Corn Growers Stress Innovation in EPA's Proposed CAFOs

August 2, 2001

The National Corn Growers Association, in comments filed with the Environmental Protection Agency, cited several concerns corn growers have with a proposed rule that would apply to concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs). The proposed rule would affect livestock operations in a manner inconsistent with congressional intent regarding the Clean Water Act, according to the NCGA.

NCGA's comments noted that nearly half the nation's corn crop is used to feed livestock and that many corn growers raise cattle or hogs. These growers typically apply manure to their fields as a significant source of nutrients. NCGA President Lee Klein emphasized the organization's support for incentive-based, voluntary programs to achieve water quality protection.

But these rules indicate that "EPA has exceeded its authority under the Clean Water Act. Rather than impose restrictive requirements on the regulated community, EPA should strive to allow for a broad range of management approaches to allow farmers to use innovative ways to responsibly manage runoff from agricultural lands."