The Delmarva Poultry Industry is criticizing calls for a moratorium on construction of chicken houses.
Environmental groups, mainly in Maryland, have suggested the action, citing the need to reduce phosphorous levels in Chesapeake Bay.
The most publicized effort has come from the Environmental Integrity Project, which published a study criticizing the lack of regulation by the state of Maryland.
“As with any industry, updated and modern facilities are required to keep businesses competitive, including farm family-owned chicken farms. The new chicken houses include the latest technology and have landscape designs and environmental protection systems that exceed existing chicken housing. Water quality improvements are likely to be enhanced with the new chicken houses and their stormwater management plans,” DPI stated. The trade group is based in Georgetown, DE.
The statement went on to criticize other findings of the study, including the claim that chicken meat production will rise by 2 percent a year. DPI said the figure is 1 percent.
At the same time, the number of chicken houses actually declined by 25 percent between 195 and 2014 and capacity went down by about 3 percent.
DPI did note that with the economic recovery, more new structures are being constructed. Farmers and the industry are also working to reduce phosphorous, the trade group noted.
In Delaware, the new structures contributed to a record level of Small Business Administration lending in 2015. The SBA loans are in addition to other federally backed financing options for growers.
There have been concerns regarding clusters of chicken houses in small areas that can bring complaints of odors and other problems.
Complicating the situation is continued population growth in portions of the peninsula, sometimes in locations that are near chicken houses.
“Opponents of the chicken industry who favor the moratorium on chicken house construction until full implementation of the Phosphorus Management Tool regulation in 2024 are hoping that by killing construction they will kill the chicken industry,” DPI stated.
Last year, DPI held its last Chicken Festival on the peninsula, citing the need to focus on issues facing the industry.
Issues in Delaware have included the purchase of a former Vlasic pickle factory by processor Allen Harim. Opponents have cited concerns about water pollution if the site becomes a processing plant.
The company has proposed a plan to clean up pollution at the site, with supporters claiming doing nothing about the existing pollution is worse than coming up with a clean-up plan.
