By Jamie Martin
Farmers across the U.S., supported by the ASPCA, are speaking out against the proposed EATS Act, which could erase important state animal protection laws such as Proposition 12. These laws have improved the lives of millions of farm animals and supported farmers who follow humane, sustainable practices.
The ASPCA explains that laws like Prop 12 reflect public demand for better treatment of animals. Already, about half of U.S. egg production is cage-free. The EATS Act, however, would remove these protections and force all states to follow weaker federal rules—hurting ethical farms and allowing animal cruelty.
Farmers like Michael Kovach from Pennsylvania and Trisha Zachman from Minnesota say Prop 12 provides valuable market opportunities. “Overturning Prop 12 would hurt farms like ours that already meet humane standards,” says Zachman. Farmers in Iowa, Georgia, and Illinois agree that ethical, pasture-based systems depend on such laws for survival and growth.
Will Harris of White Oak Pastures warns the EATS Act would reward cruel confinement systems and penalize farmers who invest in animal welfare. These farmers stress that state laws increase consumer trust and offer farmers a fair chance to thrive.
“For our family farm, Proposition 12 isn't a burden, it's an opportunity,” shared Trisha Zachman, of Feathered Acres Farm in Belgrade, Minn. Trisha and her family raise crate-free pigs that they sell both locally and into national markets through the natural meat brand Niman Ranch. “The stable market for crate-free pork through markets like California helps farms like ours stay viable. Rolling back Proposition 12 wouldn't just hurt the animals; it would hurt farms like ours that are already meeting these humane standards.”
The ASPCA is urging the public to contact Congress and demand that the EATS Act be excluded from the Farm Bill. Farmers and consumers must work together to support humane, sustainable agriculture.
Visit aspca.org/eatsact to learn more and take action.
Categories: National