SR9082 - Livestock & Agricultural Intensification: Community Perceptions of Environmental, Economic & Social Impacts as an Impediment to Agricultural Production

Researcher:

Dr. Wayne Caldwell, School of Rural Planning, University of Guelph

Objectives:

1. To document issues of compatibility and to better understand the relationship between livestock facilities and rural residents.
   

2. To allow for more informed decision making - by the livestock industry, by rural residents (farm and nun-farm) and by local and provincial policy makers.
   

3. To identify, from the community's perspective, those practices that contribute positively or negatively to the relationship between livestock production and neighbouring uses.
   

4. To identify best practices for municipalities into how land use planning can more effectively respond to the animosity towards livestock production that is most evident with the establishment of new large barns.

Expected Benefits:

1. To establish a better understanding of the long-term relationship between large livestock operations and the balance of the rural community.
   

2. To improve the acceptance of animal agriculture in rural communities.
   

3. Provide the basis for education that promotes practices that help to create harmony between producers and other rural residents.
   

4. Identify practices from municipalities in Ontario and elsewhere that minimize conflict and facilitates the proper planning and community acceptance of new livestock operations.
   

5. To allow municipalities to identify their approach relative to other areas within the province.
   

6. To develop information and identify approaches that will provide a critical input into the local political dynamic which will determine the future of livestock production in the province of Ontario.
   

Summary of Research Results:

Take a Proactive versus a Reactive Approach

In spite of protests before construction of a livestock operation, understanding and cooperation between farmers and neighbours usually improves after construction. At the time of a barn proposal and as the operation continues to evolve, operators can utilize approaches that addresses the needs of their neighbours while still maintaining an efficient operation. Approaches that operator's have used include changing manure application technique (irrigation gun to dragline) and schedule (no week-end spreading) to warning before undertaking a normal farm practice that a neighbour may find invasive. The proactive approaches taken by the farmers usually overcame the previous negative perceptions.

Build a Positive Farm-Neighbour Relationship

When it comes to positive neighbour relations, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. A good neighbour policy makes a big difference. Operator's need to take the time to address neighbours and recognize their presence in the rural landscape that the farm operates within.

Stopping in to say hello, clearing driveways in the winter and getting involved with the community, are low-cost alternatives that are essential for building a strong, ongoing, operator-neighbour rapport.

Education

Fear often arises due to lack of knowledge - education about farming practices can go a long way in calming fears. The public is increasingly removed from agriculture and can be unaware of its practices. With this unknown comes misunderstanding. Operator's taking the time to inform neighbours of the practices in the barn and fields enables neighbours to understand the operation, make educated decisions and helps to create a positive relationship.

There is the opportunity here for commodity groups to prepare a one-page fact sheet on the commodity that operators can use to handout to neighbours.

There is also the opportunity here for commodity groups to prepare a one-page fact sheet on alternative dispute resolution methods and 'good neighbour policies' that farmers can utilize on their operation.

Communicate

Operator's need to communicate with their neighbours on an on-going basis, making them familiar with the farm and the farm's goals.

Operator's can prepare a communications plan before they build or expand that will address as many concerns as possible. Opportunities utilized by operators include: Informing immediate neighbours about the operation and plans well ahead of construction and contacting knowledgeable resource people in your community to address probable concerns that may arise regarding your project.

Listen to Concerns & Address One-on-One

Taking the time to listen to a neighbour's concern and address the concern one-on-one with them if possible. This approach to mediating conflict has produced a more positive resolution for neighbours than formal litigation.

Benefits to Ontario's Agriculture, Food and Rural Communities

Establishes a stronger understanding of the long-term relationship between the rural residents and the intensive livestock operations that can be utilized for informed opinions and understanding.

Creates an educational foundation that promotes practices that cultivates good neighbour relations between intensive livestock operations and rural residents.

Identifies approaches that can be used as a guideline for provincial and local level government when establishing policy and land use planning practices concerning intensive livestock operations in Ontario and Canada.

Creates a basis for responses to NIMBYism and as a medium to understand and hopefully resolve conflict.