A Tool Of Destruction

by Delegate Mike McDermott

A new tool developed by the University of Maryland will determine acceptable levels of phosphorus in our farm fields. If those levels are breached, no organic chicken manure may be applied. For our farmers and the Eastern Shore economy, this “tool” has much more in common with a dagger than an instrument of science.
In this case, science is being cast aside in favor of a political tool that garners support/donations from national environmental groups at the expense of Maryland families. The fact is, we do not know the phosphorus impact, if any, on the Bay. Further, we cannot determine the percentage that Maryland farms contribute. While Delaware continues to study the issue to get a better picture of cause and effect, O’Malley and the democrats move forward half cocked, more desirous of being “first” rather than “correct”. This political correctness will prove devastating to the Eastern Shore and, ultimately, Annapolis revenues.
80% of lower shore farmland could be deemed unfit to receive poultry litter. Farms in this category will need to purchase chemical fertilizers at significant expense in order to grow. A farmer who may spend $500 for poultry litter will need to replace it with $20,000 worth of chemical fertilizer.
Poultry farmers without land accessibility or lacking neighbors to utilize their organic manure will be faced with a trucking/shipping bill in a market with fewer integrators willing to accept ones poultry litter. This translates to higher costs and storage issues all adding to the bottom line of a business’s viability.
Maryland, under democratic rule, is no stranger to losing businesses due to over regulation; and, while a business can adapt or move out of state, the farmer’s asset and heritage is the dirt beneath his feet. He is forced to comply or abandon his dream by a governor with a national agenda using ambiguous science to destroy Maryland’s number one industry.
Dr. McGrath (the U of MD scientist behind the shortened study) told me the depletion of phosphorus in soil could take 50-years, yet O’Malley refuses an additional 36-months to better understand the cause and effects.
Agriculture Secretary Buddy Hance says, “We won’t know the cost until we implement the plan.” Does that sound eerily familiar?
Perhaps it’s time to provide blindfolds to the farmer and the fisherman standing guard over the Great Seal of the State of Maryland and ask, “Got any last requests?”