NPPC, AFBF File Legal Challenge to California's Proposition 12

The National Pork Producers Council and the American Farm Bureau Federation have filed a legal challenge to California’s Proposition 12, which imposes animal housing standards that reach outside of California’s borders to farms across the United States and beyond.

“Proposition 12 revolves around a set of arbitrary standards that lack any scientific, technical or agricultural basis, and will only serve to inflict further harm on U.S. hog farmers,” said Jen Sorenson, NPPC vice president. “California represents approximately 15% of the U.S. pork market, and Proposition 12 will force hog farmers who want to sell pork into the populous state to switch to alternative housing systems, at a significant cost to their business. U.S. pork producers are already...

Industry Reacts to Final E15 Rule

Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency issued a final rule to allow consumers uninterrupted access to E15, a fuel blend with 15% ethanol. The announcement follows a public comment period on a proposed rule and in time for the summer season. The rule changes the old limitations on year-round E15, allowing consumers to have access to the clean, lower-cost option at the pump all year. Previously, sales were restricted in a majority of markets from June 1st to September 15th. President Trump fulfilled the commitment he made to rural voters and is a huge win for farmers.

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue stated that, "I appreciate President Trump’s steadfast support for our patriotic farmers and for his commitment to expand the sale of E15 and unleash the full potential of American innovation and ingenuity as we continue to demonstrate our rightful place as the world’s leader in agricultural and energy production." Perdue explained that the move to approve the year-round use of E15 in time for the summer driving season provides consumers with...