By Laura Ziegler
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/kcur/local-kcur-592369.mp3
Kansas City , Missouri – The so-called CAFO bill,an acronym for Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation--eliminated local ordinances restricting the growth of CAFOS as well as the ability of farmers to sue CAFO's for violating county health regulations. A coalition of grass roots organizations and farmers lobbied legislators to defeat the bill, including the Missouri Rural Crisis Center and The Farmers Union. They said the intent of the bill was to insure corporations like Smithfield and Cargill would be able to set up contracts free of local regulations, knowing those regulations protect the health and welfare of the people who live in the area.
The bills sponsor, Chris Koster of Harrisonville, Missouri, said the bill included some environmental safety provisions, but it was essential to stimulate investment in Missouri agriculture so the state could compete in the global marketplace. He said commercial agriculture accounts for one half of one of the states largest industries.