Two pork industry technical representative were appointed to USDA’s Task Force on Agricultural Air Quality Research, which examines the connection between agricultural production and air quality and advises the Secretary of Agriculture on scientifically sound, cost-effective, federally supported agricultural solutions that can help improve air quality.
Robert Burns, a professor of agriculture at the University of Tennessee with extensive experience working on behalf of pork producers and other livestock farmers, and Arizona producer Marguerite Tan, who serves on the staff at the National Pork Board, were selected to serve up to two years on the 27-member task force.
The focus areas of the task force include:
• Providing recommendations for research related to agricultural air quality issues.
• Ensuring that USDA practices, programs, and research for air quality and climate change promote environmental justice goals and improve the environment for all.
• Addressing reactive nitrogen emissions, including ammonia from agricultural sources.
• Discussing agricultural greenhouse gas and carbon sequestration topics, including climate-smart agriculture and forestry options and sustainable solutions.?
• Providing guidance and recommendations on the impact on agriculture of U.S. Environmental Protection Agency rules and research, including the National Ambient Air Quality Standards and emissions estimating methodologies for livestock and poultry farms.
• Discussing state and local air quality regulations related to agriculture and the potential impact on agricultural operations in those areas.?
Why It Matters
Created by the 1996 Farm Bill, the Task Force on Agricultural Air Quality Research works to address agricultural air quality issues. It also helps better coordinate activities and resources among USDA agencies and other federal partners, including EPA.
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