As we gather to celebrate National Agriculture Week, farmers and ranchers are reassuring consumers they are producing a safe, affordable product without harming the environment.
“Our producers are operating under the most strict state laws anywhere in the country,” said Oklahoma Farm Bureau President Steve Kouplen.
Oklahoma’s laws on handling animal manure require producers to meet higher standards than mandated under federal law. Prompted by the Attorney General’s lawsuit against the poultry industry, which claims all animal waste is “hazardous,” state legislators are working on a measure labeling animal waste as “non-hazardous material.” The AG’s office used its considerable political clout to prevent the Senate Bill 1703 from being heard by the full Senate. The bill by Sen. Harry Coates (R-Seminole) had previously passed out of the Senate Energy and Environment Committee.
Kouplen is concerned attempts by the attorney general to legislate rather than uphold existing laws is creating the wrong impression for the consuming public.
“When the attorney general continues to attack animal agriculture and influence lawmakers, he is attempting to make law, instead of follow the law,” Kouplen said.
The Beggs rancher encourages consumers to understand agriculture producers are not violating the law and are producing a wholesome, safe product.
“We use science-based research to guide our food production, and we will continue to work with the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry as the state agency with primary jurisdiction,” Kouplen said.
The Farm Bureau president welcomes the public to attend Agriculture Week activities at the State Capitol March 22. Exhibits representing the various agriculture groups will be on display in the rotunda area of the Capitol, and producers will be available to answer questions.
