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United Kingdom pig producers can now become accredited to export to California under the US state's new Proposition 12 (Prop 12) regulations.
NSF, the sole Certification Body for Red Tractor pigs in the UK, has become certified to offer Prop 12 certification for UK pork, opening up potential export opportunities for producers.
Prop 12 legislation was recently introduced in California, setting strict production standards across various species, including pigs, and banning sales of pork in the state from farms that don’t meet those standards. The requirements include increased freedom of movement and housing space for sows and gilts.
From January 1, 2024, producers supplying California must have a valid certificate of Prop 12 compliance.
California is a large market of 40 million people, but the Californian and wider US pig sector will be unable to meet the demand for pork produced to these higher standards, including pens that provide 24 square feet per sow. That opens up opportunities for other parts of the world, including the UK.
Red Tractor’s existing ‘outdoor-bred’ Core Standards for pigs already meet these new higher welfare requirements in California. Indoor breeding farms do not automatically meet the requirements but can do so by providing additional space.
As part of their existing Red Tractor assessment, producers will be able to simply add the Prop 12 checks, where required, and have access to this important market for their pork, Red Tractor CEO Jim Moseley said.
November 20, 2023/ National Pig Association/ United Kingdom.
http://www.npa-uk.org.uk
