Editor, The Smithfield Times:

Who would have guessed that healthy eating would be the potential demise of a 272-year-old town? The recent Smithfield Foods decision to discontinue hams prepared via the six-month, salt-cure technique — and protected by state law — has the potential to do just that. 

Most companies with an $18 billion product portfolio — and with an eye on returning to the U.S. stock market — don’t stay in small, albeit wonderful, places like Smithfield. I expect that by jettisoning the only thing linking Smithfield Foods to Smithfield, Virginia — the iconic Smithfield Ham — we should expect their headquarters to move to a New York City or Chicago or the like.

Never underestimate the draw of direct flights and exciting environments on human beings! Headquarters for Norfolk Southern and Caterpillar were moved for just those reasons. I hope, for the sake of our wonderful town, that Smithfield Foods stays in place. They have been a tremendous asset and financial supporter of our community. 

I, for one, am not holding my breath that they will remain. Town leaders and planners, I pledge my support to helping us collectively weather the changes in store for Smithfield — even if I’m wrong in my prediction! I hope other readers feel similarly.

 

Robert Armstrong

Smithfield