The U.S. Senate Agricultural Committee released a draft of the new farm bill this week, excluding a measure known as the Save Our Bacon Act. The provision, which was included in the House version of the bill by Rep. G.T. Thompson (R-PA), seeks to prevent states from implementing regulations on animal confinement that differ from federal standards. The omission suggests a legislative divide between the two chambers as they attempt to reauthorize the farm bill, which has faced multiple extensions since 2018.
The Save Our Bacon Act is designed to override state laws such as California’s Proposition 12, which mandates minimum space requirements for livestock and bans the sale of products from animals kept in gestation crates. Supporters of the federal measure argue it provides regulatory certainty for interstate commerce. However, opponents, including some producer groups and environmental organizations, state that it would invalidate the decisions of voters in 14 states that have passed similar animal welfare standards.
The agricultural industry is divided on the impact of such regulations. The American Meat Producers Association (AMPA) opposes the federal act, stating that many hog farmers have already invested in infrastructure to meet state standards like Proposition 12 to secure premium pricing. Conversely, other producers have expressed concern over the costs and logistical challenges of complying with a patchwork of varying state laws. USDA data indicates that approximately 27 percent of hog farmers currently meet Proposition 12 requirements.