California Department of Food & Agriculture Announces Public Comment Period on Humane Confinement Regulations

The California Department of Food & Agriculture (CDFA) is accepting public comments through December 7, 2021, on proposed farm animal confinement standards. The CDFA had accepted comments earlier in the year, but has reopened the comment period through December 17, 2021. The regulations are being promulgated pursuant to Proposition 12, the “Prevention of Cruelty to Farm Animal Act,” a ballot initiative that passed with 63% of the vote during California’s 2018 election. The Act requires agricultural producers to provide more space for egg-laying hens, breeding pigs, and calves raised for veal and also prohibits California businesses from selling eggs, pork, or veal products sourced from animals who were not provided these minimum space requirements.