Encouraging Innovative Technology Permits on Farms
US - The permitting process for research and development of new technologies in the areas of advanced nutrient management and precision agriculture has just got a little easier with Wisconsin's Governor Walker signing the Senate Bill 402.
5 April 2012
1 minute read
While this bill retains the current environmental standards, it streamlines the process by which permits can be obtained. The Dairy Business Association (DBA) hails the passage and signing of this legislation which will allow the continued evolution of agricultural practices and technologies.
DBA said it would like to recognise Senator Sheila Harsdorf and Representative Keith Ripp for all of their hard work in crafting this legislation. Governor Walker, who has long been a proponent of Wisconsin's $59 billion per year agriculture industry, signed this legislation on 2 April, 2012.
Wisconsin dairy farmers are always looking for innovative ways to handle, utilise, apply and transport manure. However, the research and development of new technologies in this area have struggled due to the long and arduous process to obtain a permit for research projects. This bureaucratic red tape has led to some farms waiting over three years before obtaining a permit and other projects being cancelled, said the DBA.
"Research and development projects in this area are essential," commented Laurie Fischer, Executive Director of DBA.
"This has great potential to lead to new technologies that will protect our natural resources, reduce the number of agriculture related vehicles on our local roads and create new job opportunities in the dairy industry."
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