SYMPOSIUM - THE IMPACT OF THE POULTRY-INDUSTRY ON WATER-QUALITY - INTRODUCTION

The poultry industry has met the demands of an increasing United States population by greatly increasing production. These conditions have contributed to environmental loading by waste products, which has resulted in concern for the stability of the environment by farmers and the public. The poultry industry has been a leader in addressing environmental issues through educational programs and management efforts. These issues are being addressed on two fronts: 1) load reduction of impaired waters and 2) pollution prevention. Cooperative educational and technical assistance programs by the Soil Conservation Service and the Cooperative Extension System are underway in an attempt to document improvements by the poultry industry in the area of water quality. This information will be used in Environmental Protection Agency-mandated State Assessment Reports and Management Programs.