The North American Meat Institute (NAMI) submitted public comments regarding California’s Proposition 12, calling for postponement of the law’s implementation so multiple problems affecting consumers and producers may be addressed.
“The Meat Institute appreciates the opportunity to submit these comments,” said Mark Dopp, Senior Vice President of Regulatory and Scientific Affairs and General Counsel in comments submitted on behalf of NAMI. “NAMI wishes to repeat its request that CDFA [California Department of Food and Agriculture] postpone implementing Prop 12 for at least two years and longer as necessary to ensure conversations and a common understanding among the agency, the industry, and consumers about the law’s economic impact and the alleged rationales underlying Prop 12.”
Proposition 12, which was approved by California voters in November 2018, calls for all eggs produced or sold in the state to come from cage-free laying systems by the end of 2021. It also calls for similar standards for pigs raised for pork production and calves raised for veal production.
The Meat Institute added that Prop 12 compliance will result in significantly higher production costs and a less efficient supply chain, causing an increase in prices of pork and veal products sold in California. The Meat Institute also outlined Prop 12's constitutional infirmities that will inevitably mire the law in judicial challenges in the coming years.
Downloadable PDF resource for cage-free eggs available
Check out a new collection of exclusive articles, blogs and infographics on Cage-free Eggs: Hen Welfare and Housing Challenges. Written by trusted WATT Global Media editors and industry experts, this report will equip egg producers and marketers with information to help them make critical business decisions. Available for purchase now.
