Makin\' Bacon Cost More - Dan Sumner

$\"\"$ Bacon crisis? Or not? Since Californians voted to require more space for pigs, chickens and veal calves, consumers have started to worry about what it will mean for the price and availability of bacon. The effects will not only be felt in California but nationwide for pig farmers, meat packers, food distributors, restaurants, supermarkets and consumers. UC Davis AG Economists, Daniel Sumner and Rich Sexton have studied the situation and identified what to expect when consumers in one state want production practices followed that are not required in other states. Professor Sumner explains that the regulations dictate minimum space just for breeding sows. Fresh pork (not processed) ultimately sold in California can only be from California compliant pens that provide 24 square feet of space per sow instead of the industry standard 20 square feet–requiring farmers to build more space (higher cost) or cut production (lower income). That in turn will have a ripple effect through every state with likely implications to future production standards of other food products. ( But there will be bacon.)

https://thehill.com/opinion/energy-environment/568762-californias-animal-welfare-law-caused-hysteria-on-both-sides-here

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About Table Talk

The Farm To Table Talk podcast is a virtual table for conversations about ideas, insights, and journeys of chefs, farmers, policymakers, researchers, NGOs and the food-focused public about our food and how it is grown, prepared and shared throughout society. The host, Rodger Wasson is a food and agriculture veteran. Raised on his family’s farm in Central Illinois, he has worked for and with every size, type, and age of farmers and aspiring farmers. Whether new, old, big or small, they are all part of today’s food movement. The Farm to Table Talk podcasts are for those interested in journeys within the modern food system and the stories behind our every bite. Contact rodger@idea-farming with your thoughts, suggestions or questions.