Joco Today

U.S. Senator Roger Marshall (R-Kansas) has introduced the Food Security and Farm Protection Act, aiming to prevent state or local governments from regulating agricultural commerce in other states. Senator Marshall, in collaboration with members of the Senate Agriculture Committee, is responding to California's Proposition 12, which enforces minimum space requirements for certain farm animals and bans selling products that do not comply with these standards.

"The United States is constantly faced with non-tariff trade barriers from protectionist countries, which hurts American agriculture's access to new markets," stated Senator Marshall. He expressed concern about states like California imposing agricultural regulations affecting Kansas and other agriculture-focused states. "Midwest farmers and ranchers who produce our nation's food supply should not be hamstrung by coastal activist agendas," Marshall emphasized.

Senators Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) are co-leading the initiative. Senator Ernst criticized Proposition 12, saying, "Proposition 12 is dangerous and arbitrary overregulation that stands in direct opposition to the livelihoods of Iowa pork producers, increases costs for both farmers and consumers, and jeopardizes our nation's food security."

Senator Grassley pointed out the inconsistencies in regulations like Proposition 12 and Massachusetts' Question 3, stating that they create a "harmful patchwork" across states. "Consistent with its authorities under the Commerce Clause, it's time for Congress to solve this problem by passing legislation. Our bill will end California’s war on breakfast," Grassley said.

For more details, the full text of the bill is available for review.