California voters passed an animal welfare proposition. Now, Congress looks to undo it
In 2018, California voters passed Proposition 12, mandating humane treatment for farm animals, specifically ensuring that breeding pigs are raised in conditions where they have enough room to turn around. The proposition prohibits the confinement of breeding pigs in cramped cages, which nearly immobilize animals.
It is our position that the law is actually not as stringent as it should be and provides several loopholes that are abused by big business.
I own Sweet Water Farm & Ranch Company, located in Columbia, Calif. We are proud to be a family-owned, regenerative ranching operation and we have always striven to implement practices that are good for our animals, our planet and our communities. With a focus on regenerative practices and improving biodiversity, we're committed to protecting not only our animals, but also the environment and public health. We primarily produce pasture-raised California Berkshire Pork, and we directly care for our pigs every day.
Now, however, certain factions of the pork industry are seeking to undo laws like Prop. 12 via the U.S. Farm Bill. The U.S. House of Representatives Agriculture Committee passed Farm Bill language last year that would prohibit states from being able to regulate certain agriculture products sold within their borders. Wrongfully touted as a 'fix' to Prop. 12, this would — in actuality — hurt farmers, rural communities and the rights of states to set best policies and practices.
We firmly support Prop. 12 and believe that any attempt to undermine or 'fix' it at the federal level is a step backward for animal welfare and the future of sustainable agriculture.
Opinion
Confining pigs to small spaces is not just harmful to the animals, it leads to less nutritious pork products and damages the environment in innumerable ways. Intensive confinement conditions are also a breeding ground for dangerous zoonotic diseases, which can spread from animals to humans, and this was one priority that drove Prop. 12's passage.
Prop. 12 represents a long-overdue shift toward more humane, sustainable and healthy farming practices. It's better for us, better for animals and sets a standard for a better future.
Working directly with our pigs, we understand their needs and behaviors. Stress-related health issues are a real concern when animals are confined to small spaces. By giving our pigs room to move on open pastures and exhibit natural behaviors, we reduce stress, injury and disease while increasing food quality and improving the natural world around us. Improving the living conditions of pigs — or any animal — also reduces the risk of disease outbreaks that harm our food system and public health.
Congress' proposed 'fix' to Prop. 12 would weaken the admirable protections that California and other states have implemented, or make it easier for those who want to skirt the regulations. That is no fix at all, and for farmers like us, the danger is real. Such a move would undercut years of progress society has demanded toward improving animal welfare standards, and puts us — as conscientious farmers — at a greater competitive disadvantage.
It could also erode significant investments that independent farmers and ranchers have made in creating sustainable, humane farming operations nationwide. Those operations create jobs, improve biodiversity, sequester carbon in depleted soils, rebuild rural communities and reduce disease outbreaks all while ensuring that a healthy, high-quality, American-made product ends up at the dinner table.
The future of farming requires that we embrace the principles of regeneration and sustainability. Prop. 12 is part of a larger movement toward more ethical, environmentally responsible, health-conscious agriculture. More than a dozen states — red, blue and purple — have passed similar legislation. Undermining laws like Prop. 12 and the will of the millions of voters does a terrible disservice to Americans who care about where their food comes from and the treatment of animals.
We stand firmly in support of Prop. 12 and encourage members of Congress to resist any attempts to weaken it. We appreciate Senator Alex Padilla's leadership in supporting this key law, and urge the entire California delegation to step up to protect Prop. 12 and the farmers and ranchers who maintain ethical, humane standards.
Samuel Santry is the owner of Sweet Water Farm & Ranch Co ., located in Columbia, California, specializing in pasture-raised California Berkshire Pork.
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