Illinois Pork Farmers Seek Federal Support Amid California Mandates

By Andi Anderson

Illinois pork farmers are expressing concerns over potential food insecurity in urban areas due to legislative mandates proposed in California. Democratic state lawmakers in Illinois are considering several bills aimed at increasing food accessibility through taxpayer-funded grant programs.

Among the proposed bills is Senate Bill 3219, which seeks to provide grants for equipment upgrades to grocers, while Senate Bill 2209 aims to establish a grant program offering up to $7,500 per school site for Breakfast After the Bell programs. Additionally, Senate Bill 1931 proposes to provide free breakfast and lunch to all Illinois students attending public and private K-12 schools. State Senator Dave Koehler, a Democrat from Peoria, is sponsoring Senate Bill 3077, which would require the Illinois Department of Agriculture to administer grants to enhance food processing and distribution, with a focus on supporting small family farms.

Jennifer Tirey, the executive director of the Illinois Pork Producers Association, emphasizes the need to address California's Proposition 12, which mandates certain space requirements for livestock confinement and restricts the sale of pork in California. Most Illinois pork farmers are unable to comply with Prop 12, citing financial constraints.

Tirey highlights the potential impact on urban areas, warning of food insecurity resulting from limitations on pork distribution. She stresses the urgency of finding a solution at the federal level, particularly in the upcoming Farm Bill, to prevent a patchwork of state regulations that could further hinder farmers' ability to provide affordable protein.

Tirey is engaging with members of Illinois' congressional delegation to seek support for a federal solution and express concerns about the repercussions of Prop 12 being upheld by the Supreme Court. The Illinois Pork Producers Association advocates for a permanent solution in the Farm Bill to ensure the viability of pork farming and food accessibility nationwide.

Photo Credit: illinois-pork-producers-association