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Environmental Management Systems—Good Business for Pork Producers
by Jon Scholl, former Counselor to the EPA Administrator for Agricultural Policy
Jon Scholl
What can an environmental management system do for your swine operations? EMS is a business system that can help you manage changes in environmental regulations, risk and markets. EMS is a flexible business system that can help large and small producers integrate environmental considerations and requirements into day-to-day and long-term planning. The management approach helps you examine your operations and provides a framework for making continual improvements, meeting regulatory requirements and demonstrating good environmental stewardship.
EPA promotes EMS, because an effective EMS results in better environmental performance and risk management. Producers using EMS to manage their environmental responsibilities usually achieve cost savings and efficiencies.
A producer who participated in an EMS pilot project in North Carolina said that having an EMS was a great benefit during hurricane Isabel in 2003. The farm’s hurricane preparation time was cut down from four days to two because each employee knew what was needed and was able to save the farm time and money.
Moreover, an EMS supports property values and can help build strong relationships with communities. An EMS can help producers instill confidence in their neighbors, suppliers, and customers.
A Nebraska ag producer, Stan Rosendahl, said, “Some of the changes I have made using environmental management systems include the use of biodiesel in our tractors and using less feed grade antibiotics in feed and manure management.” Rosendahl has also reduced diesel use about 60 percent by using all no-till agriculture. His farm operation consists of 580 acres, with 528 acres of no-till agriculture and a 4,500-head/year feeder-to-finish swine operation.
Dennis Treacy of Smithfield Foods, which markets some 19 million hogs annually said, “As a former regulator, and now business executive, I am convinced that EMS strategies at any level improve the environment, save money, and streamline operations.” Treacy is vice president of Environmental and Corporate Affairs at Smithfield Foods.
EPA
recently published its position statement on EMS in the Federal
Register. Further information is available at the following
Web site: http://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/EPA-GENERAL/2006/February/Day-02/g1423.pdf
EPA
is committed to promoting the widespread adoption of EMS.
EPA has been promoting the voluntary use of EMS for the past eight years. Many offices and programs have worked with particular sectors, including meat processing and pork producers, to develop tailored guidance and other EMS implementation tools. More information is available at the following Web site: http://www.epa.gov/sectors/agribusiness/ems.html#ems.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture recently completed a four-year pilot project to develop EMS for poultry, dairy and beef producers.
EPA HQ Environmental Protection Specialist Shana Harbour contributed to this article.
More information is available from R7 EMS officialRuben McCullers at (913) 551-7003 or toll-free from Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska (800) 223-0425.
