Frequently, we find ourselves scratching our heads about AG’s relationship with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). More often than not, regulations and interpretations of their authority have ended up in the country’s courtrooms. It’s been a strained relationship to say the least. Farmers are often considered the first conservationists and stewards of the land, but a few bad actors have the agency levying punishments on the whole group.
Meg McCallister is the Administrator of EPA’s 7th District, which includes the State of Iowa. She talked with us about the importance of improving our relationship. First of all, it starts with understanding the issues farmers are concerned about. While McCallister doesn’t make the policy, her job is to work through it with the farmers in a large chunk of the Midwest.
McCallister talks about what the EPA is doing to help bridge the divide and do more to help farmers.
McCallister adds that Farmers have been really great about adopting new conservation farming practices and trying new things to help mitigate the negative effects of agriculture.
McCallister says that the EPA, especially in Region 7 really values its relationship with America’s farmers. They want to work to find commonsense solutions to common problems.
