NASDA News May 14, 2007

NASDA, Farm Groups Join Over Disaster Assistance
Published: May 14, 2007

The nation's leading state agriculture officials joined with the country's two largest farm organizations to urge the U.S. House of Representatives to support the agricultural disaster assistance bill. On May 10, the House approved the bill by a vote of 302-120--enough to override a presidential veto threat. NASDA joined the National Farmers Union and the American Farm Bureau Federation in asking Congress to provide $3.5 billion in assistance to farmers and ranchers across the country. 

Virtually every state in the nation has been impacted by significant weather related and disaster losses in 2005, 2006, or 2007," the letter stated. "In 2005 alone, about 80 percent of U.S. counties were declared disaster or contiguous disaster counties due to devastating hurricanes, fires, floods, excessive moisture and severe drought." A copy of letter can be located on NASDA's website. 

National Farmers Union President Tom Buis applauded the vote and commended House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Md.), Appropriations Committee Chairman David Obey (D-Wisc.), and Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin Peterson (D-Minn.) for their steadfast support of rural America. "I am very pleased to see the House overwhelmingly pass disaster assistance for those who have been affected by adverse weather conditions," Buis said. 

In a Statement of Administration Policy, the administration expresses strong opposition to passage of H.R. 2207 and if this legislation were presented to the president, the bill would be vetoed. The full statement is located on the White House website at http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/legislative/sap/110-1/hr2207sap-h.pdf.
 
The disaster funding assists producers who suffered crop and livestock losses from weather-related disasters during either 2005, 2006, or 2007. Eligibility is based on whether producers carried crop insurance during the selected year. The package provides assistance for farmers who lost 35 percent or more of their crop in one of the covered years and for livestock producers in counties that received a disaster designation during the covered time. The legislation also includes a one month extension of the Milk Income Loss Contract (MILC) program. MILC is a vital tool to assist dairy producers when prices are low. (Contact: Jennifer Yezak)

USFES Matches Small Food Companies with International Buyers
Published: May 14, 2007

In today's global economy, seeking international customers is a must for small- to mid-sized food companies looking to grow. That is why organizers of the U.S. Food Export Showcase (USFES) take time to organize meetings of these food companies and international buyers both during and after show hours. 

These less formal meetings often provide companies and buyers the opportunity to follow up on connections made on the show floor, discuss their interests and goals, and get a better idea of how each party can help meet the needs of the other. One good example of this follow-up work came on Monday, May 7, when officials from the U.S. Food Export Showcase and from participating state departments of agriculture met with 30 importers from Taiwan, Malaysia, and Vietnam. These three countries were among the more than countries present at the world's largest food show, the FMI Show, at McCormick Place, May 6 to 8. The Foreign Agricultural Service personnel led 15 of the delegations. 

"Networking is an important part of this business," said DeWitt Ashby, NASDA's director of trade shows. "Trade shows work because they create opportunities for personal contact." Ashby has organized the U.S. Food Export Showcase on behalf of NASDA's member states for 24 years, and he said the number of international buyers has surged in the last few years after dropping off a bit earlier this decade. 

"We invite potential customers from around the world to come and see what our companies have to offer, but these meetings are also about learning what international customers want," Ashby said. "The communication has to work both ways if we want to have long-term relationships." 

According to Jamie Loh, marketing manager for GBA Corp., Selangor, Malaysia, the country's growing middle class is having an influence on consumer preferences. In fact, at this year's U.S. Food Export Showcase, Ms. Loh is on the look out for Tex-Mex products. 

"The Tex-Mex trend is in its infancy in Malaysia," Loh explained. "However, people are becoming more affluent. They are traveling more and are getting exposed to western life styles and tastes." (Contact: DeWitt Ashby)

Polansky Honored as Bio State Executive of the Year
Published: May 14, 2007

The Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) and the Kansas Bioscience Organization (KansasBio) last week honored Kansas Agriculture Secretary Adrian Polansky with the prestigious BIO State Executive of the Year Award for his leadership and support for biotechnology in Kansas and across the United States. 

"Secretary Polansky is a strong advocate for agricultural production and research, supporting the biotechnology industry in the development of alternative fuels, plant-made pharmaceuticals, and cutting-edge seed technologies," said Jim Greenwood, president and chief executive officer of BIO. "The biotechnology industry appreciates his leadership in Kansas to attract biotech research and facilities. He has also worked with his peers across the country in all other state government to encourage them to explore new technologies to learn how they can benefit their local economies, residents, and the environment." 

