Talking Points

The Nutrient Management Act will:

• Create a system in which some farmers will be required to file a Nutrient Management Plan (NMP) specific to their operation;
• Provide a system for states to effectively manage a large contributor to non-point surface water contamination;
• Provide a system to effectively protect the ground and surface waters from excessive nutrients that can be detrimental to human health;
• Allow states the flexibility to combat the ever-changing agriculture industry;
• Not allow exclusions for different types of agricultural operations, or target specific agricultural operations; and
• Put into effect emergency site specific plans that are available in case of disasters.

The recent federal rules managing Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs) are not strong enough to protect ground and surface water.

• NMPs are only required by federal law for the largest and most polluting agricultural operations.
• The federal rules do not take into consideration the different concerns of states.
• According to a recent U.S. General Accounting Office (GAO) analysis, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has little oversight and does not provide states with enough guidance for proper implementation.

The goals of the Nutrient Management Act are to:

• Prevent excessive amounts of nutrients from entering the environment;
• Provide an opportunity for the most technologically sound science to be incorporated into Best Management Practices (BMPs);
• Provide an opportunity for farmers to weigh in with their expertise and years of experience;
• Work within current conservation and environmental laws so the Nutrient Management Act will ultimately be successful;
• Provide a simple management tool for farmers to better understand the impacts of their activities in relation to the changing condition of the environment;
• Maintain a profitable agricultural industry while protecting the best interests and concerns of the surrounding communities;
• Provide continuous educational opportunities for individuals who are willing and concerned about nutrient application; and
• Prevent state-to-state irregularities due to differing standards governing CAFOs.