BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) - Opponents of recent changes to North Dakota's anti-corporate farming law can begin circulating petitions to try to bring the issue to voters.
Secretary of State Al Jaeger announced Monday that he approved the format of the petition. Supporters need to gather and submit at least 13,452 valid signatures by June 18 to get a proposed measure on the June 2016 ballot.
Gov. Jack Dalrymple signed the legislation last month that exempts ailing pork and dairy operations from the state's anti-corporate farming law.
Supporters say it's intended to revitalize dairy and swine farms after years of decline. Opponents believe the anti-corporate farming law blocks unfair competition from big, out-of-state corporations.