On the contentious matter of the poultry settlement in Oklahoma, Governor Kevin Stitt publicly articulated his reaction to an initial agreement with George’s Inc., voicing a mix of approval and ongoing concern for what he deems as insufficient attention to the broader community of growers. The Governor Kevin Stitt expressed a guarded satisfaction that Attorney General Drummond incorporated conditions he had suggested in a prior communication.
"I am glad to see Attorney General Drummond's first settlement reflects the guardrails I put in my letter to him on Nov. 25. This type of discussion should have happened three years ago when he came into office, not after his Grand Marshall Czar is formalized by the court to regulate growers without any say from elected officials or the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry," Governor Kevin Stitt reportedly said in a statement later published on the official state government website. Notably, Governor Stitt has been vocally critical of the handling of the matter, suggesting that the involvement of broader grower representation ought to have been sought much earlier.
The settlement in question appears to address only one Oklahoma grower, which Stitt highlighted as a considerable concern. He renewed his call to the Attorney General to pursue a stay from Judge Frizzell, aiming to create space for wider negotiations that would ideally involve his Secretary of Agriculture and Secretary of Environment, thereby ensuring the state's comprehensive representation in safeguarding both its poultry industry and natural resources.
As per the official statement, Governor Stitt underscored, "This new settlement only helps one grower in Oklahoma, and my concern is for all Oklahoma growers. Today I renew my call for Drummond to request a stay from Judge Frizzell to protect all growers and continue settlement discussions, bringing my Secretary of Agriculture and Secretary of Environment to the table so that the State can be fully represented in protecting both domestic poultry supply and our natural resources.” Stitt's insistence on an inclusive approach speaks to a mounting urgency to address the multifaceted implications of the settlement for all industry stakeholders.
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