NASDA News January 24, 2008

NASDA COMMITTEES PLAN ACTIVE AGENDAS
Published: January 24, 2008

       NASDA's policy committee and task forces have planned full agendas during their meetings at the upcoming NASDA Midyear Conference being held in Washington, D.C., on February 7 to 11. NASDA members will discuss the 2007 farm bill, and a variety of topics of importance to agriculture including specialty crops, trade, bioenergy, conservation and homeland security. 

       The Marketing and International Trade Committee, chaired by Florida Agriculture Commissioner Charles Bronson, will hear reports regarding the 2007 farm bill, World Trade Organization (WTO) Doha Round, and the Tri-National Agricultural Accord activities. 

       The Rural Development and Financial Security Committee, chaired by Oklahoma Agriculture Commissioner Terry Peach will have updates and discussions on the farm bill, renewable energy, farm labor reform and transportation issues. California Agriculture Secretary A.G. Kawamura will chair the Specialty Crops Task Force meeting and members will discuss the Specialty Crops Block Grant program and other provisions in the farm bill impacting specialty crops. 

       NASDA's Natural Resources and Pesticide Management Committee plans to review a variety of policy issues. The panel, chaired by Utah Agriculture Commissioner Leonard Blackham, will hear a report on western wildfires and the Forest Service Open Space Conservation Initiative. Jon Scholl, agricultural counselor to the administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), will hold an interactive dialogue with NASDA members on environmental issues and challenges facing farmers and ranchers. Ben Grumbles, EPA assistant administrator for water, will discuss activities of the agency's Hypoxia Task Force and the role of agriculture. 

       NASDA's Food Regulation and Nutrition Committee, chaired by Alabama Agriculture Commissioner Ron Sparks, will hear from Food and Drug Administration (FDA) officials about the Administration's recently announced Food Protection Plan and Import Safety Plan. Dr. Dan Englejohn, USDA deputy assistant administrator for the Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS), will discuss the agency's activities on meat and poultry inspection. Jay Wenther, executive director of the American Association of Meat Processors (AAMP) will provide an industry perspective on federal meat inspection activities.

       The Animal and Plant Industries Committee meeting, on the afternoon of Saturday, February 9, will be lead by Nebraska Agriculture Director Greg Ibach. The focus of the meeting will be on improving collaboration and communications during emergency planning and response efforts. Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) Administrator Cindy Smith will tee off discussions regarding the results of the survey and recommendations made during the NASDA - APHIS project to improve collaborative efforts before, during, and after emergency events. NASDA Members will also have time to discuss recommendations among themselves. In addition, the committee will hear from Global Animal Management regarding country of origin labeling (COOL), age and source and National Animal Identification System activities. 

       The Food and Agriculture Security Task Force, chaired by South Dakota Agriculture Secretary Bill Even, will discuss several homeland security issues affecting agriculture. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officials will report on new chemical security standards, protection of critical agricultural infrastructure, and federal-state communications. 

       The Biotechnology Task Force is chaired by Kansas Agriculture Secretary Adrian Polansky. APHIS will update the task force on several important issue; e.g., the Roundup Ready alfalfa Federal Register notice and BRS's pending Environmental Impact Statement. The task force will also have a presentation from Mary Lee Chin, a noted nutritionist and dietician. (Contact: Charlie Ingram, Jennifer Yezak, and/or Bob Ehart)

JOHNSON ADDRESSES RURAL LEGISLATIVE LEADERS CONFERENCE
Published: January 23, 2008

       NASDA President and North Dakota Agriculture Commissioner Roger Johnson addressed state legislative leaders from across the nation during a three-day summit dedicated to agriculture and rural development. The event was sponsored by State Agriculture and Rural Leaders (SARL), the Council of State Governments, the National Conference of State Legislatures, and the Rural Policy Research Institute. It was held Jan. 18 to 21 in St. Louis. 

       The annual summit brings together the leadership of state legislative committees that oversee agriculture and rural development and gives them a forum to address common problems and opportunities facing rural America. Johnson reported on the work of NASDA, especially in regard to the 2007 farm bill, developing state-federal partnerships and renewable energy.

       "NASDA wants to work with all parties in advancing the interests of agriculture and the rural community," Johnson said. "The work of state legislatures is especially important in establishing policy and programs for the rural sector and for paving the way for federal action." (Contact: Charlie Ingram)

ADMINISTRATION & CONGRESSIONAL OFFICIALS TO ADDRESS NASDA MEETING
Published: January 24, 2008

       NASDA members will have the opportunity to meet and hear from a variety of senior administration officials, members of Congress, and public policy experts during their upcoming midyear meeting being held February 7 to 11 in Washington, D.C.

       The Secretary of Agriculture will address the morning general session on Friday, February 8. House Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin Peterson will give NASDA members insight into the 2007 farm bill conference committee activities during a panel discussion moderated by former Congressman Charlie Stenholm. Other featured speakers include Matt Sutton-Vermeulen, Center for Food Integrity, to discuss new approaches to challenging issues on animal welfare and animal rights. (Contact: Rick Kirchhoff)

CONGRESS GEARS UP FOR 2008 WITH EARLY FARM BILL ACTION EXPECTED
Published: January 24, 2008

       The Senate returned to work on January 22 and both chambers of Congress are now gearing up for a full legislative agenda in 2008. The House reconvened a week earlier on January 15.

      Major legislative action is not expected until after the president's State of the Union Address on January 28. A top priority for congressional leaders of both parties is an economic stimulus package and the first hearings are scheduled in the Senate this week.

