Crate-free meat companies and independent hog farmers recently came together to host a briefing in Washington, D.C. in support of animal welfare and to oppose the Ending Agricultural Trade Suppression Act. In addition to the briefing, the coalition met with members of Congress to discuss the risks of the proposed EATS Act to farmers, businesses, voters and consumers.

The coalition says if the EATS Act is included in the farm bill, it will reverse California’s Proposition 12 and Massachusetts's Question 3, which are "common-sense, democratically-adopted standards for farm animal welfare. Rolling back these laws will hurt farmers, businesses and consumers alike."

Key organizers included True Story Foods and Niman Ranch along with direct-to-consumer meat brand ButcherBox. They were joined at the event by independent hog farmers from across the country. Served at the Congressional briefing were crate-free and Proposition 12 certified meats from Niman Ranch and True Story Foods for guests to enjoy.

Each company, brand and farm participating in the event said it has found economic opportunity thanks to California’s Proposition 12 and the similar Massachusetts’s Question 3, two laws that require select pork products sold in the states be sourced from farms that provide pregnant pigs enough room to lay down and turn around. This first-of-its-kind coalition is "united to share an alternative perspective to the dominant narrative being perpetuated by the industrial pork sector and highlight how their businesses would be harmed if EATS were to move forward and roll back Prop 12 and Q3."

“As a farmer who has raised pigs without crates for my whole life, I’m frustrated that Congress could overturn something that was strongly supported by voters and affirmed by the Supreme Court,” said Ron Mardesen, an Iowa farmer who partners with Niman Ranch to sell his pigs. “It isn’t right for farmers, for animals or for the American consumer who is demanding stronger animal welfare practices that align with their values.”

The coalition says in addition to being a significant setback for animal welfare, it would also economically harm farmers who have invested in certification and updating their barns to become compliant with Proposition 12.

“At True Story Foods, our farmers have invested millions to become compliant with Proposition 12, for our business and the state of California. The EATS Act threatens the livelihoods of our farmers and the future of our business by undermining the progress we've made. This isn’t just about upholding humane practices—it's about protecting the investments and values that our farmers and consumers believe in,” said Phil Gatto, Co-Founder and CEO of True Story Foods.