The Humane Society of the United States says they have not engaged in new settlement talks with USDA regarding a lawsuit since December. HSUS has filed a lawsuit against USDA over the sale of intellectual property within the pork industry. It involves the sale of the Other White Meat trademark to the National Pork Board from the National Pork Producers Council. HSUS Policy and Ag Director Joe Maxwell says the case is continuing.
At the recent Pork Industry Forum, the National Pork Board voted unanimously to urge Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack to vigorously defend their position rather than settle out of court on the issue. Maxwell is not surprised by that move.
Maxwell who raises hogs in Missouri says in 2,000 he voted with other pork producers in a referendum to discontinue the pork check off but that was administratively overturned.
USDA has until early May to complete their review of NPPC’s contract with the National Pork Board.
