Letter to the Editor

Your view: Working for SB 364

Friday, April 20, 2007

As many of your readers already know, Senate Bill 364, better known as the Missouri Farm and Food Preservation Act, has been the focus of a great deal of debate in Jefferson City and across the state. The bill provides for governing concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) in Missouri. I believe this issue is extremely important for not only farmers, but all citizens of Missouri.

Some opponents of the bill have argued that SB 364 is designed to protect corporate farms which they say are harmful to small farms and family interests. What this view fails to consider is that family farms are being hurt by the 16 county health ordinances now in place. The bill would allow farmers to expand and thrive within the existing state laws by not allowing these health ordinances to restrict their operations any longer. Currently 16 different county health ordinances are on the books, which at the very least create a confusing environment for agricultural advancement. Under the new legislation all counties in the state would come under one state regulation, leading to a cleaner climate for local farming.

As the debate wore on, it was clear that a compromise needed to be reached. The Missouri Association of Counties (MAC), which was originally stringently opposed to the bill, is now behind it based on the compromise. The bill in its new form restricts any new Class 1A CAFO, the largest classification, from being established without a permit from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the permission of the county commission. Producers will also have new incentives for best management practices that implement new technologies to lessen pollution. Class II CAFOs, now defined as 650 animal units from 1000, fall under the regulations as well. Finally, and in many ways most importantly, SB 364 would protect farmers from frivolous nuisance lawsuits, provided they are following applicable state law.

This compromise bill has my support. I support it because I believe it protects our farmers by allowing them the opportunity to thrive and prosper in Missouri. I also believe SB 364 contains the necessary environmental standards to keep Missouri clean.

Farmers and non-farmers alike come out on top thanks to SB 364, which is why I will continue to work for its passage.

Sincerely,

Jason Crowell State Senator District 27