NPPC's Environmental Assurance Program
Kellie McGuire The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC), a producer-funded organization with 85,000 members, launched a nationwide environmental initiative in 1991. The initiative focuses on creating environmental awareness among producers and fostering adoption of technologies and management practices that are environmentally sound. Its objective is to promote sustainability by seeking a balance between environmental and profitable management practices. Pork producers have the opportunity to participate in several NPPC environmental programs through the organization's local and state associations. Millions of dollars have been invested, directly through check-off dollars and through cooperative partnerships, to fund three primary components: research, education and information. The Environmental Assurance Program (EAP) is at the center of NPPC's environmental initiatives. Program Mission It is the mission of the Pork Industry's Environmental Assurance Program to provide pork producers practical, proactive educational information which enables them to identify and economically address the key management issues affecting the environmental quality of their operations and their communities. Program Vision The vision of the Pork Industry's Environmental Assurance Program Task Force was to develop an educational program promoting the adoption of the economical and environmentally -friendly management practices by U.S. Pork producers. By completing the program, producers will better understand the cause-effect relationship between everyday management practices and long-term environmental quality. Furthermore, producers will have the tools to objectively assess their operations. The program provides the practical management suggestions and/or resource material that will improve producers' environmental stewardship. This program is locally or regionally administered and includes producer recognition. The Environmental Assurance Program will result in the adoption/ implementation of economical, environmentally friendly management practices by individual pork producers. By communicating the proactive, progressive efforts of individual pork producers, the pork producers will be viewed as socially-responsible by the general public. Successful implementation of the Environmental Assurance Program will allow both the U.S. Pork industry and individual producers to demonstrate their long-term commitment to an improved environment. Program Objectives
NPPC realizes that the Environmental Assurance Program need to be a continuous process of life-long learning and application. NPPC is committed to the continued enhancement of the Environmental Assurance Program. The following educational modules have been added to EAP for the 1998 year. Composting: In order to protect the health of herds and farm personnel; avoid air, soil, and water contamination; and circumvent problems with agricultural and non-agricultural neighbors, biologically and environmentally safe methods of mortality disposal must be employed on modern swine operations. Current state and/or local ordinances, more restrictive environmental guidelines and the centralization of the meat packing industry have resulted in fewer producer opportunities for utilization of the more traditional disposal options such as burial, incineration and rendering. Research conducted by many universities under controlled experimental conditions and on-farm field trials have indicated that composting is an effective method of disposal when properly carried out and offers many possible advantages when compared to other alternatives. Odor: The development of highly sophisticated pork production facilities is the combination of both extensive research and application of innovative production methods. As a result, the pork industry has experienced rapid growth and increased efficiency in improving hog performance and human labor inputs. Along with growth and efficiency has come the concern for controlling odors. Many industry experts agree that over 60% of our odor concerns can be dealt with through basic changes in our management practices. This subject continues to become increasingly important as more and more of our rural and urban neighbors desire a living space free of animal manure odors. This module should help producers to better understand the key causes of odor in their operations, while exploring simple management techniques which may cause odor to develop. Manure Treatment and Storage Alternatives: With the vast amount of storage and treatment options available for pork production today, it becomes increasingly important for producers to understand all of the manure management options that are available. This module will provide a framework for producers to evaluate their current storage and /or treatment practices, as well as, provide information to help in the selection of appropriate solutions to manure storage and treatment problems. Community Relations: With an increasing population and a decreasing understanding of agriculture, today's pork producers are becoming more sensitive to the concept of urban sprawl. By developing an honest and effective communication strategy, producers will be more prepared when they are asked to defend their way of life to their surrounding community members. This module explores the value of producers being active members of their local state and national communities. Pollution Prevention Strategies: Modern pork producers are becoming increasingly accountable for the impact they have on the environment. There are several critical points in an operation, which have greater potential for pollution. This module provides the basic framework for a checklist which producers can implement into their daily management routine, as well as, a plan of action preparing for the possibility of pollution occurring; in order minimize it's effect on the environment. These five program modules will be continually enhanced in order to assure a quality educational program and consistent program delivery. In 1997 the pork industry's Environmental Committee outlined the following criteria for producer certification. Criteria for Certification: The Environmental Assurance Program is just one of the ways that the Pork Industry is working toward minimizing the impact which production agriculture has on the environment. NPPC realizes the unique needs of individual pork producers, as well as, the importance of a coordinated educational effort in order to maximize the impact of all environmental efforts. Therefore, in order to maintain the integrity of the program while allowing for program flexibility, NPPC has outlined the following criteria or standards for the Environmental Assurance Program. 1) Participation in a Certified Education Program: In order to be considered an active participant in NPPC's Environmental Assurance Program you must have attended a certified educational program. Case One: If the law in your state does not require environmental education for pork producers:
Case Two: If the law in your state requires environmental education for pork producers:
Both Cases: NPPC recommends that participants have direct access to information on the following subject areas, which are included in NPPC's Environmental Assurance Program Manual: Environmental Assessment - participants should have a clear understanding of the key areas of environmental concern within their operations. Water Quality- participants in the program should know the basic vocabulary associated with water quality and should understand the flow of ground and surface water, as well as, the effects that nutrients produced by a hog have on water quality. Manure Management- this should include: Generation, Storage, Treatment and Reduction, as well as, Land Application and Nutrient Utilization. Air Quality- participants should know the basic elements, which cause odor and how they are produced in hog operations, as well as, practical ways to better manage odorous compounds. Neighbor Relations- participants should understand the consequences, which are a result of poor relationships with community members, as well as, ideas on ways to improve these relationships. Regulations and Nuisance Laws- participants should have a clear explanation of current federal, state and local laws and regulations, which directly effect pork production in their area. 2) Demographic Certification: All EAP participants are asked to fill out a demographic survey which is included in each of the EAP participant's manuals. In order for NPPC and it's affiliated state organizations to continue to provide relevant educational materials to our shareholders, it is necessary to understand the needs, levels and abilities of our audience. A portion of the Environmental Assurance Program is sponsored by a grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), therefore, general environmental management trends are to be included in progress reports to the EPA. This information is confidential and will be used by NPPC to show generalities and trends for the industry. 3) Demographics Reporting: All demographics sheets should be collected on site by the meeting facilitator and returned to NPPC immediately following the educational program. In order for an individual to be considered an active participant in the Environmental Assurance Program, all demographic assurance forms must include name and current street address of the participant. If the law in your state requires environmental education: Please work with the organization conducting the program in your state to distribute and collect the EAP demographics form on-site, the day of the meeting. Participant Confirmation: Upon NPPC's receipt of the official demographic assurance form, all first time participants will receive a certificate of program completion, a cap and a lapel pin in the mail recognizing them for their efforts. Participants not receiving this confirmation from NPPC within sixty days of completing the program should contact NPPC immediately.
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