Environmental issues outlined for Dairy Leaders class

Nov. 10, 2006 Weekly News Update

The breadth and complexity of environmental issues facing the California dairy industry were outlined for members of the California Dairy Leaders Program in a two-day session held at WUD’s Modesto office this week.  When it was all said and done, members of Class V held a deeper appreciation of the challenges as well as the need for industry members to continue to stay ahead of the game.

The sessions offered a look from many sides. Environmental activists Jonathan Kaplan of the Natural Resources Defense Council and Kathryn Phillips of Environmental Defense outlined concerns over air and water quality being impacted by operators of dairies. “This kind of dialogue is one of the most valuable aspects of this program,” said Paul Martin, WUD’s Environmental Services Director. “We want to expose our future leaders to all sides of the debate. They need to understand that there is a lot of information out there and it may not be the most accurate information but it is what the public is hearing and believing. This dialogue also helps to tear down some walls and gets both sides to understand where the other is coming from.”

Holly King of the Great Valley Center outlines the impact population growth will have on the Valley's ag economy.

Water and air quality issues from the regulatory point of view were presented by Pamela Creedon, executive officer, Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board and Seyed Sadredin, Air Pollution Control Officer, San Joaquin Valley Unified Air Pollution Control District.

Partnerships and innovations were discussed by Allen Dusault of Sustainable Conservation, a San Francisco-based environmental group that has partnered with WUD on promoting methane digester technology. A highlight of the session was a tour of the Gallo Farms digester which was funded in part by a grant from the California Dairy Power Production Program administered by Western United Resource Development.

                                                                                                                       Dairy Leaders inspect the covered lagoon at Gallo Farms.

California dairy leaders need to be involved with government at the local, state and federal level, said WUD Vice President Ray Souza in his closing remarks to the group. “It is important to take the time and develop personal relationships with elected officials and other decision makers so they can learn about your business,” said Souza. “Environmental issues will continue to be a major concern for our industry and it is up to the future dairy leaders to educate government officials about what it is we do for a living. No one cares more about the environment than California dairy families. “

The environmental session marked the final session in the year-long program. The class will “graduate” at the WUD convention in Bakersfield Feb. 28.