January 14, 2019

NDFB files lawsuit to protect local farmers

Topic: Issues

Bismarck, ND – North Dakota Farm Bureau and Ramsey County Farm Bureau have joined forces to file a lawsuit against Grand Harbor Township. The lawsuit alleges that Grand Harbor Township has gone beyond the limits of the law, attempting to exercise authority it does not possess and impose unnecessary and unconstitutional burdens on local farmers.

In 2012, North Dakotans went to the polls and overwhelmingly voted to enshrine the right to farm and ranch in the State Constitution. Grand Harbor Township has disregarded the decision North Dakotans made at the polls, North Dakota’s Constitution, and the clear limits on township authority in the North Dakota Century Code.

Despite North Dakota’s agricultural roots and storied history of supporting local farmers and ranchers, Grand Harbor Township believes it is above the law, asserting authority to demand compliance with whatever decree the township may dictate. Most recently, Grand Harbor Township targeted a livestock farm that has gone above and beyond to ensure satisfaction of environmental requirements, the state model ordinances, and the well-being of the surrounding community.

Actions and policies such as those adopted by Grand Harbor Township are creating needless red tape and increasing costs to a point that all but precludes family farms and ranches from thriving in the future. NDFB has long been a voice for farmers’ and ranchers’ rights. Townships disregarding the State Constitution as well as the North Dakota Century Code, are detrimental to North Dakota’s farmers and ranchers. NDFB’s lawsuit does not seek to impose its will or agenda on any individual or community, it merely demands that Grand Harbor Township be held accountable and be required to follow the same laws as every other township in the state of North Dakota.

NDFB is the most effective general farm and ranch organization in the state of North Dakota, with more than 27,000 member-families and 50 organized county Farm Bureaus.

For more information on the benefits of animal agriculture in North Dakota, please visit https://ndfb.org/know-the-truth