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Indiana Agriculture Director Andy Miller today reached out to local leaders in Blackford County in an effort to better understand what role large confined feeding operations (CFO/CAFO) can play in the county’s long term economic development plan. In recent months, the Indiana State Department of Agriculture has received multiple requests to aid in the siting of CFO/CAFOs in Blackford County. These requests come as a result of the county’s recent zoning decisions and public pressure and misconceptions against CFO/CAFOs.   

“ISDA is a chief advocate for expanding livestock production in Indiana, including the goal of doubling pork production,” said Miller. “We are not trying to trump the decisions of local governmental bodies or the wishes of the citizens in Blackford County.  However, we want to be helpful to the farmers that are asking for ISDA’s assistance, and we want to present facts to the community so informed decisions can be made.” 

 To help ISDA provide guidance to large farm operators wishing to expand or build CFO/CAFOs in Indiana, Miller requested feedback from local leaders in Blackford. “We have many, many counties that are clamoring for new agricultural operations, like ethanol facilities or livestock operations,” said Miller. “This letter is to help determine if Blackford County shares that same desire. If Blackford County does not want these types of farms and agribusinesses in their county, we will encourage these farmers and businessmen to consider other counties throughout the state.”  

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This entry was posted on Friday, September 16th, 2005 at 7:53 am and is filed under environment. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.