Federal Judge Sets Court Date for Challenge to Massachusetts Q3 Pork Rules

A federal judge has scheduled a hearing for next month to address the legal efforts aimed at blocking the implementation of Massachusetts’ Question 3 rule, which imposes restrictions on the sale of pork products derived from hogs and pigs raised in pens deemed too small.

U.S. District Court Judge William Young has slated an in-person hearing for September 6th to consider a motion filed by Triumph Foods and other plaintiffs who are contesting the measure that was passed by Massachusetts voters back in 2016.

The lawsuit brought forth by Triumph Foods argues that the law unfairly discriminates against hog farmers and pork processors from outside of Massachusetts. According to the law, products cannot be sold in the state if the animals were not raised in pens of a specific, mandated size. The plaintiffs assert that such penalties could disrupt the pork supply chain and potentially lead to contractual violations between farmers, companies, and other local businesses.