Cornithaca County

“Cracking the Ag Code”

This reprint from Family Farm Fun shows how even the most blatant environmental transgressions are being hidden and minimized on a “conspiracy” level scale. • When Agriculture’s laughably ineffective “voluntary guidelines” and “nutrient plans” risk exposure; they divert attention with a dog-and-pony show. • The “9 Point Plan” and similar events are Industrial Agriculture’s answer to public outcry; and a way to avoid enacting any restrictions on polluting that would erode their profits. • Using studies and data gathering, committees and comments, updated “voluntary guidelines” and “nutrient plans,” and of course, the help of politicians and bureaucrats; a good 9 Point Plan can provide a 10 year respite in regulatory oversight of agricultural pollution. • Some impaired waterbodies are now undergoing their second “9 Point Plan” cycle. And not only can’t politicians seem to see this new “elephant in the room” — they can’t even smell the carcass of the last one.