Hannah Thompson-Weeman, President and CEO of the Animal Agriculture Alliance, updated the challenges faced by the animal agriculture industry in the United States. In a recent conversation, she discussed the implications of Prop 12, legislative trends, and on-farm activism.
Prop 12, a major headline of 2023, surprised many in the animal agriculture community when the Supreme Court upheld its ability to stand and go into effect. This decision raised questions about enforcement, time frames, and responsible parties. The industry found itself in a scramble to understand and comply with the regulations coming out of California.
“The implementation of Prop 12, scheduled to start on January 1st, has put producers in a difficult position economically, as complying with the regulations requires significant investments and loans.”
Prop 12 still faces opposition, including introducing the EATS Act (Ending Agricultural Trade Suppression) in Washington, D.C.. This act aims to restrict states like California from passing laws that impact agricultural producers in other states. It poses significant issues for state-level farm animal housing and confinement laws pushed by extremist organizations. The EATS Act has sparked controversy and is tied into farm bill discussions, making its outcome uncertain.
Scott Hayes, President of the National Pork Producers Council, has stated that his family’s hog-producing business will not make changes to comply with Prop 12 in California. Many producers struggle to decide whether compliance makes financial sense for their operations. This could lead to shortages and increased prices in California as producers seek alternative markets for their products.
Thompson-Weeman said apart from Prop 12, other legislative trends pose challenges for animal agriculture. Animal rights activist groups are focusing on legislation at the local level, such as town and city ordinances, as a starting point to set precedents.
She said ballot initiative campaigns are also underway in various states. In Oregon, a proposed ballot measure would change the state’s animal cruelty statute, making it illegal to kill animals for processing. Activist groups are also looking to make changes to existing animal cruelty statutes, aiming to remove exemptions that currently apply to animal agriculture.
“By doing so, they hope to impact animal agriculture by equating it with cruelty towards household pets.”
The AAA president said on-farm and plant activism is another concern for the industry. Activists trespass on farms, steal animals, and cause bio-security concerns. They argue for a “right to rescue,” claiming they have the right to enter facilities and save animals.
“Court decisions, where activists have been found not guilty despite filming themselves committing these actions, have emboldened them to continue such activities.”
In Manitoba, Canada, concerns arise from past legislation that limited animal units per square foot, stalling expansion in the industry. The current government’s stance on animal agriculture and the potential impact on exports to the United States has raised concerns among industry insiders.
Thompson-Weeman said the animal agriculture industry in the United States faces numerous challenges, from the implementation of Prop 12 to legislative trends and on-farm activism. Producers are navigating difficult decisions regarding compliance, financial implications, and the future of their businesses.
“It is crucial to monitor these issues and work towards ensuring consumer choice and confidence in animal products,” she said. •
— By Harry Siemens