Lucrative Californian market opens up to UK pork in the new year

California’s Proposition 12 is crucial for UK farmers who want to comply with the state’s new animal welfare standards

NSF, the only Red Tractor Certification Body for pork, can now certify British pork for the lucrative Californian market.

NSF has become one of the first UK certification bodies to offer California’s Proposition 12 (Prop 12) certification for UK pork. 

This certification is crucial for British farmers who want to comply with the new Californian animal welfare standards that comes into effect on 1 January 2024.

California consumes nearly 15% of all US pork, yet only produces 1%, so it relies heavily on imports from other states and internationally.

As part of Prop 12, the US state has introduced improved welfare requirements covering the housing of sows and gilts. 

From 1 January 2024 producers supplying California must have a valid certificate of Prop 12 compliance.

Red Tractor’s existing ‘outdoor-bred’ Core Standards for pigs already meet these new higher welfare requirements in California. 

Indoor breeding farms providing additional space can also achieve Prop 12 certification.

Responding, Red Tractor CEO, Jim Moseley, said it was an important milestone for the British pig sector.