Thursday, May 5 2011 2:32PM
The EPA's Lisa Jackson spoke about myths surrounding what the agency's goals are.
Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lisa Jackson spoke at a meeting with the North American Agricultural Journalists in early April to paint a clearer picture of the agency's initiatives nationwide.
"There is a lot said about this agency. People need to hear directly from me," Jackson said, according to the Agweek. "We need to get past myths versus reality. Myths breed a cultural distrust."
A range of issues were reportedly discussed at the meeting, including the agency's focus on rural development and how the EPA plans to deal with agricultural problems nationwide, such as financial troubles facing many U.S. farmers and their laborers.
To show the agency's commitment to helping the farming industry, the source says Jackson explained that the EPA has worked closely with the Agriculture Department to solve persisting issues, such as drought conditions affecting output in some areas of the country.
Despite this affirmation, though, some farmers are unhappy with Jackson and the EPA. Bob Stallman, president of American Farm Bureau Federation, told reporters new farm dust regulations created by the agency could lead to higher food prices and less production.