Agriculture sector only halfway toward 2017 goal for phosphorus pollution (Annapolis, MD) – Claims by the farm lobby that Maryland’s agriculture industry is ahead of its Chesapeake Bay clean-up goals to reduce pollution are factually inaccurate. The Chesapeake Bay Program confirmed this week that as of June 2013 (its most recent data), Maryland’s agriculture sector is only 51 percent of the way toward meeting its 2017 goal to reduce phosphorus. “The agriculture industry clearly has a long way to go to reduce phosphorous pollution,” said Betsy Nicholas, executive director, Waterkeepers Chesapeake, a member of the Maryland Clean Agriculture Coalition. “It is shameful how hard the poultry industry, its lobbyists, and others continue to fight commonsense and scientifically sound solutions.” The Farm Bureau continues to object to the Phosphorus Management Tool (PMT), inaccurately and repeatedly stating agriculture is ahead of its goals. Federal experts tracking progress have established that the Farm Bureau is incorrect. “What is undisputable and what should spur the General Assembly and Governor-elect Hogan into action is that not only is agriculture industry is the largest source of pollution to the Bay but that it is behind the curve,” said Joanna Diamond, co-chair of the Maryland Clean Agriculture Coalition. “Every year, Maryland produces enough poultry waste to fill both M & T Bank stadium and FedEx Field. We’ve simply got too much manure that farmers are spreading on already polluting fields. And as a result our water quality is getting worse, not better.” The PMT would reduce pollution by halting the excessive uses of manure on farm fields already contaminated with too much phosphorus. “Experts say this is the best opportunity in 30 years to improve the Chesapeake Bay,” said Karla Raettig of the Maryland League of Conservation Voters and a co-chair of the Maryland Clean Agriculture Coalition.…