The U.S. Court of Appeals in the Ninth Circuit has rejected a challenge by the National Meat Institute. Another court challenge is still in the works fom the National Pork Producers Council, American Farm Bureau and 20 states against California’s Proposition 12. That measure approved by 63 percent of voters in California restricts livestock housing. Nebraska Pork Producers Association Executive Director AL Juhnke says they expected that decision and will likely appeal to the U.S Supreme Court.
He says one of the major problems with Proposition 12 is that it violates the Commerce Clause of the U.S. Constitution.
Juhnke says if California’s Proposition 12 holds up it’ll be costly for consumers.
Proposition 12 requires veal calves be given at least 43 square feet and sows 24 feet of housing, The law also requires farmers to eliminate cages by 2022.
