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HOUSE RECONVENES THIS WEEK
Published: January 14, 2008
The House of Representatives will officially convene the second session of the 110th Congress this week when lawmakers return to work January 15. The Senate will start its session on January 22.
House congressional leaders are starting the new session with a full agenda. One of the first items of business will be action on President Bush's unexpected veto in late December of the defense authorization bill. Lawmakers will also debate mine safety legislation and a public housing bill. Hearings are scheduled on several domestic issues including transportation needs, climate change, economic growth, health care, and small business contracting. Congressional leaders are also gearing up to develop an economic stimulus package. (Contact: Charlie Ingram)
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NASDA WELCOMES NEW INTERN
Published: January 14, 2008
New spring intern Carissa Wilhelm joined the NASDA team January 9, 2008. Carissa is a senior agriculture communications and journalism major at Texas A&M University and will graduate in May 2008.
Wilhelm comes to NASDA through Texas A&M's Agriculture & Natural Resource Policy (ANRP) internship program. Originally from Amarillo, Texas, Carissa grew up involved with agriculture. She spent her 2007 summer studying abroad in South Africa. After her time abroad, she became interested in international marketing and trade, foreign food aid, and domestic agriculture emergency relief. While in Washington, Carissa's goals are to learn more about food aid programs and international relations in respect to agriculture trade. Carissa's term at NASDA extends to May 7, 2008. (Contact: Carissa Wilhelm)
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CHEMICAL SECURITY RULES DELAYED FOR AGRICULTURE
Published: January 14, 2008
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced January 9 that it is granting a time extension for farmers and other agricultural users who are required to submit information under new chemical security rules. NASDA is continuing to work with DHS to clarify what the food and agricultural community will need to do in the future.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) completed new chemical security rules in November 2007 called Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS). These regulations require facilities to conduct security assessments, implement a site security plan, and register information on the DHS website (known as the Chemical Security Assessment Tool Top Screen). The rule also required facilities to register and submit this information by January 22, 2008.
More than 300 chemicals are covered by these new rules, including many common agricultural chemicals used in food production and farming, such as propane, chlorine, and ammonium nitrate. NASDA, USDA and other agricultural and food industry organizations have been working with DHS over the past months to discuss our concerns about the scope and impact of the regulations on the agricultural community. DHS has stated that it intended to limit coverage for farmers and other agricultural uses of the listed chemicals, and made an effort to address some of these issues during the rulemaking process. On December 21, 2007, DHS issued a letter granting an extension for farmers and agricultural users until additional information could be gathered. However, the letter raises additional questions and concerns about how the new rules will be applied to agriculture. DHS published the letter in a January 9 Federal Register notice. No specific date for compliance is published in the notice or letter.
NASDA's Food and Agriculture Security Task Force will discuss the chemical security rules during NASDA's upcoming midyear meeting in Washington, D.C. Representatives from the DHS Office of Chemical Security will be attending to meet with NASDA members about this issue. Information about the chemical security rule is available on the DHS website at http://www.dhs.gov/chemicalsecurity. (Contact: Charlie Ingram or Bob Ehart)
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STATES & AERIAL APPLICATORS WORK TOGETHER TO ACHIEVE NATIONAL COMPETENCY
Published: January 14, 2008
As part of a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Office of Pesticide Programs (EPA/OPP), the NASDA Research Foundation (NASDARF) is working closely with the aerial applicator community and pesticide stakeholders to develop a national aerial applicator competency exam and accompanying study guide for use by States with aerial applicator certification categories. Twenty-eight states currently have aerial pesticide application certification categories.
The NASDARF is collaborating with EPA/OPP, National Agricultural Aviation Association (NAAA), State Departments of Agriculture, and cooperative extension service representatives to develop a comprehensive exam and study guide. The NASDARF has contracted with Applied Measurement Professionals, Inc. (AMP) to manage the exam development process. AMP has a well established reputation in the field of exam development for certification organizations, government agencies, professional associations, and industry. Patrick O'Connor-Marer, formerly of the University of California at Davis cooperative extension service, has been asked to independently develop a study guide to be used in conjunction with the exam. Dr. O'Connor-Marer has extensive experience developing adult education materials for pesticide applicators, and was intimately involved in numerous national pesticide safety initiatives.
