EPA Creates New Agriculture Advisory Committee

News Date October 24, 2007

       The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced October 17 the establishment of the first-ever Farm, Ranch and Rural Communities Federal Advisory Committee. The committee is being formed under the guidelines of the agency's National Strategy for Agriculture, and it will advise the administrator on environmental policy issues impacting farms, ranches and rural communities.

       EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson said the committee will provide an opportunity to improve dialogue between EPA and the farming community. The committee will meet approximately twice yearly and is intended to consist of approximately 25 members representing: (1) large and small farmers, ranchers and rural communities; (2) rural suppliers, marketers and processors; (3) academics and researchers who study environmental issues impacting agriculture; (4) tribal agricultural groups; and (5) environmental and conservation groups. EPA's request for member nominations will be posted in the Federal Register. USDA and other federal agencies will also be invited to nominate members.

       Initially, EPA will ask the committee to focus on the following three issues: (1) How EPA's policies and regulations on climate change and renewable energy will affect the agriculture community; (2) An environmental strategy for livestock operations that considers regulatory and voluntary approaches and provides tools for producers to attain superior environmental performance; (3) Development of a constructive approach to advancing sustainable agriculture and protection of the environment, addressing communication between environmental and agricultural interests and urban encroachment in rural areas.  (Contact: Charlie Ingram)