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Food supply

Senators Oppose "Food Security and Farm Protection Act" as Threat to State Laws and Farmers' Investments

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

U.S. Senator Adam Schiff led 31 of his Senate colleagues in strongly objecting the inclusion of the "Food Security and Farm Protection Act" (S. 1326) in the next Farm Bill or in any other legislation. The letter expresses concern over the risk this legislation poses to California's Proposition 12, Massachusetts' Question 3, and other similar laws nationwide, which regulate food standards. The Senators argue that the bill would undermine these measures, hurt American farmers who have long met the standards set by Proposition 12 or who already invested in resources to comply.

Key Takeaways:

  • 31 Senate colleagues, led by Senator Adam Schiff, strongly object the inclusion of the "Food Security and Farm Protection Act" (S. 1326) in the next Farm Bill or any other legislation.
  • The bill would threaten California's Proposition 12, Massachusetts' Question 3, and other similar laws nationwide, which regulate food standards.
  • The Senators argue that the bill would hurt American farmers who have long met the standards set by Proposition 12 or who already invested in resources to comply.
  • The bill aims to negate state and local laws when there are no federal standards to take their place, creating an overnight regulatory vacuum.
  • Countless farmers invested resources and made necessary modifications to be compliant with Proposition 12 and Question 3.
  • 15 states have implemented public health, food safety, and humane standards for the in-state production and sale of products from egg-laying chickens, veal calves, and sows.
  • The bill would have a sweeping impact if passed, threatening countless state laws and opening the floodgates to unnecessary litigation.
  • The bill is particularly draconian in that it aims to negate state and local laws when there are no federal standards to take their place.

Statistics:

  • There are 15 states that have implemented public health, food safety, and humane standards for the in-state production and sale of products from egg-laying chickens, veal calves, and sows.
  • 31 Senate colleagues, led by Senator Adam Schiff, signed the letter expressing opposition to the "Food Security and Farm Protection Act" (S. 1326).
  • At least 23 states have restrictions on the importation of Ash trees in order to prevent the spread of the emerald ash borer.
  • Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, South Carolina and Texas are among states that have passed laws to prevent the spread of the Asian citrus psyllid, which causes citrus greening.

Sources:

  • U.S. Senator Adam Schiff's news release (no date)
  • Letter from Senate colleagues to Senate Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee Chair John Boozman (R-Ark.) and Ranking Member Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) (no date)

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