17 Sep Denver Slaughterhouse Ban and Its Impact on the Meat Industry
The upcoming ballot in November has Denver facing a big decision.
The ballot is seeking to prohibit slaughterhouses within the city limits, starting January 1, 2026.
While we are a state funded commission who typically stays neutral on political opinions, the California Sheep Commission feels it is important to share this information and how it can impact not only Denver consumers, but the potential dangers it poses for California and beyond.
The ballot is currently targeting a single USDA-inspected slaughterhouse that has been a part of the Denver community for over 70 years. This is Denver’s only slaughterhouse and it produces Halal-certified meat, which is based on humane treatment throughout the entire lifecycle of the animal in accordance with Muslim religious traditions. It is also an employee-owned business that is responsible for providing 160 well-paying jobs with benefits, and the campaign stresses that closing the slaughterhouse would devastate not only these employees but also their families and the local economy. And the local economy goes beyond the state of Colorado.
“This not only impacts Colorado producers, but it also deeply impacts California producers. Each year, many California producers send their California Lambs to Colorado for further feeding and harvesting at the Superior plant which is being targeted. The best thing we can do is educate voters and consumers about this short-sighted ban,” says Florence Cubiburu, owner of Cubiburu Livestock in Stockton, CA.
Key Concerns
Job Losses and Economic Impact: The campaign highlights the potential loss of 160 direct jobs and over 2,700 additional jobs indirectly connected to the business, such as those in local restaurants and butchers. A study by the Regional Economic Development Institute at Colorado State University estimates the overall negative impact on the local economy to be $861 million.
Increased Food Costs: The campaign points out that banning the slaughterhouse would lead to higher food prices, particularly for low-income families. With the local facility closed, meat would have to be sourced from out of state, increasing transportation costs and harming the affordability of essential food products.
Environmental Impact: Opponents of the measure argue that the closure of a local food source would increase the environmental footprint by requiring more food to be transported over long distances, leading to greater carbon emissions and a move away from sustainable practices.
Misleading Promises: The campaign emphasizes that the ballot measure misleadingly suggests displaced workers would receive compensation and support for retraining, but these assurances are not guaranteed within the text of the measure
An Expanding Impact: If the ban on harvesting houses in Denver passes, it could set a precedent that impacts other cities and states across the country. Such a legislative move may encourage activists or policymakers in other regions to push for similar bans, potentially targeting harvesting houses or other agricultural sectors. This can lead to job losses across the country, substantial rising food costs, and ultimately impact national food security. The meatpacking industry plays a critical role in the national food supply. If bans like this spread, the U.S. might face a reduced capacity to process meat domestically, leading to increased reliance on foreign suppliers. This could not only increase costs but also expose the nation to greater risks in terms of food security, especially during times of global supply chain disruptions.
We encourage Denver residents to learn more about the ban and join the movement!
By using our channels for greater good, we can help to raise awareness and make a difference. Please consider voting against the ban to avoid these potential negative consequences for the community. For more information and ways to support the campaign, visit Stop the Ban. Protect Jobs.