It is a cheap fertilizer that is in growing demand by farmers. It is true that state and federal governments are beginning to regulate manure handling by confined animal operations. But the manure applicators with whom I ve talked say that this will not inhibit the expansion of the poultry manure market. . According to the company, their fertilizer product is becoming a profit center for the company. One more thing should be said about the market for poultry manure.
Organic foods is by far the fastest growing segment of the food market both here and abroad.
Organic agriculture is becoming a powerful marketing concept. And organic agriculture prohibits the use of commercial fertilizers and encourages the use of manure. If the present rate of growth in organic agriculture continues into the future, the demand for manure could soar. It would be ironic if, in order to satisfy a renewable energy mandate promoted by Minnesota environmentalists this legislature were to destroy a major ingredient in a sustainable agricultural future. Turkey growers may not be receiving the price they want for their manure because they now concentrate production.