Nearly a dozen staffers of the Environmental Protection Agency visited National Corn Growers Association president Chip Bowling’s farm last week for an informational session. The tour and meeting was part of a series of meetings between NCGA and the EPA regarding the Waters of the U.S. proposal by the EPA. Bowling said “We wanted to give them a view of what actually happens on the farm.” During the tour, EPA staff were shown areas that could be regulated under the proposal as currently written, including drainage ditches, grass areas that are dry most of the year, and low spots on fields where water pools. EPA staffers described the tour and conversation as educational and productive.
Bowling also used the opportunity to highlight advances in farming operations over the past three decades, and what that has meant for conservation and environmental impact.
“I know they learned something, as did we,” said Bowling. “Ninety-nine percent of my farm friends do what I do,” said Bowling. “We have no problems with erosion or ditch damage. We’ve become more efficient and are doing more with less.”
Bowling was joined by NCGA CEO Chris Novak and Vice President of Public Policy Jon Doggett. Bowling’s farm is located in Southern Maryland near Washington D.C.
Source: NAFB News Service