NASDA News March 13, 2006

FDA Issues Draft Guidance on Fresh-Cut Produce
Published: March 13, 2006

       The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has published a draft guidance document for producers of fresh-cut produce entitled “Guide to Minimize Microbial Food Safety Hazards of Fresh-cut Fruits and Vegetables.” The document is designed to minimize microbial food safety hazards common to the processing of most fresh-cut fruits and vegetables sold to consumers in a ready-to-eat form.
       This draft guidance discusses the production and harvesting of fresh produce and provides recommendations for fresh-cut processing in several areas: (1) personnel health and hygiene, (2) training, (3) building and equipment, (4) sanitation operations, and (5) fresh-cut produce production and processing controls from product specification to packaging, storage and transport. The final chapters provide recommendations on recordkeeping and on recalls and tracebacks. The guide complements FDA’s Current Good Manufacturing Practices regulations by providing specific guidance on the processing of fresh-cut produce. The draft guidance is accessible on the FDA website at http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/guidance.html. (Contact: Charlie Ingram)

Terpstra and Yost Appointed to USDA Posts
Published: March 13, 2006

        Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns last week announced the appointments of A. Ellen Terpstra as deputy under secretary for Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services and Michael W. Yost as administrator of the Foreign Agricultural Service, both effective immediately.
        "I'm extremely pleased to have someone of Ellen's caliber and commitment assume this important post for the U.S. food and agriculture industry," said Johanns. "I'm looking forward to working with her in this new capacity and I know America's farmers and ranchers will benefit from her expertise as we continue our efforts to level the global playing field for U.S. agricultural exports."
        Terpstra has served as the administrator of the Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) since March 2002. She fills a position left vacant by the resignation of Dr. James Butler late last year.
        Before joining USDA, Terpstra was president and chief executive officer of the USA Rice Federation from 1998 to 2002 and served as president of the U.S. Apple Association for seven years.
        Terpstra's government experience has focused on international food and trade policy. She served as trade negotiator and policy coordinator for the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative and as an agricultural policy analyst with the Congressional Research Service. She also has been a consultant to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations in Rome, Italy, and has served on several national agricultural advisory committees.
        Terpstra received a bachelor of science degree from Georgetown University's School of Foreign Service.
        Johanns also announced the appointment of Michael W. Yost to serve as administrator of FAS, succeeding Terpstra.
        "Mike Yost has demonstrated broad expertise and managerial skills and will continue to make a great contribution to USDA in this new role," said Johanns. "I look forward to working with Mike as we continue to strengthen our capacity at USDA to manage the growing importance of international markets to American agriculture and the food sector."
        Yost has served as the Farm Service Agency's associate administrator for programs since January 2004. In this position, he was responsible for supervising and administering the farm commodity, farm loan, conservation and disaster assistance programs.
        Yost, a fourth generation farmer, came to USDA from a family farming operation in Minnesota. He previously served on the National Biodiesel Board and the USDA/Department of Energy Biomass Advisory Board. He also served as chairman of the American Soybean Association and the American Oilseed Coalition and strongly promoted use of U.S. soybeans and soybean products worldwide and enhanced market opportunities for American oilseed growers.
        A native of Murdock, Minnesota, Yost and his wife Sandra have two sons. He holds a bachelor of science degree in agriculture business administration from the University of Minnesota. (Contact: Jennifer Yezak)

Interior Secretary Norton Announces Resignation
Published: March 13, 2006

        Interior Secretary Gale Norton announced on March 10 that she will leave the cabinet post at the end of March. Norton is the first woman to serve as the Secretary of the Interior, and has held the office longer than all but six of her predecessors. In a letter to President Bush, Norton said that her most rewarding achievements were to promote cooperative conservation, responsible energy development, and the Healthy Forests Initiative. (Contact: Charlie Ingram)

