Originally Appeared in The Philadelphia Inquirer
California’s Proposition 12 is driving up food costs across the country by imposing mandates on pork and egg farmers. Prop 12 prohibits farmers from selling pork and eggs in California unless they make expensive and arbitrary changes to their operations, driving up costs for all consumers, not just Californians.
Prop 12 is opposed by major veterinary and farm organizations. If it’s allowed to stand, it will set the stage for more overreaching state laws that drive up the cost of meat and reduce consumer choice at the supermarket.
So why does pork farmer Brent Hershey approve of the law? Because he happens to already be California-compliant — meaning the law drives up the costs of other farmers who compete with him. It’s a cynical and selfish position.
Congress should pass a fix in the Farm Bill that keeps state laws within state borders. California should not be allowed to impose costly regulations on farmers in other states. A federal fix will help consumers and farmers by preventing these hidden food taxes from taking hold in more states.
Will Coggin, research director, Center for the Environment and Welfare