The loss of a substantial market for Iowa pork has farmers across the state on edge as the United States Supreme Court turned its attention Friday to whether to take up a challenge to legislation that could rob swine producers of a lucrative market.
California, which accounts for 15 percent of the country’s pork production, has legislation, Proposition 12, that took effect Jan. 1 requiring that pork sold in that sold be raised under strict guidelines.
Pork producers have cried foul, arguing it would be prohibitively difficult to raise pigs in the same way as cattle herds or so-called free-range animals, left to wander.
With the loss of a substantial market possible, Iowa farmers are among those pinning hopes on the Supreme Court taking up the case.
“Iowa’s Pork Producers Association…is very supportive of pursuing this to the Supreme Court,” said Pat McGonegle, chief executive officer for the Iowa Pork Producer’s Association, Friday by phone.
With 70 county associations and over 4,000 affiliated members, the trade organization advocates for pork producers in the state.
McGonegle, who originally comes from rural Wright County, said he is “very hopeful” about prospects for the challenge, arguing that farmers deserve to have known rules they have to follow.
Pork producers put a lot of effort into caring for their animals, and McGonegle called it “very frustrating” that out-of-state forces are seeking to dictate what Iowa farmers can and cannot do.
McGonegle shied away from making a prediction about what the high court would do with taking up the case but is maintaining optimism. “I’m hopeful,” said McGonegle.
In addition to the case being considered Friday, the IPPA also has litigation of its own against California pending, said McGonegle. That case involves “undue process” in the matter. With no final rules issued by California to go by, Proposition 12 is leading to uncertainty that is having a direct, negative business impact.
McGonegle wants to see a court decision soon. “We’re hoping to hear by late January to mid February,” said McGonegle.
Meanwhile, both Iowa Senators have joined the fight. Sen. Joni Ernst issued a statement Thursday on the Supreme Court hearing on whether to take up the case. “It’s imperative the Supreme Court takes up this case right away and makes clear that this harmful and extreme new law, which would effectively ban Iowa’s pork, bacon, eggs and other top-quality agricultural products, needs to be thrown out,” said Ernst.
The senator is a proponent for legislation being called the Exposing Agricultural Trade Suppression (EATS) Act, a bill that would block actions such as Proposition 12 nationwide.
Sen. Charles Grassley issued remarks Friday morning. “For every pig raised in California, 235 are raised in Iowa,” said Grassley in remarks provided by his office by email Friday morning. “With California’s lack of production, I’m baffled that the Golden State should have any say in how Iowa hog producers raise pigs.”
