Introduction

Although there might not seem to be any legal or policy problems with raising chickens on an already-existing farm, it is important to understand the various laws, regulations, and political actors in order to make the project successful. In addition to a couple Lafayette policies that make the chicken tractor seem viable in relation to the school, there are local, state, and federal regulations that pertain to LaFarm and the proposed chicken tractor. While they may not affect the project at the initial, planned scope, it is important to understand them in case a future group decides to expand the capacity of the chicken tractor project.

 

Lafayette College

In 2008, Lafayette College signed the American College & University Presidents’ Climate Commitment (ACUPCC), which “is a ‘high-visibility effort’ to address global warming by creating a network of colleges and universities that have committed to neutralize their greenhouse gas emissions and accelerate the research and educational efforts of higher education to equip society to re-stabilize the earth’s climate (Mission, n.d.)”. Traditionally, these greenhouse gas emissions are cut through a decrease in energy consumption and investing in alternative energies. When using those two criteria to determine a new solution, a chicken tractor could provide exactly that for LaFarm. The chickens fertilize the field while eating the pests and reduce the need for fossil fuel intensive fertilizers.The Lafayette College Energy Policy states that, “energy efficient products shall be purchased whenever possible”(Energy Policy, n.d.). Additionally, the policy states that the college’s “focus has been enhanced to include, beyond all of our conservation measures, the goal of operating our campus with the least effect on our environment.” Traditional inorganic fertilizers have been proven to have wide-ranging negative effects on the environment, both through their production and their use (Carpenter et al., 1998). Traditional organic poultry fertilizer has been proven to reduce pollution while improving soil quality to the same degree as inorganic fertilizer (Evanylo et al., 2008). Organic fertilization techniques, therefore, are consistent with both the energy policy of the college and the misison of LaFarm as detailed in the Social Context section. These policies elevate the feasibility of the chicken tractor as well as the potential benefits the school can obtain.

Lafayette College does not appear to have a policy on animals beyond prohibiting pets (Housing Policies, n.d.) and allowing assistance/service animals with proper approval (Assistance/Comfort Animal Policy, n.d.). An official policy may need to be developed, such as a commitment to the ethical treatment of animals in order to assuage concerns that may arise.

Forks Township

LaFarm is located three miles from campus at the Metzgar Fields Athletic Campus, and is under the jurisdiction of Forks Township.Therefore, LaFarm must adhere to the regulations which the local (Forks Township), state (Pennsylvania), and federal (United States) governments impose on agricultural practices. The regulations regarding zoning are important to be noted. FORKS TOWNSHIP, Article VI, discusses Environmental Performance Standards (Ordinance 331 Code 200, 2014). While Lafayette owns the property and may do with it as it pleases, alterations still must be made notice to Fork’s Township and there are requirements for all uses. LaFarm should be exempt from the several forms and regulations as it fits the criteria listed in provisions in this article: steep slopes of less than 3,000 square feet land area, previously and substantially developed lots, and the portion of the land directly affected by location of a through-road or other community facility as determined necessary by the Board of Supervisors (Article VI, 2016). As the EVST 2016 Capstone researchers discovered after contacting Tim Weis with Forks Township, permitting would only be necessary if the eggs were to be sold to the general public (Hogan et al., 2016). Sarah Edmonds stated that the quantity of eggs produced by the amount of chickens LaFarm would have would not be enough to warrant selling them (Edmonds). The purpose of the chickens would be largely educational and any produce would likely stay within the Lafayette community, with produce being distributed at no profit. Additionally, the area of land allotted to LaFarm is listed under the official zoning map for recreational and educational purposes, so it may have some leeway when it comes to regulatory standards. In short, according to Edmonds and prior research there should be no permitting or legal issues due to LaFarm’s proper zoning, educational purpose, and low poultry output.

 

LaFarm

Animal Feeding Operations (AFOs) are agricultural facilities where animals are raised in confined situations, which LaFarm would be technically considered with the addition of chickens (National Resources Conservation Service, n.d.). However, due to the small scale of the proposed chicken project, and because the waste is being used as fertilizer instead of being discharged into a ditch, stream, or other waterway, LaFarm would not be in danger of committing illegal acts.

Students, administrators, and consumers may be concerned about the Food and Drug Administration’s egg regulations (and salmonella contamination in general), which require producers to develop methods to prevent salmonella from contaminating eggs. Despite concerns about salmonella, however, producers with fewer than 3,000 laying hens and those that sell all of their eggs directly to consumers are exempt from these regulations (Center for Food Safety, 2017). In fact, Pennsylvania has specific regulations for “Small Flock Producers,” which are defined as producers who have “less than 3,000 hens, sells eggs within five days from the date of lay ,and sells eggs within a 100 mile radius from their production or processing facility (EGG, FRUIT AND VEGETABLE INSPECTION, n.d.).”  If LaFarm would choose to sell their eggs, they would be subject to these regulations, which are fairly simple and outlined in detail here. Though LaFarm does not sell eggs, if a partnership with a local restaurant were to occur, the eggs would need to adhere to the regulated standard. The requirements are as follows: When storing and transporting eggs, all eggs must be kept at 45 degrees fahrenheit or less, a thermometer must be available in the cooler to verify the temperature; dirty or broken eggs must be removed; the eggs must be properly packaged and labeled, with the name and address, the date of lay, “Keep Refrigerated”, and handling instructions; small producers that do not weigh and/or grade their eggs to US Standards must label them as “unclassified;” the Retail Food Code requires that eggs must meet US Consumer Grade B or better standards to be able to be used in Retail Food Facilities. If LaFarm were to meet all of these requirements, the eggs may be sold and purchased locally.

