Boise, ID – Attorney General Raúl Labrador joined a 16-state coalition in a letter to U.S. Congressional leadership, urging the passage of the Ending Agricultural Trade Suppression (“EATS”) Act. The bill prevents California from regulating farmers and ranchers across the country by preserving states’ authority to regulate agriculture within their own borders.
Passing the EATS Act would protect Idaho’s farmers and ranchers from the unnecessary burden California is inflicting on them. It would also provide greater access to the largest market in the nation for our small businesses that rely on out of state sales. By passing the EATS Act, Congress can end California’s discriminatory practice.
“California has long attempted to force societal change through consumers. The state consistently enacts some of the most progressive legislation and compels their adoption across the United States by excluding non-conforming producers from its market. This approach has resulted in price increases for the consumer and hurts smaller producers due to compliance costs. We encourage Congress to end this practice by passing the EATS Act,” Attorney General Labrador said.
In 2018, California passed Proposition 12, a law that requires out-of-state pork producers to comply with strict farming regulations if they want to sell their products in the state. Since California accounts for approximately 13% of the nation’s pork consumption, it has major influence over the whole market. Proposition 12 sets harsh regulations that spikes prices for consumers and may force many pork producers who are unable to comply with the new standards to close their businesses.
This letter was proceeded by a coalition of 11 governors, who wrote to U.S. Congressional leadership in June to encourage the passage of the EATS Act.
Attorney General Labrador joined Arkansas, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, New Hampshire, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Virginia, and West Virginia in the letter.
Read the full letter here.
