What is this bill?
The Food Security and Farm Protection Act (S. 1326) is the new name for the Ending Agricultural Trade Suppression, or “EATS Act.” Despite its new name, this bill would actually increase the risk of viral diseases, like bird flu, and further disadvantage independent farms and farmers against Big Ag.
What would the Food Security and Farm Protection Act language do?
The language would prevent states from implementing their own agricultural and farm animal protection laws, under the guise of maintaining a national market for livestock-derived products. It would nullify the hard-earned laws that already exist in certain states, including Question 3 (2016) in Massachusetts and Proposition 12 (2018) in California. Both are landmark measures that prevent the sale of eggs, pork, and veal products derived from farm animals who aren’t provided sufficient living space.
The Act would repeal these and other statues, despite the Supreme Court’s 2023 decision to uphold Prop 12. The Court ruled that state agricultural laws are indeed constitutional even if they affect trade across state lines.
Why is opposing this bill important?
If this passes, it would roll back the limited, yet critical, farm animal welfare progress we’ve made in states like Massachusetts and California and prevent other states from following their lead.
What can I do?
Contact your federal legislators and ask them to ensure this bill does not advance. You can find their contact information on our website.
