While listening to a story on NPRs WYPR 88.1 this morning reporting on the Maryland governor candidates stance on farming regulations, it was unfortunate to hear that neither candidate (Larry Hogan and Anthony Brown) had a good answer for the pollution caused by conventional animal feeding operations, particularly those near the Chesapeake Bay. Brown stated that he would continue with ever increasing regulations to protect the Bay and its inhabitants while Hogan stated that he would lessen regulations if it would allow the farmers to continue to operate. My question would center around the apparent short-sightedness of both candidates stances. It seems that either they do not care to take the time to address the causes of the population instead of regulating (or deregulating) the symptoms, or more troubling, they do not understand Maryland agriculture at all and are not aware of the fact that we have proven models as alternatives for the true causes of the pollution. Surely any legitimate candidate running to control a State with such an intricate ecosystem, which of course includes none other than the symbiotic relationship between the Chesapeake Bay and a long agricultural history would possess extensive knowledge of modern and alternative agriculture... Right? Sadly this does not seem to be the case and it would appear at this time that regardless of the results of the upcoming election, Maryland, her residents and her ecosystem will suffer for another four years. -Nick Bailey
Posted on: Wed, 03 Sep 2014 12:34:24 +0000