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CONNECTICUT

CONNECTICUT. Livestock and Poultry Issues Bruce A. Sherman, DVM, MPH Director, Bureau of Regulation and Inspection. Definition of Agriculture. C.G.S. §1-1(q)

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CONNECTICUT

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  1. CONNECTICUT Livestock and Poultry Issues Bruce A. Sherman, DVM, MPH Director, Bureau of Regulation and Inspection

  2. Definition of Agriculture C.G.S. §1-1(q) The words "agriculture" and "farming" shall include….. the raising, shearing, feeding, caring for, training and management of livestock, including horses, bees, poultry, fur-bearing animals and wildlife.

  3. Definition of Livestock and Poultry • C.G.S. §22-278“Livestock" is defined as any camelid or hooved animal raised for domestic or commercial use. • C.G.S. §22-324“Poultry" means all domesticated fowl, including chickens, turkeys, water fowl and pet, zoological or psittacine birds.

  4. Animal Density Minimum Acreage Requirements • State statutes and regulations do not set minimum acreage requirements for any species of livestock or poultry. • Livestock and poultry management practices have a greater impact on animal care and environmental factors than do minimum acreage requirements.

  5. Animal Density Minimum Acreage Requirements • Restrictions on the number of animals kept per acre does not necessarily result in better management practices. • If municipalities insist on implementation of minimum acreage requirements, such restrictions should be reasonable and adaptable to differing types of livestock and poultry operations and be site-dependent.

  6. Animal Density Minimum Acreage Requirements • Increased interest in “local” and “produce your own” food sources has lead to a continuing growth in “backyard” or “hobby” animal food production – especially poultry and egg production. • Youth educational projects such as those supervised through 4-H and Vo-Ag often involve a single or at best a few animals. • Minimum acreage requirements, if too restrictive, discourage such endeavors.

  7. Right to Farm LawPublic Health Statute C.G.S. §19a-341 Agricultural or farming operation not deemed a nuisance • DPH statute • Odor, noise and dust • Must meet “generally accepted” agricutural practices as determined by the Commissioner of Agriculture

  8. Right to Farm LawPublic Health Statute C.G.S. §19a-341 • Use of chemicals and certain exemptions from water pollution – approval from Commissioner of D.E.P. • Farming operation must be in operation for 1 year or more and has not been substantially changed.

  9. Terminology Re: Management Practices • “Best” Management Practices vs. “Generally Accepted” Management Practices. • Agricultural guidelines for producers use the term “best” management practices. • From a regulatory or enforcement perspective, the term “best” sets the bar too high when used in regulations and ordinances. • Who or what governmental entity makes the determination if an agricultural operation is in compliance with the standards set for livestock and poultry management practices?

  10. Other Issues Manure Management • On-Farm • Stockpiled • Synergy – poultry/crop production • Regulatory – agency cooperation Set-Back Restrictions Commercial vs. Non-Commercial Farms

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