An Arkansas state senator is urging Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders to declare a state of emergency in response to the closure of poultry business Cooks Venture, as well as the potential depopulation of chickens being raised for the company.
Sen. Bryan King, R-Green Forest, penned a letter to the governor on December 8, pointing out the need for an emergency declaration. State Agriculture Secretary Wes Ward also received a copy of the letter.
Cooks Venture recently announced that would cease operations, citing financial difficulties and the inability to find a buyer for the company. Contract growers for the company were informed that their chickens would be euthanized. Cooks Venture was founded in 2019 by Matthew Wadiak, former chief operating officer of Blue Apron. The company had operations in Arkansas and Missouri.
King is also the owner of Triple K Farms in Green Forest, his website states, and according to a report from KY3, is a poultry grower himself.
“I am writing to express my utmost concern regarding the closing of Cooks Venture and resulting possible euthanization of more than 1 million chickens. This matter significantly affects poultry growers, involves serious animal welfare and disease concerns, and creates environmental issues. The impact of the volume of decaying birds to be disposed of is an economic nightmare, and it should not be the burden of growers,” wrote King.
“We need to provide full compensation to the growers, feed suppliers and any entity related to helping the situation. The company is under financial duress, and at this time, the state needs to assume responsibility. It is my hope the state can recoup the cost at a later date. …
“Due to the urgency and numerous impacts of this situation, I ask you to issue a declaration of emergency.”
Earlier this year, John Niemann, a former Cargill Protein executive, was named CEO of Cooks Venture.
King is serving his second nonconsecutive term in the Arkansas State Senate. He also previously served three terms in the Arkansas State House of Representatives.
Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee SandersCourtesy State of Arkansas
Sanders’ term as governor began with her inauguration on January 10, 2023. She is a second-generation Arkansas governor, with her father, Mike Huckabee, serving in that capacity from 1996 to 2007. From 2017 to 2019, Sanders worked for the federal government as White House press secretary.
