What is california Proposition 12: the pork rule behind the Iowa Senate fight
California Proposition 12 is a California state law that sets minimum space and housing standards for certain farm animals, such as breeding pigs, raised for meat sold in California. Because it applies to products sold in the state, it reaches farms in other states, including Iowa. Its rules are now a central issue in the Iowa Senate race.
Why it's in the news
With Election Day days away, the Iowa Senate race between Josh Turek and Ashley Hinson is close, and the two have clashed over Proposition 12 and the Save Our Bacon Act. Turek said at a Grinnell farm visit that he would not back the bill.
- Josh Turek — Turek and Hinson in tight Iowa Senate race before Election Day
Background
Proposition 12 is a measure California voters approved that sets rules for how certain livestock are housed. The rules cover the space given to animals such as hogs and the kind of enclosures they may be kept in. The law applies to meat and other animal products sold within California, so out-of-state producers who want to sell into that market must meet its standards as well.
Iowa is among the largest pork-producing states, and many Iowa hog farms ship products to other states. For that reason, the law affects farmers far from California. Some lawmakers have proposed federal bills to limit how far state rules like this can reach across state lines. One such proposal is the Save Our Bacon Act, introduced by Ashley Hinson, the Republican who represents Iowa's 2nd Congressional District. It was written in response to California's law.
The issue is in the news because the Iowa race for the U.S. Senate is close. Democrat Josh Turek, a state representative, faces Hinson, and recent polling averages show the two nearly tied, with Hinson slightly ahead. Turek has said he would not back the Save Our Bacon Act. He argues that the bill mainly helps large, international meat companies, while Hinson's campaign says he has "no idea what he's talking about" on agriculture and Prop 12. Farmers on both sides disagree about who the bill would help. Coverage describes the contest as one that could affect which party controls the Senate.
What people are asking
Who does Proposition 12 apply to?
It applies to meat and other animal products sold in California, so it reaches out-of-state producers who sell into that market, including some Iowa hog farms.
What is the Save Our Bacon Act?
It is a federal bill introduced by Ashley Hinson that would limit how far individual states can set rules on livestock products sold across state lines. It was written in response to California's Proposition 12.
Why do the two sides disagree about the bill?
Hinson and some farmers say it helps small Iowa hog producers who cannot afford upgrades. Turek says it mainly benefits large international companies like JBS and Smithfield, and that small pork producers have told him it does not help them.