Panel Reviews Packers and Stockyards Act
Published: March 13, 2006

        The Senate Agriculture Committee held an oversight hearing on March 9 to review the Packers and Stockyards Act and USDA's failure to protect livestock producers from unfair market practices. The hearing was initiated by Ranking Member Tom Harkin (D-Iowa) who commissioned a recent investigation by the USDA Inspector General (IG) that found widespread inaction by USDA's Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA).
        GIPSA Administrator Jim Link testified at the hearing and outlined several recommendations the agency is taking in response to the IG report. Harkin called for broad and sweeping changes at USDA to enforce laws designed to protect livestock and poultry producers from unfair, deceptive or anti-competitive market practices. Harkin has introduced legislation that would reorganize USDA and establish an Office of Special Counsel whose sole responsibility will be to investigate and prosecute violations of the Packers and Stockyards Act and other laws which protect producers. (Contact: Charlie Ingram)

Senators Urge No Spending Cuts for Agriculture Budget
Published: March 13, 2006

        A number of farm-state senators this week urged the Senate Budget Committee to maintain funding for the 2002 farm bill and to reject any mandatory spending reductions in the FY07 budget for agriculture. The Committee began the first step of approving a budget blueprint for FY07 on March 9.
        Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Saxby Chambliss (R-Ga.) and Ranking Member Tom Harkin (D-Iowa) sent a letter to the budget panel providing data and recommendations on the FY07 budget for agriculture. The lawmakers requested that the budget not require new spending cuts this year for farm programs, including commodity programs, conservation, rural development, research and energy. The letter noted that many producers are facing "reduced income prospects" this year due to higher fuel prices and lower market prices.
        A coalition of more than twenty farm-state senators sent a separate letter to the Budget Committee and also urged the panel to reject any mandatory spending cuts for agriculture. The letter was initiated by Sens. Norm Coleman (R-Minn.), Jim Talent (R-Mo.), Blanche Lincoln (D-Ark.), and Mark Pryor (D-Ark.). They noted that the administration's budget for 2007 included a total of $9 billion in cuts to agriculture commodity programs. Their letter stated that proposed cuts would disarm farmers during important trade negotiations and undermine the 2002 farm bill. (Contact: Charlie Ingram)

House Panel Reviews FY07 Agriculture Budget
Published: March 13, 2006

        The House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture held a hearing on March 9 to review the administration's proposed FY07 budget for agriculture. USDA Under Secretary for Farm and Foreign Agriculture Service J.B. Penn and Farm Service Agency (FSA) Administrator Teresa Lasseter testified at the hearing.
        Most of the questions from committee members focused on USDA's plans to consolidate or close many FSA field offices. Lawmakers expressed concern about the level of FSA services available to producers and the distance they would be required to travel if local offices are closed. Under Secretary Penn told the committee that FSA is still in the process of restructuring and USDA officials would meet with FSA state directors before making final decisions.
        Other lawmakers expressed concern and frustration about lagging disaster assistance for the victims of the devastating 2005 hurricane season. Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D-Ohio) noted that funds were needed in the Midwest for other serious problems, such as protection from the Emerald Ash Borer and other plant diseases. (Contact: Charlie Ingram)

Leaders Embrace 25x'25 Renewable Energy Vision as a National Goal
Published: March 13, 2006