The assistance provided to the NASDARF and EPA/OPP by NAAA's Andrew Moore and Ken Degg during the exam and study guide development processes has been invaluable. The process has involved significant outreach to more than one thousand of the nation's aerial pesticide applicators in an effort to learn more about their profession, especially their routine practices and occupational tasks involving mixing, loading, and applying pesticides. The exam development process began in January 2006, and is almost completed. Working as a team with project stakeholders, the NASDARF hopes to have the national aerial exam and study materials ready for use in late 2008.
The NASDARF looks forward to working with certification organizations in the coming months as the exam and study guide become available. (Contact: Dick Herrett)
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U.S.-MEXICAN OFFICIALS MEET TO DISCUSS NAFTA
Published: January 14, 2008
United States and Mexican officials met on January 11 to discuss the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), which was fully implemented on January 1 of this year.
USDA Under Secretary for Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services Mark E. Keenum said in a statement that the purpose of the meeting was to ensure that full implementation of NAFTA continues to move smoothly. He noted that NAFTA has been a "positive force by creating growth in agriculture trade and providing new export opportunities."
The United States and Mexico agreed to establish a working group to address trade concerns in the livestock sector. The livestock working group will meet by mid-February.
With the full implementation of NAFTA, the final duties on a handful of agricultural commodities are now removed. These final commodities include U.S. exports to Mexico of corn, dry edible beans, and nonfat dry milk, Mexican exports to the United States of certain horticultural products, and two-way sweetener trade. (Contact: Jennifer Yezak)
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STATEMENT BY MARYLAND AGRICULTURE SECRETARY ROGER RICHARDSON ON THE PROPOSED PERMIT FOR ANIMAL FEEDING OPERATIONS
Published: January 16, 2008
The Maryland Departments of Agriculture (MDA) and the Environment (MDE) have worked closely together over the past year to develop a draft permit for regulating large poultry operations. Our intent is to develop a process that addresses water quality concerns and is not overly burdensome for farmers. This has been a hot topic among poultry farmers since last May when we announced that we would pursue a permit in the absence of final guidance from EPA. We have a cooperative relationship with MDE staff who already regulate and inspect large dairy and hog operations--or CAFOs--under EPA regulations and anticipate that good relationship will continue as MDE begins implementing this general permit for poultry operations. The draft permit also modifies requirements for large animal operations permitted as CAFOs.
While no one wants more rules, we believe this permit accomplishes what it needs to--addressing environmental concerns while keeping farmers' interests in mind. We estimate that about 200 of the largest poultry operations will fall within the Maryland Animal Feeding Operation permit (MAFO) requirements. This permit will be a new process, expanding on existing state nutrient management requirements. The MAFO permit will require a Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plan (CNMP), additional record keeping, less flexibility in management of litter, and MDE inspection of permitted operations. The MAFO permit cost is still under consideration but is presently proposed to be $120. We expect that obtaining and implementing the required CNMPs could result in significant costs. MDA is looking for ways to assure adequate technical and financial assistance are available.
MDA and MDE encourage everyone with an interest in this permit to go to the MDE website, http://www.mde.state.md.us, to get a copy of the proposed requirements and the process MDE will use to consider comments and finalize the permit. MDE plans to publish any revisions by February 1, 2008, and by March 31 will propose regulations to implement the permit. Comments are being accepted on this preliminary draft prior to February 1. There also will be a public review and comment period after regulations are proposed. (Contact: Sue duPont)
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VERMONT MILK COMMISSION ISSUES FINAL DECISION AND REPORT
Published: January 14, 2008
The Vermont Milk Commission, a quasi-judicial body appointed by Governor Jim Douglas, has issued its final decision and report. The final report will be given at a meeting that is open to the public, Tuesday, January 15, 2008, at 10:30 a.m. in Room 10 of the Statehouse in Montpelier.
