Environmental Defense, Frontline Farmers To Develop Plan for Cleaner Hog Farming

(Raleigh, NC)  Environmental Defense and Frontline Farmers today announced that they will work together to develop a voluntary plan and set of policy recommendations for putting alternative waste systems on hog farms in North Carolina, a move that will encourage the transition from traditional lagoons to the new technologies identified by NC State University after five years of research.  The groups saluted the university and project director Mike Williams and the advisory panel for their efforts, which identified five technologies that will enhance air and water quality.

“With research completed, North Carolina is poised to lead the nation in sustainable hog production.  It’s time to turn research into reality and put the results – and the benefits – directly into the hands of farmers,” said Dan Whittle, senior attorney with the Raleigh-based office of Environmental Defense.  “The next step is to figure out how to make alternative technologies more affordable, and this won’t happen in a lab or pilot project.  There are a lot of motivated farmers who are stepping forward and want the new technologies as soon as possible.  They should get them, and be rewarded for their pioneer spirit.”

“Environmental Defense is pleased to work with Frontline Farmers on a voluntary plan to help farmers get affordable access to new technologies in a timely manner,” said Whittle.

“North Carolina farmers care deeply about protecting the environment and in protecting the health of our neighbors.  Alternative technologies can help us do that and still protect the future for our families and the pork industry,” said Lamont Futrell, president of Frontline Farmers, a North Carolina nonprofit, grassroots organization comprised of swine producers and their families.  The group has worked directly with researchers, environmental groups and other partners to identify  for and field test new technologies.

“The NC State research has taught us a lot about opportunities to improve our farms, and we’ve seen technologies that have the potential to improve our environment,” said Futrell.  “I’d like hog farmers from around the country to visit our farms and see the opportunities that exist.”

“The fastest way to claim the benefits of new technologies and reduce the cost is to install them on farms,” said Whittle.  “Putting a sufficient numbers of new technologies on the ground will increase competition, prompt engineering improvements and spur the development of markets for new by-products that will increase farm revenues.”