Today, as corporate interests claiming to represent farmers spread misinformation about California’s Proposition 12, a group of independent Midwest hog farmers launched a new campaign across Washington, D.C, thanking those who support the law. Through mobile billboards, airport and train station signs, digital ads, and direct outreach to lawmakers, family farmers are making their voices impossible to ignore in the fight to uphold the vital market created by Prop 12.
Prop 12, passed overwhelmingly by California voters, sets minimum space standards for farm animals and creates a crucial market for independent hog farmers raising crate-free pork. Since the law went into effect in January 2024, compliant farmers have adapted their operations and found a lifeline in this market opportunity.
Now, corporate meatpackers, represented by the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC), are pressuring Congress to dismantle it, threatening the survival of family farms. Lawmakers in Congress are considering the Food Security and Farm Protection Act (S.1326) and Save Our Bacon Act (H.R.4673)—repackaged versions of the EATS Act. These bills, heavily backed by corporate agribusiness interests, would strip states of their rights to protect their food system.
“Proposition 12 created a market opportunity for independent hog farmers by providing them a premium for their product,” said Angela Huffman, president of Farm Action. “Educating lawmakers and the public on Prop 12 is essential—because fair competition and the survival of family farms are at stake.”
“House Ag Chairman Glenn Thompson and others trying to eliminate this market are picking winners and losers—and the losers are America’s independent hog farmers,” said Joe Maxwell, president of Farm Action Fund. “While the NPPC is in D.C. serving up a bunch of baloney, the real farmers impacted by Prop 12 are doing an ad campaign to ensure their message is clear.”
The campaign aims to ensure that family farmers are heard in D.C. as corporate meatpackers are lobbying aggressively to overturn Prop 12. Farmers say the stakes are clear: protect Prop 12, or risk erasing a fair, competitive market that keeps small farms alive.
Farmers are available for interviews upon request.
Media Contact: Emma Nicolas, [email protected], 202-450-0094