"The Vermont Milk Commission undertook an aggressive schedule of hearings over the last six months that created a body of evidence on the economic status of the dairy industry in Vermont," commented Douglas. "A strong dairy economy is important to the overall economy of Vermont. A more stable milk price system would benefit everyone involved in the dairy industry as well as consumers. I appreciate the Commission's efforts."
This information was utilized by the Commission to establish an "over-order" premium and a decision regarding the payment of hauling charges, pursuant to its authority, to be paid to farmers for fluid milk. The Commission investigated the movement of milk in the Northeast and the effect or consequences of an over-order premium and a minimum price on the industry to include processors.
The Vermont Milk Commission was directed by legislation, Act 50(S.78) of 2007, to establish by rule, pursuant to its authority under chapter 161 of Title 6, an over-order premium on Class I fluid cows' milk, consistent with accepted pricing mechanisms at the farm gate and establish by rule a minimum producer price that is designed to achieve a price by which the cost of picking up the milk and hauling the milk from the farm to the purchaser will be paid by the purchaser. Considerations of other states' actions specifically New York and Pennsylvania with regard to the over-order premium, and New York and one other Northeast Marketing Order Area for Federal Order 1 state with regard to the minimum producer price are legal contingencies in enacting any rule.
"I want to thank the very hard work and dedication exhibited by the Milk Commission members to find ways of making the dairy industry in Vermont more profitable and less volatile," said Vermont Agriculture Secretary Roger Allbee. "The Commission was diligent and thorough in their proceedings and the findings are important for Vermont's dairy future."
The hearing schedule began with an organizational meeting on June 19, 200,7 and progressed through November. Sixty-five people associated with the dairy industry in Vermont as well as representatives from surrounding states, provided testimony and exhibits to the Vermont Milk Commission. Testimony from these individuals covered several topic areas which included but were not limited to: Milk Pricing, Milk Utilization/Movement/Supply, Hauling Cost for Milk, Federal Order System, Cost of Producing Milk, Processing Costs and Margins, Retail Costs and Margins, Dairy Statistics, Milk Promotion Programs, and the overall Health of the Industry.
The Commission members reviewed the hearing information as it pertains to Act 50 and the Commission's general authority. The following findings, decisions, statements and recommendations from the Milk Commission as it relates to the legislative directive, and the commissions independent authority, are based upon factual evidence from the hearing process.
From this body of evidence the following decision, orders and recommendations are hereby made:
Over-Order Premium on Fluid Milk--from farms in Vermont, processed in Vermont and sold in Vermont. In deliberation of the testimony, the Milk Commission concludes that the implementation of an over-order premium on fluid milk, produced on farms in Vermont, processed by Vermont companies and sold to Vermont consumers will be implemented if the State of New York implements a similar regulation. Pennsylvania has a Milk Marketing Board that is implementing this type of regulation.
Minimum Producer Price. In deliberation of the testimony, the Milk Commission concludes that the implementation of a minimum producer price on all milk sold in Vermont at the farm gate will be implemented when and if both the States of New York and Pennsylvania implements similar regulation.
A Different Approach. The Vermont Milk Commission will conduct further investigation into a different approach to an over-order premium. Further investigation of a multi-dimensional approach would involve a premium on all milk for fluid bottling transactions at the farm gate, contributions by dairy farmers and donations by businesses and individuals in Vermont to build a fund to stabilize milk prices and provide the safety net for Vermont farmers. This type of program will provide a pool of funds to be distributed to dairy farmers when the milk price drops below a preset level--making this program a counter cyclical method to stabilize milk prices.
