WHEREAS, well managed dairy operations provide significant natural resource benefits to Minnesota due to the substantial acreage committed to alfalfa and hay production which reduces soil erosion and the application of manure as a soil amendment and natural crop fertilizer in lieu of increased commercial fertilizers; and

WHEREAS, Minnesota dairy producers are committed to protecting our natural resources for the benefit of all citizens as well as the dairy producer’s well-being; and

WHEREAS, the viability of Minnesota’s dairy industry depends on reasonable and rational environmental regulatory processes for permitting, environmental review and compliance that do not reduce existing environmental protection standards; and

WHEREAS, the existing processes for permitting, environmental review and compliance in Minnesota present significant challenges for livestock producers, state and local officials, and citizens; and

WHEREAS, the Minnesota Milk Producers Association has been examining models for permitting, environmental review and compliance which would provide greater certainty with respect to permit and compliance requirements and timelines; and

WHEREAS, activist attorneys and/or special interest groups are misleading and influencing townships to adopt arbitrary and capricious zoning ordinances that conflict with federal, state and county permits, ordinances and other regulations which ultimately threatens Minnesota animal agriculture. 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT:

RESOLVED, that the Minnesota Milk Producers Association supports the establishment of a permitting and environmental review process that provides producers and state and local officials with clarity, consistency and timeliness.

FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Minnesota Milk Producers Association supports existing environmental compliance standards – MinnFARM standards for non-CAFOs and current NPDES standards for CAFOs.

FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Minnesota Milk Producers Association supports ordinances and regulations based on sound science and current technology and an environmental review process such that Minnesota dairy producers are not put at a disadvantage compared to producers in other states.

FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Minnesota Milk Producers Association urges State, County and Township officials to join the Association in developing proposals to reform the current process.­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­