Group files plan to collect petitions to halt pork processing plant

April 21, 2022

A group opposed to the Wholestone Farms plan to construct a pork processing plant in Sioux Falls plans to take the issue to voters.

The group Smart Growth Sioux Falls filed with the city clerk’s office April 15 to circulate petitions for an ordinance that would amend the city’s zoning regulations.

It would provide that no new slaughterhouse would be permitted to build or operate within the city limits. It would not apply to an existing slaughterhouse, meaning that Smithfield Foods could continue to operate or expand at its downtown location.

Wholestone Farms purchased land last year in northeast Sioux Falls for a proposed $500 million processing plant owned by pork producers. The property is zoned for that type of use.

Smart Growth Sioux Falls is represented by political strategist Robert Peterson, as is Citizens for a Sustainable Sioux Falls, a nonprofit organization. The nonprofit last month called on the City Council to stop the project. No councilors have brought any action forward. Citizens for a Sustainable Sioux Falls is a member of the coalition that supports the ballot initiative.

“The voters of Sioux Falls deserve a say in the matter before we rush ahead on a new mega-slaughterhouse near our homes, businesses and schools,” Peterson said.“The petition would ensure that any new slaughterhouse is built beyond city limits, where it doesn’t raise the same widespread concerns about odor, traffic, water quality, housing and other issues.”

In its communication to the council, the group included opposition from 57 businesses and organizations along with 40 citizens.

“A new hog processing plant in our community could have profound implications on the health, safety and quality of life of area residents,” it wrote.

“Yet there has been no serious attempt to study the potential impacts of this project, including odor, traffic, water quality, workforce and affordable housing.”

No councilors or the mayor’s office responded to the letter, Peterson said.

“We just believe that on an issue that’s this big that voters should be heard, and that’s what we’ve been hearing in our conversations,” he said. “They don’t know about the issue, and when they do, they don’t think it should be in city limits.”

Wholestone is working through permitting for the project, which is estimated to take more than two years to build, with an opening planned in 2025.

“Our farmers have worked diligently to site our project following all the rules and process outlined by both the state of South Dakota and the city of Sioux Falls since 2016,” Wholestone board chair Dr. Luke Minion said in a statement.

“We are thankful for a multiyear process that has been conducted with professionalism and open communications. Our site is appropriately zoned for the project, and we are grateful for the opportunity to participate in Sioux Falls.”

Wholestone invites “those asked to sign the petition to contact us directly and learn more about our project,” Minion said. “We are confident our business is a great addition to Sioux Falls. Those that choose to sign this petition are directly harming our local farmers’ ability to compete in the pork industry. This petition creates a clear double standard in Sioux Falls relative to pork harvest and processing opportunities and is not the right approach for long-term positive Sioux Falls development.”

Smart Growth Sioux Falls believes its petition “will withstand any legal scrutiny,” Peterson said.

“No ground has been broken, and no permits have been issued.”

To put the issue on the ballot will require signatures from 5 percent of registered voters, or about 6,000 people. The City Council could hold a special election or could put it to voters during the November general election. November is the target election for the group, Peterson said.

Pork producer-owned company plans to build $500M Sioux Falls facility

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Group files plan to collect petitions to halt pork processing plant

A group opposed to the Wholestone Farms plan to construct a pork processing plant in Sioux Falls plans to take the issue to voters.

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