Contact:
John E. Peck , Family Farm Defenders #608-260-0900 familyfarmdefenders@yahoo.com
Jennifer Nelson, Sustain Rural Wisconsin Network, #608-476-2301, jenelson7@centurytel.net
Edie Ehlert, Crawford Stewardship Project, #608-734-3223, edieehlert@centurytel.net
Present First Annual Wisconsin “Land of 10,000 Lagoons” Awards to the Worst Violators of the Public Trust and Ecological Stewardship in the State
Tues. Sept. 28th 4:00 pm Main Entrance to Alliant Energy Center (off Rimrock Road/Cty MM near the corner with John Nolen Dr.) in Madison
“Crowning Achievements and Golden Opportunities” may be the theme of the 2010 World Dairy Expo, but for many family farmers and rural residents across Wisconsin the continued taxpayer subsidized promotion of industrial style dairy operations has been an unmitigated disaster.
“Study after study has shown that small-scale grass-based dairy farms are the best way to go in terms of getting the highest return for farmers and a healthier product to consumers without compromising our quality of life here in Wisconsin,” noted John E. Peck, executive director of Family Farm Defenders. “Yet, it has been the policy of the state, under the corrupting influence of the agribusiness lobby, to award the lion’s share of taxpayer support to a handful of factory dairy farm operators. We can no longer afford this misguided rural development model showcased at the Dairy Expo and promoted by the Governor’s Office.”
“Local control has been stripped by the WI Livestock Siting Law. Concerns around neighborhood quality of life and rural economic health are completely absent from the process. We demand the return of our right to determine our own communities future,” says Edie Ehlert of Crawford Stewardship Project.
There were only two factory dairy operations in Wisconsin twenty years ago, now there are over 150. Far from being a natural evolution of the dairy industry, this trend has been fueled by lackadaisical regulation, millions in subsidies, no environmental liability requirement, flagrant farm labor abuse, as well as blatant political corruption and corporate influence peddling. Legislation railroaded through in 2006 went even further, taking away local democratic control over livestock facility siting, and placing all power in the hands of an industry dominated task force appointed by the governor. Meanwhile, the DNR has yet to reject a single factory farm permit that crosses it desk, even when some of these facilities generate more sewage in an entire year than entire cities.
“The relaxation and non-enforcement of laws designed to protect drinking water in Wisconsin is appalling. The fact that no meaningful DNR monitoring and enforcement exists speaks for itself,” comments Jennifer Nelson of Sustain Rural Wisconsin Network.
The 2010 Wisconsin “Land of 10,000 Lagoons” Awards will be presented to four winners in the following categories: most manure in one location; most cows held in confinement; most taxpayer subsidies in the bank; and most powerful factory farm lobbyist at the capitol.
Following the awards, Wisconsin citizens who have been adversely affected by factory farm expansion will speak out about their experiences and also present a list of demands to state regulatory agencies, as well as candidates for statewide political office. Others wearing cow costumes will educate those entering the World Dairy Expo about the threat that factory dairy operations pose to Wisconsin.
Many of those attending this event will also be taking this important election year message to the crowd and media at the Farm Aid Concert, being held at Miller Stadium in Milwaukee on Sat. Oct. 2nd.
