State government is working with the industry because it helps achieve several important goals, such as reducing unemployment and increasing per capita income. Also, poultry will enable many families to stay on the farm at a time when small farms are being squeezed out and the state's most famous crop, tobacco, is clearly facing challenges of its own. Contrary to your criticism, the poultry industry is committed to environmental protection. The industry recently approved a policy that will help protect rivers, streams and ground water from excessive enrichment from poultry litter being used as fertilizer. Companies and farmers will work together to make this happen.
Companies are also committed to worker safety.
Accidents can happen anywhere, but poultry companies on the whole have a very good safety record. Accidents, when they occur, are properly reported on OSHA-required logs. Above all, poultry companies are committed to producing safe, wholesome, affordable and nutritious food for people in Kentucky, throughout the nation and around the world. Exports of poultry and other agribusiness products are the biggest single positive factor in our nation's balance of trade. This is a world-class industry, and it is in Kentucky to stay and to grow.