National Pork Producers Council members are closely watching activities by HSUS, or the Humane Society of the United States, in California to push forward a ballot measure calling for cage-free eggs and gestation crate-free hogs. If they get enough petition signatures it will be voted on next fall. NPPC President Ken Maschoff says it mirrors what happened in Massachusetts and would if approved effect production in other states.

He says if enough petition signatures are gathered to place the initiative on the ballot and voters approve it, it would adversely affect interstate commerce.

Maschoff says NPPC is considering what options they have to battle this potential California ballot measure and make sure regulations effecting agriculture are uniform.

HSUS needs 365,800 signatures within 180 days for placement on California’s statewide ballot in November of 2018.