State lawmakers planned to meet and discuss current limits on large-scale agriculture amid broader talks to rein-in the industry. An informational meeting was scheduled for Feb. 28 (after Our Town deadline) of the Senate Committee On Natural Resources, which has taken up two bills to tighten regulations on confined animal feeding operations (CAFOs).
Scheduled to present during the meeting were administrators with ODA, the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, and Oregon Water Resources Department.
Senate Bill 85 would direct the Oregon Department of Agriculture to study CAFOs and submit a report identifying potential opportunities for legislation. It would also declare a moratorium on permits for the largest CAFO categories. Senate Bill 399 would cap stock-water exemptions and require large farms to acquire water permits.
The bills reflect the outcry of local residents who have organized against three industrial-scale chicken farms: one in operation near Jordan and two proposed near Stayton and Scio. Together the CAFOs would generate 12.5 million broiler chickens annually for Foster Farms. Critics say they pose hazards.
Opponents have organized Farmers Against Foster Farms, which has put forward a petition supporting a moratorium, saying it would give lawmakers time to protect “our family farmers, rural communities, and our water, air and soil.”
Industry advocates, including the Northwest Chicken Council, have said a moratorium would stall creation of working-class jobs. It said Oregon already has regulatory barriers in place for building and operating CAFOs, and the industry is successful at regulating its emissions. NCC President Bill Mattos said a well-planned poultry CAFO is a “sophisticated operation” with effective internal controls for regulatory compliance.
There will be a public hearing on SB 85 in mid-March, date to be determined.. Public testimony will be accepted at that time. For information on the bill go to [email protected] or 1-800-332-2313.
