Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack has promised that government lawyers will involve pork industry leaders in discussions over a lawsuit by HSUS. The pork industry is concerned there may be settlement talks between the two regarding the litigation involving the sale of the Other White Meat Trademark to the National Pork Board from NPPC. NPPC President John Weber is encouraged the Ag Secretary wants to work with them on the issue.
He says there is a lot a stake and settlement talks won’t solve the problem. Weber says its critical Vilsack defends their position on the sale of the trademark.
Weber says there isn’t any middle ground between his industry and an activist organization like HSUS.
Ag Secretary Vilsack says he’s directed USDA to fully brief pork industry leaders about what’s going on with any talks with HSUS. He adds the court instructed him to see if there is any common ground on the issue between USDA and HSUS.
