100 advocates lobby in Des Moines for CAFO moratorium

DES MOINES — Nearly 100 Iowans gathered at the capitol Thursday, asking lawmakers to bring the state's farm factory industry to a halt.

The group lobbied in support of legislation that proposes a moratorium on new and expanding concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs).

Diane Rosenberg, president of Jefferson County Farmers and Neighbors (JFAN), attended Thursday's rally.

Rosenberg tells KTVO she's not anti-agriculture, but she is against operations that impact the state's environment, and quality of life.

"There's a lot of people suffering around the state," Rosenberg said. "Our waters are terribly polluted, and not getting any better. We have a nutrient reduction strategy that's not making a dent in our polluted waters."

Rosenburg added that the issue is getting more support from lawmakers than it has in previous years. Right now, she said the goal is to get the bill assigned to a subcommittee.

The current legislation, labeled House File 203, can be viewed HERE.