Polansky was appointed secretary of the Kansas Department of Agriculture by Governor Kathleen Sibelius in February 2003. A lifelong Kansan, Polansky owns Polansky Farms and Polansky Seed, and has served as state executive director of the Kansas Farm Service Agency, served as president of the Kansas Crop Improvement Association, and served as chairman of the Agriculture Council of America. In addition, Polansky leads the Biotechnology Task Force of NASDA. In this role, Polansky has worked with agriculture secretaries and commissioners on biotechnology research, policy, and practices. 

"Under Secretary Polansky's guidance, Kansas is applying new agricultural production methods and employing new technology innovations," said Angela Kreps, president of KansasBio. "Not only have farmers in Kansas benefited from Secretary Polansky's support of biotechnology, but his work has had a significant impact in energizing rural economies." 

Polansky received the award during the 2007 BIO International Convention in Boston. 

"Secretary Polansky understands the promise of biotechnology to create a better world. We thank him for supporting and encouraging public policy that enables our industry to pursue this promise," said Greenwood. BIO represents more than 1,100 biotechnology companies, academic institutions, state biotechnology centers and related organizations across the United States and 31 other nations. BIO members are involved in the research and development of health-care, agricultural, industrial and environmental biotechnology products. 

The Kansas Bioscience Organization is a state affiliate organization of BIO. Founded in 2004, the KansasBio is a unified voice representing the biosciences in Kansas. Across the human, plant, animal and industrial biosciences, KansasBio is focused on enhancing the business and research climate and working with leaders across the state to attract and retain bioscience talent, companies and funding. (Contact: Rick Kirchhoff)

Terry Coleman Appointed as Georgia Deputy Agriculture Commissioner
Published: May 14, 2007

Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tommy Irvin has appointed Terry Coleman as deputy commissioner at the Georgia Department of Agriculture. 

Coleman served in the Georgia House of Representatives including serving as Speaker of the House for the 2003-2004 Legislative Session. He began working at the Georgia Department of Agriculture as a consultant in January assisting with the department's programs and budgets. 

"I value Speaker Coleman's 34 years of experience serving in the House, especially his 12 years as chairman of the Appropriations Committee, and his longstanding involvement with agricultural issues within the state legislature and his experience in the retail food business all his adult life," said Irvin. 

"I especially want Terry to work with our International Trade and Homeland Security teams as well as assisting with legislative issues," said Irvin. "There is no shortage of things to do." (Contact: Arty Schronce, 404/656-3645)

Rendell Says New Online Dog Kennel Inspection Database will Help Consumers
Published: May 14, 2007

Pennsylvania consumers now can access timely, complete inspection records for the state's 2,600 licensed dog kennels, Governor Edward G. Rendell said this week. The new online database is part of the Governor's commitment to improving conditions for dogs in the state. 

The records can be accessed at http://www.agriculture.state.pa.us/padoglaw.
 
"Pennsylvania is taking action to improve consumer knowledge and provide better care for dogs in kennels across the state," Rendell said. "This new access to kennel inspection records will help consumers know the conditions of kennels--where they might purchase a dog or board their dog while they travel so they can make better decisions about the welfare of their pets." 

At Rendell's direction, the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture has invested in technology to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of dog kennel inspections. The new inspection and data management tool, PA Dogs, allows more accurate and useful record-keeping and will allow the Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement to better analyze the data collected than the outdated paper and electronic records used previously. 

"We're bringing today's technology to dog kennel inspections and record keeping," said Pennsylvania Agriculture Secretary Dennis Wolff. "We have now fully implemented this technology and trained our dog wardens to maximize its potential. Thanks to this investment, we now have the ability to post kennel inspections and analyze the data we collect." 

Dog wardens now use tablet PCs to conduct their inspections, which give them immediate access to records and information relating to the kennels. The new technology also allows dog wardens to immediately file inspections using wireless internet connections and reduces the time they need to spend in the office. The inspection records are electronically updated in the kennel inspection database, which the public can now access. 

In 2006, Rendell proposed sweeping changes to the state's dog law and related state regulations that are designed to improve the conditions under which dogs are bred and sold in Pennsylvania. The governor also appointed a special deputy secretary in charge of dog law, a special prosecutor for dog law cases and an enforcement team focused on investigation and enforcement in kennels. 

For more information on Pennsylvania's dog laws, visit http://www.agriculture.state.pa.us/padoglaw. (Contact: Chris L. Ryder, 717/787-5085)