The Pennsylvania Agricultural Ombudsman Program serves state-wide as a liaison to communities for conflict management on issues affecting agriculture, land use, environment and planning.
Agriculture is more than a “way of life.” It is an evolving industry, changing to incorporate new technologies in order to remain economically competitive. Just a generation ago, farms were relatively small and fewer numbers of animals were raised on each farm. Today, however, there are fewer farms and less land available to raise animals. But the demands to feed an increasing population must be met in a wholesome and safe, environmentally responsible and economically viable way.
Furthermore, the land available to raise animals tends to be closer to people and houses than in the past. Neighboring home-owners may have little or no connection or understanding of agricultural practices and little tolerance for the inconvenience of odors from animal housing facilities or manure applications, slow moving and over-sized equipment on highways, pesticide applications, flies, noise and dust.
Do you see where this can lead to conflicts?
That potential for conflicts is why the PA Agricultural Ombudsman Program exists.
The PA Agricultural Ombudsman Program handles public relations, education and conflict management related to agriculture. The Program offers statewide liaison services to communities on issues affecting agriculture, land use, environment and planning. We focus on pro-active education, but we have re-active responsibilities, too.
New techniques and technologies in production agriculture and controversial projects utilizing such techniques and technologies, have, at times, led to misunderstandings and animosity between the agricultural community and the general public. These controversies have a negative impact on Conservation Districts, agricultural producers, the agricultural community, and neighborhoods where the controversy takes place. Through education and facilitation, the Ombudsman Program endeavors to help successfully resolve or eliminate such misunderstandings and conflict.
03--2009 -
Air Quality Improvements in Pennsylvania > > More Details02--2009 -
Frost Seed Cover Crops > > More Details01-15-2009 -
A Glimpse into the Proposed Odor Management Regulations > > More Details12-01-2008 -
Nutrient Management on Equine Farms > > More Details11-01-2008 -
Setting up for a great fall season > > More Details10-15-2008 -
Composting: A Good Alternative for On-Farm Mortality > > More Details11-01-2007 -
Farmer/Neighbor Communication > > More Details10-06-2007 -
A Glimpse into the Proposed Odor Management Regulations > > More Details07--2007 -
Siting Livestock Operations to Reduce Community Impact > > More Details05-26-2007 -
Why and How Farmers Need to Be Good Neighbors - 2 part series > > More Details
UPCOMING EVENTS
07-22-2009 Nutrient and Odor Mgmt Annual Conference More Details
08-06-2009 Cover Your Soil for Water Quality & Profit More Details
09-18-2009 Farm Discovery Tour of Morrision's Cove More Details
