The Federal, State and local governments have brought water quality issues to the forefront. Delaware agriculture has come to the table in more than one fashion to address water quality. For example, we were given the challenge of creating a nutrient-management program that works. Once Delaware agriculture accepted this challenge, we decided that there were three main concepts that the program's foundation would be built upon. The first is that we must ensure that agriculture remains profitable.
Profitable agriculture is the best open space and farmland preservation program that exists.
In addition, university studies have demonstrated that when farmland is converted into residential development, the nutrient loadings increase substantially. Second, we must create markets and alternative uses for any excess nutrients through private and public participation with the ultimate goal that once the markets have been established, the public sector could move to the sidelines. Finally, the most important focus of our program must be water quality. From the largest animal operation to the lush green lawn of the homeowner, water quality is everyone's responsibility. I'm very excited about Perdue-AgriRecycle's project because it is a big step in the right direction and it meets all the criteria we believe is essential to make a positive impact on water quality in the state of Delaware.