Stricter regulations in California will improve environments where farmed animals are raised. Some fear bacon shortages, while others welcome a nationwide change.
Americans may be divided on many matters, but love for bacon is not one of them.
255 million pounds of pork are used by Californian restaurants and grocery shops each month, a market which makes up 15 percent of the country’s total consumption.
In recent years, raised awareness of the living conditions in factory farms has led to many questioning where the meat they buy comes from and what the animal’s quality of life was like before it reached their plates.
As a result, voters in California overwhelmingly supported an increase in the legal minimum living space required for farm animals in 2018 – specifically for breeding pigs, egg-laying chickens, and veal calves.
With the legislation scheduled to take effect in January 2022, farmers are weighing in.
Those raising chickens and young cows are confident they can meet the new standards, while only 4 percent of those raising pigs for pork consumption believe compliance is realistic.
Advocates for the change describe current conditions in many pig raising farms as ‘cruel’ and ‘prison-like’, with little room to move and lay down.
Under the new mandate, pigs must have a 6’x4’ sized pen, a slight increase from the current 5.5’x3.5’ measurement, which will give them the ability to at least turn around or stretch their limbs.
It has also been confirmed that farmers across other states in the US must comply if they wish to continue the sale of their meat produce in California.
Failure to adjust would mean that much of the state’s meat supply will disappear from grocery shelves and restaurant wholesalers, as only 45 million pounds of the 255 million California consumes monthly is produced by in-state farmers.
A limit on supplies is anticipated to drive the price of pork meat up by 60 percent, meaning a $6 pack of bacon could now cost Cali-based shoppers almost $10 – and people are panicking.
The National Pork Producers Council is seeking federal aid to finance the cost of adapting their current facilities to meet new standards. One hog producer estimated expanding their pig-housing will cost around $3 million.
If all US farms adjust to California’s new rule, the price of bacon nationwide is expected to increase slightly. If farmers don’t, they risk losing one of the country’s largest markets.
It’s looking like a turning point for pig farmers, where they must choose between a short-term investment that prioritises the health and wellbeing of agricultural animals or face a long-term loss to their business.
California has a reputation for enforcing state-laws which end up raising the standard for the rest of the nation, with its democratic leaders branding it the ‘state of resistance’ during the Donald Trump presidency.
This new animal welfare law, rather than ‘banning bacon’ as many wrongly believe it is set out to do, has the potential to improve the welfare of animals and minimise the practice of industrial agriculture across the United States, which is bad for animals, consumers, and the planet.
Improving the quality and size of living areas for farmed animals doesn’t have to mean a plant-based life for American carnivores. It just means a better tasting bacon sandwich, made from a happier pig.
I’m Jessica (She/Her). I’m the Deputy Editor & Content Partnership Manager at Thred. Originally from the island of Bermuda, I specialise in writing about ocean health and marine conservation, but you can also find me delving into pop culture, health and wellness, plus sustainability in the beauty and fashion industries. Follow me on Twitter, LinkedIn and drop me some ideas/feedback via email.
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