"While it's always positive to see the private sector and citizens unite, the effects of this arbitrary, non-binding agreement could actually hurt independent family farmers who sometimes need to grow their farms to survive," said Aaron Putze, CSIF executive director. "These farm families have traditionally lived, volunteered and raised their families in those communities for years, and it's not always possible for them to uproot and move their entire business if growth is not an option."

Under terms of the agreement, representatives of Minnesota-based Christensen Farms, New Fashion Pork and Schwartz Farms and Lynch Livestock of northeast Iowa agree not to build new farms or grow existing farms within four miles of the Great Lakes area, reports the Daily Nonpareil.

It also states that parties living outside the parameter of the buffer will participate in public meetings facilitated by IGLA to openly discuss their plans.

The basic tenants of the agreement mirror the work of CSIF, a collaborative effort launched in 2004 involving the Iowa Cattlemen's Association, Iowa Corn Growers Association, Iowa Farm Bureau, Iowa Pork Producers Association, Iowa Poultry Association and Iowa Soybean Association.

View the Daily Nonpareil story by clicking here.