If consumers are found to be concerned with salmonella contamination despite LaFarm’s compliance with the minimum regulations, LaFarm could aim to meet the requirements of the Pennsylvania Egg Quality Assurance Program, which would add a level of certification ot their eggs. PEQAP’s goal is to reduce the risk of salmonella spreading, and achieves this by holding producers to a slightly higher standard. Through better monitoring techniques and stricter regulation, the PEQAP certified producer’s output higher quality eggs; the program requirements can be found here.

Being zoned for agriculture, there should be no issue constructing a chicken coop, as there were no issues raised with the construction of two sheds and a pavilion  and no issues discovered while researching the possibility of constructing a greenhouse(Edmonds).

 

Federal and Non-Federal Programs and Grants

Recognition amongst the local community is not the only accreditation the school can receive from such a project, though. Beyond Lafayette College lies the potential to be awarded a variety of potential grants, which all seek to find sustainable solutions within the field of agriculture. Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Grant is a program supported by the US Department of Agriculture and gives grants for research and education for farming projects (Sustainable Agriculture Grants, n.d.). The Organic Transitions Program provides academic institutions funding for research that addresses the issues with transitioning to organic farming and environmental impacts of organic systems (USDA Funding Available, 2016). The Organic Research and Extension Initiative provides funding for addressing critical challenges faced by organic farmers (National Institute of Food and Agriculture [NIFA], 2016). The Agriculture and Food Research Initiative provides grants to academic, private, and nonprofit institutions to conduct agricultural research, education, and extension on issues facing the food and agricultural system including plant and animal health, food safety, climate change, food systems, and rural communities (NIFA, n.d.). If LaFarm were to make use of the chickens for producing organic products, or for educational/research purposes,then it would qualify for either the Organic Research and Extension Initiative or the Organic Transitions Program. Lastly, the use of a solar PV system to power certain electrical elements as noted in the Technical Context section, this chicken tractor would qualify for the Rural Energy for America Program which enables farmers to purchase renewable energy systems and make energy efficiency improvements (Rural Energy For America, n.d.).

 

Good Agricultural Practices (GAP)

Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and Good Handling Practices (GHP) are voluntary audits that ensure produce is produced, packaged, handled, and stored safely. Since LaFarm will not be selling eggs at the initial stage, most of these practices do not necessarily apply. The care of the animals is also considered in depth. Most importantly, caretakers should respect animal well being, avoid non-therapeutic surgeries, minimize the use of antibiotics and hormones, and avoid using animal matter as feed (Animal Health and Welfare, 2007). A more extensive list for animal welfare can be found here and the regulations that would apply to the eggs should LaFarm choose to sell them can be found here.

 

Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA)

The Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) has a section specifically on biological soil amendments (essentially, raw and stabilized manure). Since the chickens will be applying their raw manure directly to the soil, this section may be applicable to LaFarm. Subject to change, the FDA is currently satisfied with the USDA’s National Organic Program standards. These standards call for a 120 day interval between application of raw manure for crops in contact with soil and a 90 day interval for crops not in contact with soil. Additionally, raw manure must be applied in a manner that does not contact covered produce and minimizes potential for contact with covered produce after application (Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), 2017). Nonetheless, it is unlikely anything will be planted on this land until the soil has been revitalized and thus these regulations are not relevant to the project at this time.

 

Other Political Actors

The LaFarm Advisory Board (LaFAB) and the other organizations involved in the operation of LaFarm are political actors in addition to their role as social actors. Currently, Sarah Edmonds has most organizations volunteer their time on certain weekends and holds several larger, broad volunteering events that are open to the whole community (such as Earth Day). Out of all student organizations, LaFFCo has the largest political presence on LaFarm. They have done a lot of work with the LaFarm informational blog in the past, and they have used their funds to buy a small hoop house for Edmonds to utilize as well. If they would contribute towards the cost of the chickens, as student contact Jennifer Giovanniello has suggested, they would have a greater stake in the chicken project and would be entitled to have a say in all future related endeavors.

 

Conclusion

LaFarm cannot function without all three parties (the College, the city of Easton, and LaFarm) working together, but to do so the farm must meet all regulations to operate successfully. Once these regulations are met, to make LaFarm stand out to its counterparts it will need to achieve goals that make it stand out from the rest. Though additional certifications, grants, and titles, LaFarm has lots of potential to feasibly enact a chicken tractor. Acting as a creative alternative farming practice, it can grab people’s attention and bring more society members and students into LaFarm’s community.