        NASDA joined renewable energy champions to roll out a comprehensive strategy to establish 25x'25 as a national goal during the Second National Ag and Forestry Renewable Energy Summit last week in Washington, D.C. California Agriculture Secretary A.G. Kawamura is a member of the 25x'25 Steering Committee and former NASDA president Nathan Rudgers is also a member. They were among more than 250 participants at the summit which also included representatives from several other state departments of agriculture--Vermont, Florida and Alabama.
        During the next few months, they plan to gain endorsements by a majority of the members of Congress and build state-level alliances which will include environmental, religious, labor, conservation groups, and other partners.
        "We've demonstrated that our goal of providing 25 percent of the nation's energy supply from renewable resources by 2025 is very doable and enjoys a broad base of public support," says Read Smith, co-chair of the 25x'25 energy working group. "It's time to take this effort to the next level and move our country forward in some positive new directions. Americans know how to get the job done when they gather their collective spirits and work toward a national goal."
        "President Bush heightened the awareness of new energy solutions in his State of the Union speech when he called for replacing 75% of Middle East imports by 2025," adds Smith. "We need a can-do commitment to solve this problem and take the President's initiative to an even higher level. Several Congressmen have already agreed to champion this cause, and we expect many more bipartisan endorsements in the coming weeks."
        Support has been building rapidly over the last two years,and more than 70 organizations from the agriculture, forestry, and environmental communities joined forces to embrace the vision during this week's summit. With support from the Energy Future Coalition, the effort will build from a grassroots level to national prominence. Just this week, Montana Gov. Brian Schweitzer, Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels and Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell endorsed the initiative. Daniels and Rendell spoke during the summit.
        "We invite everyone to who wants to work toward U.S. energy self-sufficiency, strengthen national security, and protect the environment to join with us," adds Smith. To participate and find out more information, go to http://www.agenergy.info. (Contact: Jennifer Yezak)

Governor Nominates Seth "Brad" Bradstreet, III, as Maine Agriculture Commissioner
Published: March 13, 2006

        Governor John Baldacci has nominated Seth "Brad" Bradstreet, III of Newport to be the commissioner of the Maine Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Resources.
        "Brad displays a deep desire to promote of all aspects of Maine agriculture," said Baldacci. "He has managed a very successful farm for more than 25 years, and has been an active member of agricultural, educational and community organizations. His knowledge of agriculture and his passion for it make him a superb candidate and I am pleased that he is willing to take on this important leadership position."
        Bradstreet is the owner-operator of Bradstreet Farms, specializing in early generation and certified seed potatoes. He currently serves on the Maine Potato Board, and was president of the Board from 2003 to 2004. He is the current chair of the County Committee of the USDA Farm Service Agency. He serves on the Board of Selectmen of the Town of Newport and is chair of the Newport Water District.
        Previous to this experience, Bradstreet served on the Board of Directors for the Farm Credit of Maine. He was a member of the Mid-Maine Young Farmers, having served as president of the organization from 1992 to 1993. Bradstreet also served on the Board of Directors of Maine School Administrative District #48. Brad was awarded the Young Farmer of the Year Award in 1994.
        Bradstreet is a graduate of Nokomis Regional High School and attended the University of Maine. He has been married for 23 years to his wife Debra. They have two children.
        The Department of Agriculture maintains a mission of fostering opportunities for the agriculture community and of promoting stewardship of Maine's natural resources. In recent years Maine's agricultural industry--which has a $1.2 billion impact on the Maine economy--has made great strides to diversify and innovate.
        Following approval of the Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry Committee, Bradstreet's nomination must be confirmed by the full Senate. (Contact: Rick Kirchhoff)

House Approves Food Uniformity Bill
Published: March 13, 2006

        The House approved the "National Uniformity Food Act" (H.R. 4167) on March 8 which would preempt state and local food safety regulations and policies. The legislation passed by a vote of 283 to 139 after a week of intense and sometimes heated debate.
        NASDA sent a letter to members of the House on February 27 urging lawmakers to vote against the bill. The general intent of the legislation is to provide uniform food safety warnings and notifications. However, NASDA and other state government officials have strongly opposed H.R. 4167 because the bill goes far beyond this purpose and expands federal preemption under the Food, Drug and Cosmetics Act. NASDA has urged Congress to hold hearings on the legislation and to seek input from state and local officials in the food safety system. Two of NASDA's affiliate organizations have strongly opposed the legislation--the Association of Food and Drug Officials (AFDO) and the American Association of Feed Control Officials (AAFCO).
        During debate on H.R. 4167, the House approved an amendment offered by Rep. Dennis Coardoza (D-Calif.) that would require the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to expedite state petitions asking for food safety warning labels related to cancer-causing agents. Lawmakers also approved an amendment offered by Rep. Debbie Wasserma-Schultz (D-Fla.) to allow states to continue to issue warnings about mercury in fish and shellfish without having to petition the FDA. (Contact: Charlie Ingram)

