Farmers form new group to protect Prop 12 and local control (Agri-Pulse): A new coalition of family farmers and meat companies has launched the American Meat Producers Association (AMPA) to defend state animal welfare laws like California’s Proposition 12. These laws require more humane livestock housing, such as crate-free systems, which many small and mid-sized farms have already adopted. AMPA says overturning such state standards through federal preemption would hurt independent farmers who’ve made these investments, eliminate consumer choice, and undo years of progress in animal welfare.
AMPA’s leaders, including farmers like Brent Hershey and Joel Salatin, say they’re tired of having decisions made in Washington without their input, often favoring large industry groups like the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC). While NPPC claims to speak for all pork producers, AMPA argues it gives a much-needed voice to farmers who support local control and humane practices. Retailers and meat companies like ButcherBox and Perdue Farms back these laws too, citing strong consumer demand and stable markets under Prop 12. Despite some House Republicans pushing federal laws to override state rules, AMPA says support is growing to protect state rights and family farm investments.
Trump threatens China cooking oil trade over soybean dispute (Bloomberg): President Trump warned that the U.S. might cut off cooking oil exports from China as retaliation for Beijing’s decision to halt purchases of American soybeans—an act he called “economically hostile” and harmful to U.S. soybean farmers. He argues the move is aimed at pressuring China, although the country has been able to secure its vegetable oil needs through South American suppliers.
China’s soybean import behavior has become a flashpoint in U.S.–China tensions, coming after a string of tariff battles and trade standoffs. Trump’s threat underscores how agricultural markets have become tools in broader geopolitical conflict—and signals that food exports, once relatively apolitical, may now be weaponized in trade disputes.