Idaho Passes Bill to Restrict Farm Size
IDAHO, US - The state's Senate has passed a bill to regulate large poultry and pig farms.
25 March 2010
2 minute read
The Idaho Senate approved revamping laws governing big swine and poultry farms, a bill prompted by concern more chicken and egg producers will relocate to Idaho as states like California pass higher animal welfare regulations.
Business Week reports that the vote was 24-11. The measure moves to the House.
Senator Tim Corder, a Republican from Mountain Home, told senators that if the bill does not become law, "We would have 10 million chickens in Idaho – with no regulations."
The Department of Environmental Quality now oversees large swine and poultry farms. The Senator's bill puts such operations under the state Department of Agriculture.
Some environmental groups backed the bill but Senator Steve Bair, a Republican from Blackfoot, suggested it was too strict and voted against it – as did Democrats Kate Kelly and Elliot Werk, who objected to manure management plans that remain confidential under Corder's measure.
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