Prop 12 FAQ

What is Prop 12?

Prop 12, or Proposition 12, establishes new minimum standards for the confinement of laying hens, breeding pigs and calves raised for veal and bans the sale of non-compliant products in the state of California.

Is Applegate Farms affected by Prop 12?

The short answer is, no!  Applegate humanely raised standards exceed Prop 12 requirements for pigs, allowing us to continue to serve you crave-able pork items, such as bacon.

How does the Applegate standard compare to conventional standards and Prop 12 standards?

Applegate’s standards exceed both conventional and Prop 12 standards. When it comes to minimum space requirements, sows that are Applegate humanely raised are given at least 32 square feet of space, whereas the vast majority of conventionally raised pigs come from sows held in gestations crates with approximately 14 square feet of space. The Prop 12 standard requires a minimum of 24 square feet, which is an improvement to most conventional systems, but still less space than the Applegate requirement.

In addition to spacing requirements, the Applegate standard takes animal comfort and health a step further by prohibiting practices such as tail docking, teeth clipping and the use of growth promotants and antibiotics- all of which are allowed under the conventional standard and Prop 12.

To learn more about Applegate humanely raised standards and how our pigs are raised CLICK HERE.

What products are affected by Prop 12?

Prop 12 affects the production of uncooked pork products, such as pork chops. It also affects eggs and veal, which are products Applegate does not offer.

Does Prop 12 affect pork products that are considered cooked?

No, Prop 12 affects veal from calves, (b) uncooked pork from breeding pigs, and (c) shelled and liquid eggs from hens when the animals are confined to areas below minimum square-feet requirements.

Will Prop 12 affect the price of APPLEGATE® products?

No. APPLEGATE® pork products already meet Prop 12 requirements and prices of our products will remain the same.

Does Prop 12 affect consumers outside of California?

Currently, no. Prop 12 is subject to the jurisdiction of California. However, other states do have similar laws in place such as the Massachusetts Act.

What is the Massachusetts Act?

Similarly to Prop 12, the Massachusetts Act establishes new standards for the confinement of laying hens, pigs and calves and bans the sale of non-compliant products in the state.