So the meeting went pretty much as expected. There were three GAAMPs that were changed.
- Manure Management
- Nutrient Utilization
- Site Selection and Odor Control
The committee chairs were there for manure and nutrient. Commissioner Dru Montri questioned them about including small farmers on committees. Neither could provide any kind of answer. It was pointed out that these committees meet a few times a year and they are not subject to the Open Meetings Act per Brad Deacon, MDARD attorney director. When asked about transparency, Director Clover Adams said that the meeting where commissioners vote is good enough for transparency. She claims that the public input meeting is done as a courtesy. Mr. Deacon said that the public meeting were expensive, $5000 - $10,000 per meeting. MDARD is reluctant to spend money on them.
When asked why small farmers are not included on the committees, Director Adams said that the committees are for industrial professions and not the common person. (In other words, us ignorant peasants.) Commissioner Wolcott said that if we wanted to be heard then join a larger group like the pork producers or the Farm Bureau.
After a bit of discussion between the commissioners and the MDARD presenters, a few "typos" and "housekeeping issues" were cleaned up. The changes were approved by all commissioners. The actual wording of the GAAMP is unknown at this time. What was presented and commented on in November 2015 was revised with no public comment or oversight. The November draft had a paragraph that would allow for the DNR and DEQ to determine that some animals could be excluded from RTF. As far as I can tell, this provision was removed. We will have to wait until the 2016 GAAMPs are approved before we know for sure.
Also of note is that the definition of animals has changed. The term "farm animal" is being replaced with "livestock". This is sure to blur the intent of the legislative act (PA93 as amended) which uses the term "farm animal".
SUMMARY:
GAAMP changes were all approved.
The local authorities still get to determine what you can do on your own homestead.
OPINION:
MDARD continues to disdain the small farmer.
The small farmer, hobbyist or backyarder is not to be considered when drafting policy.
If we want to be heard, we are being told to join a big industrial group like the Farm Bureau or one of the commodity producers.
On a positive note, Commissioner Montri has championed for the small farm operators. She mentioned the MSFC several times. I hope that she will not be overwhelmed by the hubris of MDARD.
