Farm Trade Groups Form Water Quality Alliance
Three Iowa farm trade groups have formed an organization called the Iowa Agriculture Water Alliance to push farmers harder on the implementation of farm practices designed to clean Iowa's water. The group's goal is to get more farmers to participate in the state's Nutrient Reduction Strategy, a voluntary program initiated Gov. Terry Branstad's administration.
Environmental groups including Iowa Citizens for Community improvement want measurable and enforceable standards. They say the new alliance will do little to improve Iowa water. Iowa CCI says it's a corporate public relations campaign that won't change a thing.
Branstad announced the creation of the alliance Monday with officials from Iowa Corn Growers Association, Iowa Soybean Association and the Iowa Pork Producers Association.
The soybean group's CEO Kirk Leeds is board chairman of the nonprofit alliance.
