Farm Press Release

Miller Comment on Smithfield Lawsuit

DES MOINES. Following is a comment in response to the lawsuit filed yesterday by Smithfield Foods Inc., the world's largest pork processor. Smithfield filed suit in Federal District Court alleging that portions of Iowa's law prohibiting packer control of pork production is unconstitutional.

Comment by Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller:

"As always, we will vigorously defend the validity of the statute enacted by the Legislature. Two successive General Assemblies took action to amend and strengthen Iowa law regulating corporate farming. The purpose of the law stated by the Legislature is to preserve free and private enterprise, prevent monopoly, and protect consumers."

Smithfield lawsuit petition.

Judge Schechtman's February 5, 2002 Ruling in State of Iowa v. Smithfield foods, Inc., and Prestage-Stoecker Farms, Ind., Iowa District Court for Humboldt County, No. EQCV16629

Senate File 2309, Seventy-ninth General Assembly

Plaintiffs' Memorandum in Support of Motion for Summary Judgment

Defendant's Brief in Support of Resistance to Plaintiffs' Motion for Summary Judgment

Amicus Curiae Memorandum of Authorities in Resistance to Plaintiffs' Motion For Summary Judgment

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