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N.D. (AP) – A group that wants to block a new law that relaxes North Dakota’s Depression-era ban against corporate farming has successfully pushed the matter to a public vote.

Secretary of State Al Jaeger says his office has verified that submitted petitions have enough valid signatures to put the measure on the June ballot.

The North Dakota Farmers Union is leading the campaign to overturn the Legislature’s decision to exempt pork and dairy operations from the state’s anti-corporate farming law.

The successful petition drive means the law’s Aug. 1 effective date will be delayed until after the election next year.

Supporters of the legislation say delaying it would be another blow to the already ailing swine and dairy industries in the state.