US: The challenge of animal confinement enforcement commences in three states

The animal confinement laws (Proposition 12, Calif. /Question 3, Mass.) impacting fresh pork sold in California and Massachusetts are entering the enforcement phase. Under the regulations, breeding pigs must have a minimum of 24 square feet of usable floor space per animal. Proposition 12 applies to any uncooked whole pork meat, whether it is raised in the state or elsewhere. One of the concerns with Question 3 is that Massachusetts wants to impose those restrictions on any pork transiting through the state, which would cut off supply to most of New England. There are court cases challenging this position, which will continue. According to NPPC, an estimated $2 billion worth of pork moves through Massachusetts into neighboring New England states. Complex supply chain issues will negatively impact states neighboring California as well. The state of California consumes 15% of the fresh pork in the US. Under Massachusetts’ Question 3 guidelines, pork can enter Massachusetts and pass ...