Springfield, IL - Pork producers fired the latest volley in an on-going public relations battle involving large scale hog farms and the environment.
In a symbolic gesture, 14 pork industry representatives signed a contract promising to continue to "utilize environmentally responible methods of production" and "engage in positive, proactive discussions with our neighbors, our communities, our legislators, and the media."
"Pork production is an industry in transition," said Rick Dean, president of the Illinois Pork Producers Association. "Unfortunately, much of our work is misunderstood and that has led to the spread of inaccurate information."
Pork producers and other agricultural interests are trying to head off a proposal to give local counties veto power over the construction of "mega-hog farms."
The bill, supported by Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan, D- Chicago, would regulate proposed facilities housing 500 or more animal units, the equivalent of 1,250 55-pound feeder pigs.
Pork producers, who generally oppose Madigan's proposal, said they would support some additions to the Livestock Management Facilities Act, such as giving county boards the power to call a public meeting when a farm with more than 1,000 livestock animals would be built.
Under such legislation, which is currently allowed in the case that such a farm would impact a lagoon, the owner of the farm must attend the meeting and could be called on to answer questions about the farm's operations.
Environmentalists have complained about air and water pollution associated with these mega-hog farms, and have called for stricter regulation and more local control.
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