EPA Announces Food & Agriculture Security Document
Published: March 13, 2006

        The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has released an important new homeland security resource document for government agencies and industries associated with the food and agriculture sector. This document describes the general federal roles and responsibilities for decontamination and disposal in response to animal, crop, and food incidents.
        Most decontamination and disposal actions are handled at the local level, not by the federal government. The EPA document can be a tool for further planning and preparedness for significant incidents that could disrupt the nation's food and agriculture sector. It describes key activities, lead and support agencies, and capabilities for a variety of threat scenarios. Summaries of pertinent federal statutes, plans for protecting this sector, and important government contacts are also provided. The document addresses incidents involving chemical or biological agents--radiological incidents are not addressed.
        For crop, animal, and food incidents, EPA has two primary roles. EPA has statutory responsibility for licensing or approving the sale and use of pesticides for decontamination and control of pathogens, or other pests, on crops or on environmental surfaces of livestock and food-related facilities and equipment. EPA also provides technical assistance in identifying, selecting, and locating appropriate waste handling options, identifying and addressing related environmental and health concerns, and working with the waste management industry to identify special measures that may help protect their personnel and the integrity of their facilities. Although the responsibility for issuing permits and for monitoring and enforcing compliance of municipal solid waste programs has been delegated to the states, EPA can take steps to assist in reaching the desired levels of environmental quality.
        The document is titled "Federal Food and Agriculture Decontamination and Disposal Roles and Responsibilities" and copies are available at http://www.epa.gov/homelandsecurity/pdfs/conops11222005.pdf. (Contact: Charlie Ingram)

West Virginia State University to Rename Land-Grant Programs for Gus Douglass
Published: March 13, 2006

        West Virginia State University (WVSU) will hold a ceremony during Founders Week to officially designate its land-grant programs as the Gus R. Douglass Institute for Agricultural, Consumer, Environmental, and Outreach Programs. The event will take place at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, March 15, in the Wilson University Union. Officials at the University opted to rename its land-grant programs division in honor of West Virginia Agriculture Commissioner Douglass due to his unwavering support of WVSU's efforts to regain its status as an 1890 land-grant institution and to become a university. The Institute will continue to carry out the historic land-grant mission of education, research and extension to the community.
        Douglass received an Honorary Doctor of Laws degree from WVSU in 1998.
        In addition to Douglass, representatives from Governor Joe Manchin's and Senator Robert Byrd's office will take part in the event, along with WVSU President Hazo W. Carter, Jr., Dr. Orlando McMeans, dean and director of the Institute, and other University administrators and faculty members. (Contact: Buddy Davidson, 304/558-3708)

