Source:  Chris Scott, MEATINGPLACE.COM, 11/8/10

Two proposed processing plants – neither of which have been formally confirmed by JBS USA or Sanderson Foods – are at the center of separate public efforts to protest their construction within their communities.

Pekin, IL, residents will have an opportunity tonight to discuss concerns that a pork processing plant reportedly planned by JBS will adversely affect the local environment, according to a report in the Peoria Journal Star. 

Citizens for the Future of Pekin reportedly are gathering forces to generate support against the plant during a city council meeting scheduled for tonight. The group contends that the plant could also create dangerous jobs and draw illegal immigrants to the city.

Pekin officials and JBS have yet to confirm that the plant, which could create as many as 2,500 jobs, is planned to be located near the Illinois community about 140 miles southwest of Chicago.

Proposed Sanderson plant
Meanwhile, residents in Nash County in North Carolina are expected to have another chance to voice their concerns about a poultry plant that Sanderson Farms may build on a 150-acre site. 

County commissioners last week rezoned the parcel for general industrial development from residential use, according tothe Rocky Mountain Telegram.

Sanderson Farms officials confirmed that the site is a finalist among two locations where it’s considering building the $96-million plant, which could bring 1,100 jobs when it opens in 2012.

Nash County residents reportedly are upset that county officials did not disclose much information about the project, including the potential participation of Sanderson Farms, until after the parcel was rezoned.

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