Another Day, Another Resident Speaks Out About CAFO’s

A 1997 study of 237 rural homes in North Carolina found a decline of up to 9 percent in property values. In a study done by Iowa State University in 2003 of 1,145 rural homes in five north-central Iowa counties from 1992 to 2002, economists reported that property values plunged by up to 11 percent for homes located within a quarter mile of a CAFO (Confined Animal Feeding Operation). Homes within a half mile of a CAFO dropped in value by up to 8 percent. Property values dipped about 3 percent for homes that were located more than a mile from a CAFO.

 

In April 2000, a new report by University of Missouri Extension has found staggering land devaluation near the county’s CAFOs. Bottom line: $2.68 million in loss of land value for the county and 99 property owners located within three miles of CAFOs or an average of $112 per acre.

The issues surrounding CAFOs largely rest on individual property rights and equity when long-term residents experience a decrease in property values. Questions as to what legal recourses are available to communities and to property owners arise.

This entry was posted on Monday, May 29th, 2006 at 6:49 am and is filed under environment. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.