ISDA Builds Staff to Support Future Programs
Published: March 13, 2006

        Indiana Agriculture Director Andy Miller announced a new organizational structure and new staff members to support the Indiana State Department of Agriculture's strategies and program goals. Lt. Governor Becky Skillman applauded the changes for moving the department forward in achieving its mission.
        "Andy has successfully led our new Department of Agriculture through its first year with a bold vision and aggressive goals," said Skillman, who also serves as secretary of agriculture and rural development. "Now we have added the structure and resources to support the continued growth and development of the department's programs and initiatives."
        "In our first year we made great strides in defining our role and sharing our vision for Indiana agriculture," said Miller. "We begin our second year by building on our already topnotch staff to put into action the strategies and goals we have created."
        In December, ISDA announced a new Economic Development Team, lead by Assistant Director Ken Klemme. Sarah Yeager recently was hired to assist the Economic Development team as program manager, Diversification and Hardwoods. She will oversee the department's diversification strategy and will work with private woodland owners on the management and marketing of these resources. Yeager is a 2002 graduate of Marian College with a bachelor's in accounting and finance. Before joining ISDA, she was program manager for the Indiana Rural Development Council. Yeager lives in Indianapolis.
        To mirror the new Economic Development Team, ISDA has three more assistant directors leading program areas. Tammy Lawson serves as the assistant director, Conservation and Regulatory Affairs. She will continue to serve as director of the Division of Soil Conservation as well as oversee the Department's role in interacting with agricultural regulatory agencies and the Indiana Grain Buyers and Warehouse Licensing Agency.
        To assist Lawson, Sarah Ash Simpson has been hired as the program manager, Regulatory Affairs. Simpson will serve as a liaison between the agriculture industry and key state regulatory agencies. She will teach the public about the importance of livestock to our state's economy. Simpson is a 2005 graduate of Valparaiso University School of Law and earned her bachelor's degree in management with an agricultural economics concentration in 1999 from Purdue University. She completed a legal internship at Indiana Farm Bureau and was project manager at Yeager & Sullivan, a swine production business. Simpson lives in Carmel.
        The Indiana Grain Buyers and Warehouse Licensing Agency also now falls into the Conservation and Regulatory Affairs area. Bill Johnson has been named director of the agency, replacing Klemme who left to lead the Economic Development Team. Johnson has been with the agency for 32 years, most recently as auditor supervisor. He brings an extensive background of auditing, accounting and supervising experience to his new role. Johnson lives in Andrews.
        Melissa Zabel Acton serves as the assistant director, Operations. She oversees the department's budget and accounts, grants and contracts and departmental operations, including human resources and information technology.
        Paul Hoffman has been hired as the operations assistant. Hoffman will process claims and assist the Division of Soil Conservation in their budget-related issues. He spent many years as a field representative with Indiana Farm Bureau, Inc. He has a bachelor's degree in animal science from Purdue University and recently received his associate's degree in accounting. Hoffman lives in Darlington.
        The final assistant director is Deborah Abbott who oversees Communications and Outreach. Her duties will continue to focus on communicating and educating the public on ISDA's activities and programs.
        Elisha Modisett joined the staff as legislative liaison, replacing Ryan West as he moved to the Economic Development Team. Modisett will work with the General Assembly and on federal policy issues. She has more than three years experience as a legislative assistant in the Indiana House of Representatives. She is a graduate of DePauw University with a bachelor's in criminology and is currently attending Indiana University School of Law. Modisett lives in Indianapolis.
        "I am impressed with every one of the individuals who have agreed to share our vision at ISDA," said Miller. "They have agreed to work hard for Indiana's agriculture industry as we use our second year to move our state closer to becoming a global center for food and agricultural innovation and commercialization." (Contact: Deborah Abbott, 317/232-8767)

WSDA Deputy Director Bill Brookreson Retiring After 32 Years
Published: March 13, 2006

        After nearly 32 years of service with the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA), Deputy Director Bill Brookreson is retiring March 31.
        Brookreson became deputy director in 1999 and was acting director from December 2001 to June 2002 before Valoria Loveland was appointed director by former Gov. Gary Locke.
        "It's gratifying to see someone of Bill's talent remain so devoted to a single state agency throughout his career," Loveland said. "We'll certainly miss Bill's leadership on so many issues that are important to the success of agriculture in this state."
        Brookreson said it wasn't an easy decision to leave his post at WSDA, where he has worked under nine WSDA directors and seven governors.
        "Two things have made it enjoyable to work with the outstanding staff at WSDA," Brookreson said. "I was proud to be part of a team that helped to build the department's programs supporting one of the largest agricultural economies in the country. And second, we work in partnership with wonderful people in the industry to create the future of agriculture."
        Washington's farmers and ranchers sold a record $5.94 billion in crops and livestock products in 2004. The state ranks 8th in the U.S. for the market value of crops and 14th in value of crops and livestock combined.
        During Brookreson's three-decade career, WSDA has provided leadership in developing and implementing policies that affect agricultural stakeholders, including salmon recovery efforts, land-use measures to preserve farm properties, and changing regulations on the use of pesticides. Brookreson has also witnessed globalization of agriculture, World Trade Organization rules, and trends affecting how farmers sell commodities.
        After beginning in the Grain Inspection Program in 1974, Brookreson held several senior management positions in WSDA divisions dealing with plants, pests and pesticides before becoming the agency's deputy director. As the second-ranking executive at WSDA, Brookreson served as the agency's chief operations officer and oversaw the work of the assistant directors of the agency's four divisions.
        In 1988, Brookreson received the Governor's Distinguished Management Leadership Award and earned a WSDA Director's Citation Award in 1993.
        WSDA carries out more than 25 distinct programs that support the agricultural community and promote consumer and environmental protection. WSDA has more than 500 full-time employees and employs many others seasonally. (Contact: Mike Louisell, 360/902-1813)

