Federal officials warn state livestock rules raise costs and limit choice
The Trump administration continues to strongly oppose California Proposition 12, a state law that sets strict animal housing standards for pork, eggs, and veal sold in the state. Federal officials argue the measure places heavy financial pressure on farmers and increase food costs for consumers across the country.
Speaking at the American Farm Bureau Federation annual convention in Anaheim, California, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins criticized the law, saying it creates unnecessary challenges for farmers and disrupts national food production.
"California, not surprisingly, has gone rogue and caused real pain to consumers and to our farmers under its poor confinement restrictions and cage-free egg commitments," said Rollins. "This war against consumer choice and against our farmers forces Californians and those who receive those goods across the country to buy more expensive eggs and pork. California's actions under Proposition 12 fly in the face of federal jurisdiction and regulation over food production and safety.
Proposition 12 was approved by voters in 2018 and took effect on pork products in July 2023. Under the law, pork producers must meet specific sow housing requirements to sell products in California. Rollins said these rules interfere with federal authority over food production and safety and go beyond California’s borders.
In early July 2025, the administration filed a lawsuit against California to block enforcement of the law, focusing on its impact on rising egg and pork prices. Earlier legal challenges by the National Pork Producers Council and the American Farm Bureau Federation reached the U.S. Supreme Court, which narrowly allowed the law to stand in 2023.
Industry groups continue to push for a legislative solution. The National Pork Producers Council supports efforts in Congress to address what it sees as serious risks created by Proposition 12. These include higher pork prices, possible animal welfare concerns, and increased consolidation within the pork industry. The group is urging lawmakers to include a fix in the next farm bill.
The issue is especially important because California has nearly 40 million residents and consumes about 13 percent of all pork sold in the United States. Producers must either comply with the law or lose access to this major market.
Many farmers, particularly small and mid-sized operations, cannot afford the high cost of updating or rebuilding facilities to meet the requirements. Industry leaders warn that if other states adopt similar laws, the combined effect could further strain farmers and reduce consumer choice nationwide.
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