Hauling Charges Paid by Purchaser of Milk. The Vermont Milk Commission recommends that the Vermont Legislature repeal that portion of Act 50 regarding charges for the hauling costs of milk, and the passing of those charges unto the purchasers of milk, and the restrictions on cooperatives and handlers from changing benefits and deductions in the payment interaction with dairy farmers and the requirement to adopt such a rule or order by January 15, 2009 notwithstanding the actions of any neighboring states. The Milk Commission makes this recommendation due to testimony of the adverse affects on Vermont farmers, cooperatives and processors in the state. (Contact: Kelly Loftus)
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JOB OPPORTUNITY
Published: January 16, 2008
VETERINARIAN, FIELD OPERATIONS (OFFICE LOCATION NEGOTIABLE)
Department: Montana Department of Livestock
Division: Animal Health
Bureau: Field Operations
Date Posted: 01/04/2008
Job Category: Healthcare Practitioner and Technical
Position Number: 56392804
Location: Helena
Job Status: Full Time Permanent
Salary: $44,466.00 to $66,698.00
Salary Unit: Year
Additional Salary Info: Salary based on qualifications and determined according to Pay Plan 020 guidelines.
Shift: Daytime
Band or Grade: 7
Closing Date: 01/18/2008
Supplement Required: No
Applications must be received by 5:00pm on the closing date.
Apply to your Local Montana Job Service Center
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State Agency:
DEPARTMENT OF LIVESTOCK
PO BOX 202001
HELENA, MT 59620
Phone: (406)444-4995
Fax: (406)444-4316
TTY: (406)444-1421
E-mail: shmartin@mt.gov
Special Information:
Primary office location is negotiable. The incumbent works with potentially dangerous, wild and domestic animals under various conditions and circumstances and may be exposed to zoonotic disease agents. The position involves extensive field work throughout the state. The position will travel in excess of 1,500 miles per month, and will involve travel over rough terrain and the use of 4WD vehicles, ATVs and snowmobiles. Field work will involve exposure to inclement weather conditions, hiking and carrying equipment over rough terrain, and risk of injury while testing and working unpredictable wild and domestic livestock including bison, cattle, and alternative livestock.
Duties:
As a licensed Veterinarian, this position will perform investigations associated with regulatory medicine primarily in the field. The Field Vet reports to the State Veterinarian and Assistant State Veterinarian. The field work includes testing bison and assisting in organizing brucellosis control activities near the Yellowstone National Park area; field inspection of rendering plants and auction markets; imposition and removal of import quarantines; and testing, diagnosing, and quarantining for diseases. The position will be responsible for regulatory medicine related to domestic, wild, and game farm animals. Work time and primary duties are allocated in two general areas; Disease control & investigation 70% and Import Compliance & Quarantine 20% other duties as assigned 10% . A complete job description is available from shmartin@mt.gov or by calling 406-444-4995.
Competencies:
COMMITMENT TO SERVE THE PUBLIC; Demonstrates the highest integrity and is sensitive to the public nature of state funding and exercises individual and professional ownership in using all resources in the most efficient manner. Actively strives to serve the public with care and accountability; demonstrates cooperation. EFFICIENCY AND FOCUS; Uses time effectively and prioritizes tasks; ensures accuracy and clarity of work and makes corrections in a timely manner. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: The position requires a thorough knowledge of the concepts and practices of veterinary medicine; disease control; state and federal laws and rules relating to the livestock industry, alternative livestock, and animal health; epidemiology and immunology; herd management; and livestock industry; USDA program regulations; animal husbandry, and different handling practices. Skill and ability in interpreting lab results. The position requires the ability to speak and write clearly, establish and maintain effective working relationships with a wide range of individuals, and interpret and apply laws and regulations consistently. Regulatory experience preferred.
Education/Experience:
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (D.V.M. or V.M.D.) degree from an accredited institution. Licensed Veterinarian or eligible to be licensed in the state of Montana. Three to four years in veterinary medicine including experience with large animals, regulatory testing, and state and federal laws and rules related to the livestock industry and animal health.
No state application is required at this time. For initial consideration please send a resume and one page letter of interest. Your letter should describe why you feel you would enjoy the position. Employment is contingent upon an acceptable background investigation, a decision that rests solely with the department.
STATE OF MONTANA IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
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