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“WEST VIRGINIA POULTRY FARMERS COMMITTED TO STEWARDSHIP” mentioning the U.S. Dept of Agriculture was published in the Senate section on pages S5392-S5393 on June 9, 1997.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
WEST VIRGINIA POULTRY FARMERS COMMITTED TO STEWARDSHIP
Mr. BYRD. Mr. President, the Sunday, June 1, 1997, edition of the Washington Post featured a front-page article on pollution in the Potomac River from poultry production. The story was prompted by a ranking by American Rivers, which is a national environmental organization, of the Potomac River on the group's annual list of the 10 Most Endangered Rivers in North America, and inspired by American Rivers' interpretation of a 1996 U.S. Department of Agriculture study that detected nutrient and bacterial contamination in the waters of the South Branch of the Potomac.
American Rivers' annual promotion of its top 10 list is an effort to advance public awareness about the fragility of the Nation's water resources, a laudable goal, and newsworthy, as well.
Regrettably, however, the media missed the real story of worth, namely, the exemplary efforts by a nonpartisan coalition of public officials and West Virginia family farmers to balance economic interests with environmental goals. And, more importantly, the media missed the spirit of cooperation needed to accomplish these goals through the voluntary implementation of farm management practices identified in USDA's 1996 study as improving the efficient use of farmland and reducing threats to the Potomac River.
I might add that, contrary to the negative impression left by the Washington Post writer, the heart of this industry is situated in the charming town of Moorefield. This is an area which was settled in the early 1700's and contains a federally designated historic district. Moorefield's antebellum homesteads and streets are enriched by the presence of hard-working family farmers, who not only earn a real day's wage, but also represent the backbone of our Nation's economy and spirit of community.
The poultry industry has dramatically expanded in the Potomac Headwaters, from production at approximately 46.6 million birds in 1992 to 90 million birds in 1996. Recognizing the potential growth of the industry, as early as 1990, a cooperative program between Federal and State agencies was launched to design and implement the best soil and water conservation management practices. Rapid growth of any industry usually is not achieved without problems. However, these problems have been identified and efforts are underway to ameliorate these consequences of expansion.
To date, 80 percent of the eligible farmers in the Potomac Headwaters, which I understand is a higher than average percentage for similar USDA programs, have electively enrolled in the Potomac Headwaters Land Treatment Watershed Project, the recommended action plan to protect the Potomac from possible agricultural pollution. I am proud that I have been able to secure funds to support the Federal share of this project.
By enrolling in this project, West Virginia farmers have voluntarily agreed to develop nutrient management plans and install animal waste structures and dead bird composters, and to improve livestock confinement areas and vegetative buffer zones. Implementing these measures will cost the average farmer in the program $12,000 over 5 years. The average farmer in the Potomac Headwaters has a net annual income of $15,000 from poultry production.
I believe that most Americans would commend the farmer who voluntarily spends 16 percent of his income over 5 years to protect the waters of the Potomac River. Nevertheless, that is exactly what is happening in West Virginia.
Thanks to the West Virginia farmer, the Potomac Headwaters Land Treatment Watershed Project will achieve benefits for a broad base of interests, extending from my beautiful state to the Chesapeake Bay. It would seem that this is the kind of effort that newspapers and organizations like American Rivers should be recognizing and encouraging.
Mr. President, how many minutes do I have remaining?
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator has 4\1/2\ minutes remaining.
Mr. BYRD. I thank the Chair.
Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that I may proceed for 15 minutes.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
Mr. BYRD. I again thank the Chair.
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