Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring said on Mar. 16 that producers operating permitted livestock facilities in North Dakota have received letters from the Department of Environmental Quality regarding open records requests about their facilities.
The issue is important because it has caused confusion among producers, who may not be sure how to respond to these requests or whether any action is required. The North Dakota Department of Agriculture supports and regulates agriculture for the benefit of state residents, according to the official website.
Goehring said, “While the letters correctly state that no action is required on the part of the producer, there has been some confusion. Producers are not subject to open records requests but may feel the need to contact the group that is listed. The group requesting information is a non-governmental organization (NGO). If producers have any questions, they should contact the DEQ directly.”
He continued, “The requests are being made by the Dakota Resource Council, an environmental organization generally opposed to typical agriculture operations. Do not respond back to the name listed on the request. Be sure to direct any questions directly to the DEQ at 701-328-5237.”
The North Dakota Department of Agriculture operates across the state and serves as a government department focused on advancing and safeguarding agriculture, as reported by its official website. The department provides services through divisions such as animal health, food safety, and seed regulation and works within state government structures to foster growth and ensure compliance in agricultural practices according to its official website.
Looking ahead, Goehring advised producers with concerns or questions about these letters or future information requests to reach out directly to the Department of Environmental Quality for guidance.
