In 2016, the Prestage slaughterhouse received $24.3 million public dollars in incentives from Governor Kim Reynolds and the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IED) to build in Eagle Grove. That's money that could have been used for public schools, hospitals, and rural infrastructure.

A review process for Prestage began in August of 2019. We want to know will the IED hold Prestage accountable with our money? CCI leaders from North Central Iowa tried setting up a meeting with Debi Durham - Director of the IED. After two months of "scheduling" they agreed to a meeting, only to cancel two days before. Now, they are trying to push our meeting back another two months.

This is not the first time this slaughterhouse tried to hijack our public coffers. Before building in Eagle Grove, Prestage Foods attempted to build in Mason City. CCI members and clean water fighters successfully organized and pressured the Mason City City Council to deny the use of public money for Prestage shutting the project down.

After it's loss in Mason City, the Prestage slaughterhouse proposed a site in Eagle Grove. Despite strong local and statewide opposition, the Wright County board of supervisors approved the slaughterhouse proposal 3-0.

That's when the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IED) gave the Prestage slaughterhouse $24.3 million in "incentives". In exchange for our money, Prestage promised to create 332 "high quality" jobs that pay at least $15.54/hour with some benefits.

If Prestage hasn't fulfilled their promises, they need to pay that money back!

We know the true impact corporate ag has on rural economies: town squares with bordered up shops; fewer and fewer job opportunities; and hospitals that no longer deliver babies.

We can't, and never have been able to afford the cost of propping up the factory farm industry. Join us in demanding that IED Director Debbie Durham meet with CCI members and hold Prestage accountable for our public dollars.