UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- As the Pennsylvania Conservation Commission considers changes in its Nutrient Management Act, researchers in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences have issued a report that will help citizens and public decision-makers deliberate the issues, options and future policy directions for nutrient management in the Commonwealth.

The report, "Nutrient Management Policy: Pennsylvania Stakeholders' Views About Progress, Challenges, and Future Directions," was written by Charles Abdalla, associate professor of agricultural economics, and Alyssa Dodd, extension associate in agricultural environmental policy.

"This is the first major review of Pennsylvania's Nutrient Management Act regulations since the rules were implemented in 1997," Dodd says. "While detailed proposals for regulatory changes are not known yet, it is important for farmers and others who will be affected by any changes to stay informed about the discussions taking place at the state level and to actively participate in the deliberations when opportunities arise."

"The publication is based on information collected from 28 interviews with knowledgeable people from an array of agencies and organizations," Abdalla explains. "Our goal was to identify perspectives about critical nutrient-management issues in the commonwealth and provide a report that contributes to more informed discussions and policy decisions.

"Audiences that will find the report useful include people involved in animal agriculture, such as farmers, agribusinesses, rural residents, public decision-makers and elected officials, and anyone interested in water quality and the environment," Abdalla says.

The report is available on the Penn State Nutrient and Water Policy Update Web site at http://agenvpolicy.aers.psu.edu. The report also can be obtained by calling Abdalla at 814-865-2562.

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EDITORS: Contact Charles Abdalla at 814-865-2562 or CAbdalla@psu.edu (e-mail).

Contact: Gary Abdullah gxa2@psu.edu 814-863-2708 814-863-9877 fax #298