California’s new laws could change America’s farm industry

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.