Complying with Regulations
Who regulates pork producers?
Pork producers are
regulated at the federal, state and
local levels. The United States Environmental Protection
Agency develops regulations on a federal level. Individual
state regulatory agencies, including
departments of natural resources and environmental
quality, interpret federal regulations and develop state
regulations that must be at least as strict as the federal
regulations. State regulations can be more stringent than
federal regulations. Finally, local regulations may be
developed at the county level in many states.
What environment
regulations apply to pork producers?
 Regulations
can be related to
groundwater, surface water and
coastal water; air quality; animal
and manure disposal; land and soil quality and land use.
Typically, permits are required at the state level for
construction of animal housing and manure storage. Operating
permits for
manure handling also may be required. As in other
industries, pork producers must meet or exceed all
local, state and federal worker health and safety
requirements. |
What resources are
available to help pork producers comply?
 To
help pork producers understand
and comply with regulations, producer-funded organizations,
universities and government
agencies sponsor educational
seminars and workshops.
Environmental consultants are
available to help producers with management initiatives.
There are a number of producer-funded programs. These
programs provide environmental management education and
direction.
Complying with regulations may require that a pork
producer invest in some new equipment or technology.
Several avenues exist to assist farmers with making
these investments. The largest assistance program is
called the Environmental Quality Incentives Program,
administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
The USDA will share some costs with farmers who
implement programs that protect or improve
environmental quality on the farm.
Many state departments of agriculture provide low-interest
loans to farmers making improvements that
protect the environment. These loans are frequently
targeted to smaller farmers. |
