United States dispute over pig welfare rules

A dispute has arisen within the United States about the requirements that individual states may impose for the sale of agricultural products. For example, legislation is being drafted in the US state of California to ban the sale of pork, veal and eggs that do not meet certain welfare rules. A bill has now been submitted to the federal government in Washington to limit the ability of individual states to self-regulate the sale of agricultural products.

This law is supported by the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC), the trade association of pork companies in the United States. This reports Reuters. In California, a law will come into effect next year that will set stricter animal welfare requirements for pig, veal and chicken farms. For example, the space per animal must be increased. Animal welfare organizations are in favour. The NPPC fears higher costs for pig farmers. The umbrella organization also wonders whether animal welfare is really improving and it fears that the new rules are the prelude to more restrictions by the state of California. 

However, some companies have already invested to comply with the new welfare rules. For example, it is estimated that about a third of the egg sector already complies with the rules. However, the federal senate is preparing a bill that should make it more difficult for individual states to distinguish themselves in the market. This so-called Eats Act, once passed, will overrule California's welfare law. However, according to a Harvard Law School report, it can also invalidate more than XNUMX state and local food safety and health regulations. There is also a fear that food companies will no longer be able to distinguish themselves properly on the market, as a result of which they will not be able to charge higher prices for products with a specific added value.

It is still unclear when the Eats Act will be taken up by 'Washington'.

Eric the Thrush

Eric is a member of the editorial staff of Boerenbusiness. As a descendant of an arable family, farmer's blood flows through Eric's veins. He considers himself a generalist, but with a preference for economics, trends, markets and marketing.

e.delijster@boerenbusiness. Nl

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