For Agriculture, there are plenty of environmental concerns. These issues are not just local concerns – they are national in scope and national in impact.
- What will be the impact of the Waters of the United States Rule?
- How will Yakima Valley (Washington) court cases impact manure-handling practices in the future?
- Will recent, state cases involving nutrients in groundwater further change manure handling?
- What (additional) legislative “fixes” might be pending to address concerns about recent algal blooms?
Which of these will receive the greatest attention? Which of these will have the greatest impact on agriculture? That is difficult to know with any certainty. After all, the formula for getting attention involving anything “environmental” is not necessarily equal parts environmental science, political science, or social science. But it’s important to recognize that all are involved in the mix of opinions and decisions.
What may be more important to recognize is what activist groups have long recognized. That is the outcome of “local” litigation in Iowa, Washington, Texas, or anywhere else in the United States can, and does, impact far beyond the local jurisdictions. That’s why some groups put so much energy into these local cases and why those that are regulated need to prepare for and have a response that is, at a minimum, proportionate.
Ignoring the potential trend of litigation involving agriculture and the consequences of these legal actions could well reverse the, nothing short of , advancements in agriculture. I think it’s fair to say that the majority of citizens outside of agriculture don’t have an appreciation for these advancements because most are simply too far removed. And they are far removed from the process precisely because of these advancements.
Whether you produce the food, process the food, or are otherwise involved in agriculture, watching from the sidelines as environmental cases develop is not an option. You need to understand how this will impact your business and why it is critical to develop reasonable and responsible environmental policies that will protect the environment and protect producers of our food.
As I have suggested in the past, when matters involve potential litigation or other consequential environmental matters that require scientific expertise, I’m confident my colleagues at Dragun can help to put these issues into proper perspective.
Please feel free to contact me (ahahn@dragun.com) at 248-932-0228 with questions or comments.