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.
Deputy Editor & Content Partnership ManagerLondon, UK
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.
Mattel’s new doll has Type 1 diabetes, marking another inclusive step for the brand. But response to the launch highlights a persistent lack of education around the disease – and the need to dismantle stigma.
Mattel’s latest addition to its Barbie lineup, a doll with Type 1 diabetes, might seem like a small plastic step. But its release has quickly become a barometer for public understanding – or misunderstanding – of chronic illness.
Unveiled...
A leaked email shows the budget airline has been rewarding staff for catching oversized luggage.
We all have a love/hate relationship with budget airlines. From Ryanair to easyJet, these low-cost alternatives to pricey air-travel have saved more of my girls' holidays than I can count on one hand. But they’ve also ruined plenty of trips.
Whether it’s hidden costs or poor customer service, there have been plenty of occasions when –...
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID), which represents a fundamental element of American soft power and is one of the most consequential development agencies in the world, is closing its doors.
While curtains never truly ‘fall’, there are flagging budget cuts, evolving US foreign policy objectives, and a rising tide of domestic investment that are all signaling a slow but inevitable decline. For Africa, it is the end...
The scandal that has made its way up the government’s hierarchy has faced harsh penalties from the EU. However, these may ultimately affect honest farmers.
Back in its archaic days, clientelism was central to Greece. This system saw citizens relying on patronage from esteemed parties, normally political, in exchange for their loyalty or service.
Today, we refer to this act as a class of corruption, and the Greek government has once...
We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.
0 Comments
