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A proposed civil penalty of $212,000 to Ohio Fresh Eggs (OFE) LLC has been announced by Ohio Agriculture Director Fred L. Dailey. The fine is for failing to comply with the terms and conditions of its operating permits for its poultry facilities in Croton in Licking County. Ohio Fresh Eggs disagrees with the proposed penalty assessment and has recently requested a formal hearing.

"Our goal is to bring Ohio Fresh Eggs into compliance," Dailey said. "The Ohio Department of Agriculture is actively working with the state Attorney General’s office to help assure that all large permitted livestock and poultry farms are well managed and in strict compliance with state laws that protect the public and the environment."

Reacting to the proposed penalty, OFBF Executive Vice President Jack Fisher said, "The Department of Agriculture has done exactly what they’re supposed to do: protect the farm’s neighbors and safeguard the environment." Fisher added that he’s pleased to hear that Ohio Fresh Eggs is taking positive steps to bring its operations into compliance with the law. "Ohio needs companies like Ohio Fresh Eggs; they’re an important part of our agricultural economy. But they need to operate by the rules, just like we expect every farmer to do," Fisher added.

OFBF’s commitment to the state’s livestock environmental permitting program, under which OFE was cited, was evident during the final days of the state’s budget debate. At Farm Bureau’s urging, the General Assembly added $200,000 to the livestock regulation program as well as $73,000 for poultry inspection. According to Rocky Black, Farm Bureau’s director of state affairs, "Sound public policy and a stable business climate dictate the need for an effective regulatory program for livestock facilities."

Ohio Fresh Eggs currently holds 12 permits for 12 poultry complexes, including nine at facilities at Croton in Licking County, two in Hardin County and one in Wyandot County.

The company’s hatchery, pullet and layer operations in Croton received installation and operating permits from ODA on Dec. 23, 2003, after a rigorous review process including a background check. ODA issued permits to the other facilities on Feb. 3, 2004. Since the egg farm began operations in the state, Dailey has issued 11 enforcement actions dealing primarily with the Insect and Rodent Control Plan (IRCP). Most recently the company was cited for allowing manure moisture at three of its layer facilities in Croton to exceed 30 percent, which is prohibited by the IRCP. Good manure management is necessary for proper control of flies and rodents.