On November 18, 2024, USDA announced its appointment of 27 new members to its Task Force on Agricultural Air Quality Research. The appointees to the Task Force include Dan Fields, Vice President of Compliance, Sustainability & Regulatory Affairs at Herbruck's Poultry Ranch, Inc. Fields serves as a member of UEP’s Environment and Sustainability Committee, and acts as UEP’s representative on the Task Force. The Task Force was created by the 1996 Farm Bill to address agricultural air quality issues and help better coordinate activities and resources among USDA agencies and other federal partners, including EPA.

Specifically, the Task Force focus areas may include:

• Provide recommendations for critical research related to agricultural air quality issues.
  Ensure that implementation of USDA practices, programs, and research for air quality and climate change promote environmental justice goals and explore opportunities for improving the environment for all.
• Address reactive nitrogen emissions, including ammonia from agricultural sources, especially in relation to nitrogen deposition, greenhouse gas impacts and ammonia's role as a precursor to fine particulate matter formation.
• Discuss agricultural greenhouse gas and carbon sequestration topics, including climate-smart agriculture and forestry options and sustainable solutions.
• Provide guidance and recommendations to the USDA Secretary regarding the impact on agriculture from EPA rules and research, including the National Ambient Air Quality Standards and emissions estimating methodologies for livestock and poultry operations.
• Discuss state and local air quality regulations related to agriculture and the potential impact on agricultural operations in those areas.

Click here for additional information on the Task Force.