California Prop. 12 continues to threaten pork affordability

California's Proposition 12 prohibits the sale of pork from breeding sows housed below minimum space requirements. Researchers at the North Dakota State University Agricultural Risk Policy Center found that Prop.12-driven price increases have persisted, even two years after the law was fully implemented. On average, prices for covered products are 20% higher due to Prop. 12, calculated by comparing price increases in California to the rest of the United States. Specifically, Prop 12 has driven prices for pork loins up 32%, ribs 22%, shoulders 16%, and bacon 16%, according to the latest data.

Furthermore, California consumers have paid $350 million more for pork products while their consumption of pork has significantly declined due to Prop. 12.

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