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Mitloehner concerned about European views on reactive nitrogen emissions

A science professor and air quality specialist is concerned European influence could eventually result in further restrictions for U.S. livestock producers. 

Dr. Frank Mitloehner with the University of California Davis says Europe is beginning to look at reactive nitrogen emissions in the form of urine excreted by animals.

“And what it refers to is that urea nitrogen can become a whole number of environmental pollutants that can effect ground water, that would be nitrate. Or air quality, that would be ammonia. Or the climate, that would be nitrous oxide.”

Speaking to Brownfield at the World Pork Expo in Des Moines, he said it could also be classified as an environmentally benign compound like nitrogen gas.

“You as a producer can modify which route that nitrogen goes, and whether it effects air, or water, or climate, or none of the above. That research needs to happen and it needs to happen quickly, before we are once again following what they are doing in northern Europe with five years delay.”

Mitloehner says he’s encouraged by the U.S. pork industry because it continues to be proactive and forward-thinking when facing potential regulatory changes.