Achieving an equitable working relationship with all regulatory agencies

GOAL
• Achieve a fair, effective and consistent working relationship with all regulatory
agencies.
• Demonstrate that the CT Agricultural Industry is responsible and willing to work
collaboratively and in partnership with all regulatory agencies (ie - Dept. of Heath,
Consumer Protection Agency, DEP, EPA, etc.)

IDEAS:
• Streamline the permit process for environmental issues
(water, waste, pesticide, etc)
• Provide regulatory agencies with expertise and knowledge of CT agricultural needs
• Encourage a cooperative relationship between regulatory agencies and
agricultural industry

HOW WILL THIS INITIATIVE BE ACHIEVED?
What needs to happen to get started?
• Form agricultural industry study group to identify problems, prioritize and develop
compelling case fro dialogue
• Establish objectives, define hurdles and create a detailed action plan
• Establish links with the necessary government agencies to start discussions
including: Dept. of Ag, DECD, DEP, Public Health, Consumer Protection

What resources are needed?
• Select and appoint proactive leaders from the agricultural industry
• Requires support from the highest level of each government agency
• Need to sell the concept to each senior official and get their personal involvement
• Retain a facilitator (mediator) to guide the process
• Include DECD, Legal advisors and Scientific expertise

What problems/hurdles need to be overcome?
• Funding
• Overcoming current regulatory issues
• Resistance to change within the government agencies
• Turf battles among the government agencies

How will CAB gain support from individual CT Ag businesses?
• Create awareness of the benefits of achieving these goals
• Providing avenues for all parties to contribute to the solution - open door
• Demonstrate some quick successes

How will the initiative become self-sustaining?
• Create an Agricultural Regulatory Advisory Council with representatives from
the Agricultural industry groups and high level officials from government
regulatory agencies