PENNSYLVANIA (WHP) — New guardrails are in effect that will regulate the use of food processing residuals in farmer fertilizers, which will protect air quality, water supplies, and neighboring noses.
The newly announced regulations were included in the recently passed state budget, limiting what kinds of commercial food waste can be disposed of on farms.
FPR spreading on farms has resulted in reports of noxious odors, air quality problems, and contaminated drinking water, according to a release from the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.
“This is a massive win for Pennsylvania farmers who want to protect their soil, and for neighbors who deserve clean air and water,” said Rep. Paul Friel (D-Chester).
FPR’s are created by commercial food processing and can include vegetable peelings, raw meat scraps, and liquid waste from cleaning processes. Some of the liquid waste has been known to contain blood, fat, hair, feathers, and various other plant and animal byproducts.
Lawmakers said using FPR is a cheaper way to increase the amount of organic matter in soil, but it’s also been known to contribute to groundwater and well contamination issues in Pennsylvania.
Neighboring states have already said no to FPRs, pinpointing Pennsylvania as a target for a cheap disposal point for the aforementioned commercial waste stream.
“For four years I’ve been working with stakeholders and with lawmakers on both sides of the aisle and in both chambers to pass protective legislation. The process was extensive and worthwhile, because it led us to legislation that could pass with wide support, be signed into law, and get the job done,” said Friel.
Cleaning up easily exploited loopholes surrounding commercial food waste creation and disposal has created resounding bipartisan support, which pleased Friel.
“By embedding these critical protections directly into state law, we are establishing the oversight needed to protect our communities, our drinking water and our farmland,” Friel said.
In April, CBS 21 spoke with The Hill Farm in Harrisburg, which weighed in on what the fertilizer changes could mean for long-term soil health and food production.
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“Good agriculture you’re not just growing food, you’re growing good soil,” Tannon Herman, co-founder and executive director of Wildheart Ministries, said. “What this bill is addressing is helping regulate something to make sure we don’t compromise our ability to produce food in the future, as well as ultimately poisoning our food system.”
The new law requires records of what’s inside FPRs used on farms across the Commonwealth, along with residuals sourced from animal products and waste, to be “processed” by a digester or another means of odor control before it touches the soil.