty Images Plus

During a session on regulatory updates for the meat industry on Monday at the Annual Meat Conference, Mark Dopp of the North American Meat Institute (NAMI) focused much of his attention on California’s controversial Proposition 12. Dopp, the senior vice president, regulatory & scientific affairs and general counsel for the organization, outlined the details of the bill and emphasized how damaging it is for the industry.

Meat Conference-Mark Dopp.jpg

“California is dictating to farmers in other states as to how they are raising their meat,” said Dopp (left).

In November 2019, NAMI lost its bid to halt implementation of California’s Proposition 12, a law that establishes minimum requirements for confinement of laying hens, breeding pigs and veal calves. In a ruling issued on Nov. 22, Judge Christina Snyder denied NAMI’s request for a preliminary injunction against Proposition 12, which was enacted by California voters in 2018.

Under the law, producers of veal calves will be required to house animals with at least 43 square feet of usable floor space per calf by 2020. Beginning in 2022, sows will need a minimum of 24 square feet of usable space per animal and laying hens will be cage-free. 

NAMI is appealing to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit.

“For instance, nobody can meet the 43-square-foot requirement for veal,” said Dopp. “It would cut the number of animals in the barns from 200 to 88.”

Related:Educational sessions on tap at Annual Meat Conference

“The implications for Proposition 12 are huge across all businesses that cross state lines,” added Andy Harig, vice president, tax, trade, sustainability and policy development at FMI-The Food Industry Association, who also participated in the regulatory update session at the Meat Conference. “One state can dictate how other companies in other states need to operate their business.”  

California lawmakers have yet to issue regulations implementing Proposition 12 despite the statutory deadline to do so by Sept. 1, 2019.

According to NAMI, if implemented, Proposition 12 would force its members to spend tens of millions of dollars to reconfigure production processes — and in some cases dismantling and building new facilities — to comply with the law; reduce production to meet the law's square footage requirements and forfeit revenue; leave the California market (and forfeit revenue); or risk criminal penalties.

About the Author

Michael Browne

Executive Editor, Supermarket News

Michael Browne joined Supermarket News in 2018 after serving in managing and executive editor capacities at leading B2B media brands including Convenience Store NewsLicense Global and Travel Agent. He also previously served as content production manager for print and digital in the Business Intelligence division of Informa, parent company of Supermarket News and Nation’s Restaurant News.

As executive editor, Mike oversees the editorial content of supermarketnews.com as well as the monthly print publication. He also directs all content-based brand-related projects including the annual Top 75 Retailers report, Category Guide, Retailer of the Year, research surveys and special reports, as well as podcast and webinar content. Mike has also presented and moderated at industry events.

In addition to the positions mentioned above, Mike has also worked as a writer and/or editor for special projects at American Legal Media (ALM), managing editor for Tobacco International, special projects editor at American Banker • Bond Buyer, and as production editor for Bank Technology News and other related financial magazines and journals published by Faulkner & Gray.

A graduate of Fordham University, Mike is based in New York City, where he was born and raised.

Contact Mike at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter and LinkedIn.

 

Stay up-to-date on the latest food retail news and trends
Subscribe to free eNewsletters from Supermarket News

You May Also Like