What are the perceived negative economic effects of pork production?
A. Concerns typically involve quality-of-life issues like aesthetics, comfort, health, property values and housing development. In some areas of the country, citizen groups have organized to oppose new or expanded pork production facilities. The resulting debates, often emotional and contentious, have caused severe rifts between neighbors and among people in the community. There is very little evidence, however, to support fears of deterioration in quality-of-life for communities that include pork production operations. For example, communities in North Carolina have experienced rapid growth in pork production at the same time tourism has increased. Rural economies grounded in pork production and related businesses have been able to thrive, increasing property values. Small communities can attract and keep young families by supporting growth of the pork industry because it provides opportunities for new businesses and good paying jobs. As pork production methods become more familiar to
