DENVER, CO – This evening, Denver voters struck down Initiative 309, the Denver Slaughterhouse Ban. Initiative 309, which would have prohibited the operation of slaughterhouses in the City and County of Denver was not only an attack on a single employee-owned business, Superior Farms, but also a broader attack on Colorado’s agricultural and livestock communities. Our organizations appreciate Denver voters coming together to protect jobs, local food security, and the economic well-being of our Capitol City and the state of Colorado as a whole.
"The Colorado Wool Growers Association is deeply appreciative to the voters of Denver for recognizing the damaging impacts of Initiative 309. It's been an incredibly stressful year for the 160 workers at Superior Farms, not knowing if they would lose their jobs because of a radical out-of-state activist group using the slaughterhouse as a pawn in their agenda to end livestock production in the United States. Colorado does not need activist groups attempting to dismantle the food supply chain and damage the businesses of agriculturalists across the nation. The farmers and ranchers in Colorado that raise lamb and produce wool are grateful to Denver voters for recognizing the far-reaching impacts of this unnecessary ban," stated John Field, CWGA President.
“We thank Denver voters for halting the harmful slaughterhouse ban initiative and recognizing the initiative for what it was: a misguided, unfair attack on agriculture,” said Tom Harrington, Colorado Cattlemen’s Association President. “This resounding defeat demonstrates that voters agree on the importance of protecting consumer choice for local food sources, supporting Colorado’s farmers and ranchers, and contributing to the resilience of the local meat supply chain.”
“Initiative 309 was an attack on the entire livestock industry by a small group of radical outsiders,” said Chris Kraft, Board Chair of the Colorado Dairy Farmers. “We are very appreciative that the voters in Denver understood clearly the motives behind Initiative 309 and rejected such a devastating proposal. We are ready to continue defending our industry wherever the activists pursue their agenda next.”
“We are so very grateful for the voters of Denver rejecting such an extreme proposal from a bunch of outsiders who want to change not only Denver, but Colorado and beyond. Clearly, the voters of Denver understood that without local processing, our food only comes from farther and farther away. It is obvious their thinly-veiled initiative was an attempt to stop people from eating meat. And the voters of Denver understood that,” said John Graves, Rocky Mountain Bison Association President.
“The Colorado Pork Producers Council is thrilled at the defeat of Proposition 309 in Denver. This outcome reflects the voice of our community and the importance of responsible agriculture practices in our state. Colorado's farmers and ranchers are dedicated to providing high-quality, safe food while respecting animal welfare and environmental stewardship. We thank all those who engaged in this vital conversation and supported our local agricultural economy. Together, we can continue to nurture a thriving agricultural community that benefits everyone in Colorado,” stated Brett Rutledge, Colorado Pork Producers Council President.
