Release No. 0200.98 Remarks OF U.S AGRICULTURE SECRETARY DAN GLICKMAN NATIONAL SUMMIT ON ANIMAL WASTE ISSUES HART SENATE OFFICE BUILDING WASHINGTON, D.C. -- MAY 5, 1998 "Senator Harkin, I want to thank you for bringing all of us together for this important dialogue. It takes guts for you to tackle this issue, and for many folks here to join in this effort. But as the saying goes, no guts, no glory.' "I have here with me yesterday afternoon's USDA news summary. I'd just like to read a few headlines to all of you: Debate Over Livestock Rules Rages In Oklahoma;' Livestock Waste a Threat to Ozark Waterways;' Dealing with Feedlot Operations' in Minnesota; Impact of New Kansas Hog Farm Rules Assessed;' Battle Over Colorado Hog Farms May Rest on Ballot Initiative;' Town Fights Hog Farm' in South Carolina ... Animal feeding operations are the biggest conservation issue in agriculture today, bar none. "There is no easy solution, and not the least of the reasons for that is the level of mistrust that emanates from all sides in this debate. I know that some folks in agriculture aren't too thrilled to see the Environmental Protection Agency here today. I can say that because I know that some in the environmental community are wary of USDA's presence. But Carol and I are both here because we have been charged by President Clinton, in his Clean Water Action Plan, with working together -- as equal partners -- to get this done right, to work with all of you to come up with a solution that ensures cleaner, healthier water and a sustainable livestock industry. "The time is right. The livestock industry -- like all of agriculture -- has changed dramatically in the last 20 years. Today, we see fewer and larger livestock operations. We see more water quality problems. We also see a mass migration of large livestock operations to regions with the least rules, leaving our communities with separate and unequal environmental and health protections. "For too long, this issue has been left to fester -- pitting neighbor against neighbor, tearing communities apart. Some want an outright ban on large operations; others want them heavily regulated. I think all of us can see the writing on the wall. We must work together to figure out how we preserve our health, our environment, and a sustainable, economically viable livestock industry -- which accounts for half of all sales in U.S. agriculture today. "I want to commend the National Pork Producers Council and the National Broiler Council for understanding the importance of this effort. The Pork Producers, in particular, have taken a strong lead in the push toward more environmentally sensitive operations. They are committing over $10 million in the next three years to work with producers. Their commitment is genuine, and I hope that other livestock groups follow their example. "We need to work with producers, and with the relevant state and local entities. This effort can't be the feds stepping in and taking over. We have to work together, and I am proud of the role that USDA can and will play. "The way I see it, USDA has three critical roles: as a provider of technical and financial assistance to producers in their clean water efforts; as researchers that give producers economically and environmentally sensible solutions; and as equal partners, working side by side with the Environmental Protection Agency to establish reasonable and fair regulatory standards. "I should point out that animal feeding operations are just one component of the President's Clean Water Action Plan, which deals with all sources of non-point pollution, including agriculture to urban, suburban, industrial and coastal run-off. This plan also involves not just EPA and USDA, but all federal agencies that have a role in ensuring clean water. Rather than scapegoating agriculture as the problem, this plan clearly identifies our farmers and ranchers as a significant part of the solution -- if we as a nation put our money where our mouth is. "This Administration has put us on that path with strong investments in voluntary, incentive-based conservation efforts. In 1996, we created the Environmental Quality Incentives Program -- the first USDA program that targets substantial conservation funds to livestock producers. "We have a buffer strip initiative that pays farmers and ranchers to plant grass barriers that shield nearby waterways from agricultural lands, preventing up to 80% of farm run-off from reaching our rivers and streams. We also have a Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program that provides additional help to states and their livestock producers who protect fragile watersheds. "Cutting-edge research also holds great promise. USDA researchers recently discovered a corn hybrid which, plainly put, if you feed this corn to pigs and chickens, up to 50% less phosphorus comes out the other end. That's not the best news before lunch, but it's good news for those of us who want to give farmers real solutions. This corn is good for farmers' wallets, too. Its phosphorus is readily absorbed by animals, reducing the need for costly dietary supplements. "I want to see more breakthroughs that bring producers' economic and environmental interests together. But they require investments. I want to recognize Senator Harkin's efforts to get the agriculture research bill passed pronto in the Senate, so we can carry on this important work. "Finally, there is USDA's role working with EPA. We as an Administration are committed to ensuring a level playing field so all communities have a baseline level of protection. "I believe we can do this in a common-sense way -- making our requirements as strict as the environmental risk of an operation ... ensuring that folks who want to do the right thing get the proper resources and assistance and are not overly burdened. At the same time, we must put the public interest first when dealing with bad actors and large, high risk operations. "Here I should emphasize the distinction between USDA and EPA: USDA's role must continue to be non-regulatory. Our power lies in the trust that producers have that we will help them in a positive, constructive way. We are here as partners, ready to help those who want our help. "With technology and ample conservation assistance, I believe we can protect the environment and ensure sustainable, economically viable livestock production. But in some cases -- especially where large operations and fragile watersheds intersect -- the adjustment will be challenging. "The folks I've talked to understand they have to do more, but time to adjust is critical. The faster the change, the more likely the hardship, particularly for existing operations. So, we need to focus our resources on helping folks stay in business in a more sustainable way. "That's my bottom-line point: as we move forward with national standards, we also need to move forward with an equally strong commitment to helping producers meet the standards we set. "President Clinton's Clean Water Action plan calls for a $100 million increase in EQIP funds, as well as $23 million to help local community efforts to protect their watersheds. These funds must be a priority for Congress. Our livestock producers need this help. "We also need to make sure that we have enough people out in the field who know conservation, and can help all producers meet the American people's strong demands for cleaner water. "Once again, I want to thank Senator Harkin for organizing this event. Quite frankly, I think the divisions we see today over animal feeding operations are indicative of the passion folks bring to this issue and the degree of difficulty of the challenge we face in resolving it in a fair and substantive way. As we move forward, we should bear in mind that no one has to be here. We have all come in good-faith, and, I believe, with a strong commitment to addressing this issue. "We have a broad array of groups represented here today. I think we need to respect each other, listen to each other, and work through the challenges together. It won't always be easy, but it's the only way we'll achieve the goal I think we've all come here in pursuit of, and that's a legacy worthy of our children -- a cleaner, healthier environment and a sustainable U.S. agriculture. Thank you." ###