Job Opportunity -- WSDA Deputy Director
Published: March 13, 2006

$85,000-$95,000 annually depending on qualifications

The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) is seeking a Deputy Director. This full-time exempt position is located in the Natural Resources Building in Olympia, Washington.

Scope:
Serving in multiple roles, the Deputy Director first looks at the agency mission at the enterprise level, across divisional lines to ensure agency programs as a whole are accomplishing the agency's mission, goals and objectives. This position has a high level of policy impact, supervising four (4) division assistant directors and the State Veterinarian, all of whom are agency appointing authorities.

Principal Responsibilities:
As a member of the Executive Management Team (EMT), the Deputy Director is accountable to the Director. Duties include but are not limited to the following:

        * Act as agency Director in the Director's absence.
        * Define and determine general public policy direction on issues relating to agency objectives.
        * Review major agency policy directions and management initiatives.
        * Develop the agency's strategic plan, improve organizational effectiveness, and find creative solutions to complex problems and issues.
        * Represent the Director on various boards, commissions and committees.
        * Interact with multiple stakeholder groups and the public on possibly contentious issues.

DEPUTY DIRECTOR, AGRICULTURE

        * Act as the agency's Chief Administrative Officer, managing and directing the administrative functions of the agency including financial services, human resources, information technology, administrative regulations, public information, safety and emergency management, and homeland security to ensure coordination and support of the mission, goals and objectives of the agency at the enterprise level.
        * Direct and oversee the international marketing, domestic marketing, and small farms programs of the agency to support the viability and profitability of Washington products.
        * Direct and oversee the implementation of the Government Management Accountability and Performance (GMAP) within the agency, compliance with Governor's executive orders and policy direction.
        * Act as the senior appointing authority for the agency.
        * Maintain the highest standard of personal, professional and ethical conduct.

Desirable Qualifications:
A Bachelor's degree in a field related to agriculture is preferred, however other similar and/or related disciplines may be considered. The ideal candidate will have ten (10) years of progressive management experience in State government. Commensurate equivalent time and experience may be substituted for education on an individual basis at the sole discretion of the agency.

Compensation:
The Deputy Director serves at the pleasure of the Director of the Washington State Department of Agriculture is $ 85,000 to $95,000 annually, depending on qualifications. The State offers a comprehensive benefit package that includes health and life insurance, retirement, vacation and sick leave, and an optional deferred compensation program.

Application Procedure:
Interested persons should send a one-page letter of interest with a current resume, a list of five or more professional references, and the attached affirmative action information (optional). On a separate page, discuss your experience with: (1) developing public policy; (2) analyzing/improving organizational effectiveness; (3) dealing with diverse stakeholders and multiple issues; and (4) managing emergent priorities in a fast-paced environment.

The resume package must be received by 5:00 p.m., March 31, 2006, at the following address:

Washington State Department of Agriculture
Attention: John Eastin, HR Manager
P. O. Box 42560
Olympia, WA 98504-2560