Farmers fight federal efforts to block states from promoting humane animal agriculture

In Washington this week, a coalition of family farmers and small meat producers made their case for a more humane food system — and against federal efforts to roll back state animal welfare laws. At the center of the fight is California’s Proposition 12, which bans cramped, inhumane housing for pigs, hens, and calves. Large agribusinesses say it drives up costs; smaller producers say it drives trust. The debate now before Congress could decide whether states keep the right to set their own animal welfare standards.

Shannon Kelleher

The New Lede

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