       Final negotiations on the 2007 farm bill are expected to speed up now that lawmakers are back at work. During the recess, House and Senate Agriculture Committee staff have been holding "pre-conference" discussions. Neither the House nor Senate have appointed members for the conference committee and it is unclear when they will be formally announced. House Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin Peterson (D-Minn.) has told media reporters that he wants to complete work on the farm bill conference by early February. Since the Senate passed the farm bill on December 14, USDA Acting Secretary Chuck Conner has repeatedly stated that the administration will veto the legislation if a number of changes are not made. (Contact: Charlie Ingram)

CONFIRMATION HEARING SET FOR USDA SECRETARY
Published: January 24, 2008

       The Senate Agriculture Committee will hold a confirmation hearing January 24 on the nomination of former North Dakota Governor Ed Schafer to be USDA Secretary. The confirmation process is expected to move smoothly and several lawmakers have expressed hope that Schafer can be approved by the full Senate in time for the State of the Union address next week.

       Schafer was nominated by President Bush last October 31 to replace former USDA Secretary Mike Johannes who resigned in September. Acting USDA Secretary Chuck Conner has been leading the department since that time. Schafer served as North Dakota's governor from 1992 to 2000. In 1999, he served as a co-chair on agriculture for the National Governors Association. Schafer also was a co-founder and co-chair of the Governors Biotechnology Partnership which was established to increase public understanding and support for the benefits of agricultural biotechnology. (Contact: Charlie Ingram)

NEW WPS SAFETY TRAINING VERIFICATION CARDS MADE AVAILABLE TO STATES
Published: January 24, 2008

       As part of cooperative agreement, the NASDA Research Foundation (NASDARF) worked closely with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Office of Pesticide Programs (EPA/OPP) to develop new Worker Protection Standard (WPS) training verification cards. The cards are intended for distribution to approved training providers by those State Departments of Agriculture voluntarily participating in the card issuance program. The new cards were developed after their need was made clear to the NASDARF by state departments of agriculture involved with the verification card program. 

       The card itself acknowledges successful completion of required WPS pesticide safety training. As outlined in 40 CFR Part 170, agricultural employers are required by the WPS to provide pesticide safety training to workers and handlers on farms, forests, nurseries, and greenhouses. The new version of the WPS training verification cards are modeled on the original cards in an effort to minimize confusion, promote acceptance, and ease transition in the field. The cards are made durable by lamination, and are wallet-size for convenience.   Blue cards will be provided for issuance to workers, and green cards will be used to verify WPS handler training.     

       With the assistance of EPA/OPP, the NASDARF was also able to determine current as well as the 3-year projected state demand for the cards, and has made an appropriate supply available. EPA/OPP has recognized the new version of verification cards as equivalent to the originally issued cards, which will facilitate their acceptance by the state departments of agriculture with whom EPA/OPP has existing verification card program agreements.   (Contact: Dick Herrett)

FDA ISSUES DOCUMENTS ON THE SAFETY OF FOOD FROM ANIMAL CLONES
Published: January 24, 2008

       The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced January15 that meat and milk from clones of cattle, swine, and goats, and the offspring of clones from any species traditionally consumed as food, are as safe to eat as food from conventionally bred animals. The agency also issued three documents on animal cloning outlining the agency's regulatory approach--a risk assessment; a risk management plan; and guidance for industry.

       Since food derived from these sources is no different from food derived from conventionally bred animals, the agency is not requiring labeling or any other additional measures for food from cattle, swine, and goat clones, or their offspring. An animal clone is a genetic copy of a donor animal, similar to an identical twin, but born at a different time. Cloning is not the same as genetic engineering, which involves altering, adding or deleting DNA; cloning does not change the gene sequence. Due to their cost and rarity, clones are intended to be used as elite breeding animals to introduce desirable traits into herds more rapidly than would be possible using conventional breeding.

       Because clones would be used for breeding, they would not be expected to enter the food supply in any significant number. Instead, their sexually reproduced offspring would be used for producing meat and milk for the marketplace. At this time, the agency continues to recommend that food from clones of species other than cattle, swine and goat (e.g., sheep) not be introduced into the food supply.

       In 2001, U.S. producers agreed to refrain from introducing meat or milk from clones or their progeny into the food supply until FDA could further evaluate the issue. USDA will convene stakeholders to discuss efforts to provide a smooth and orderly market transition, as industry determines next steps with respect to the existing voluntary moratorium.

       The FDA documents on animal cloning, including the risk assessment; risk management plan; industry guidance, and other information are available on the agency's website at http://www.fda.gov/cvm/cloning.htm. (Contact: Bob Ehart)

LIGHT BROWN APPLE MOTH ERADICATION PROGRAM FOR 2008
Published: January 24, 2008

       The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) and USDA continue to develop their plans for the 2008 Light Brown Apple Moth eradication program in nine Central California counties along the coast and in the Bay Area.

       In planning the eradication program, CDFA and USDA are working with a team of international Light Brown Apple Moth experts that believes the pest can be eradicated through the primary use of aerial pheromone treatments along with other techniques. A pheromone is a natural scent that an insect produces to communicate with a potential mate. Pheromone use for this pest works by confusing the male moth, which disrupts the mating cycle, thereby decreasing or eradicating the pest population. Pheromones are not harmful to people, pets or plants.

       Specific plans for communities within the nine-county region are still under consideration and are dependent on variables including moth detections and funding as the program moves forward. 

       The CDFA/USDA approach continues a long-standing policy of using the most environmentally sensitive yet effective tools in eradication programs. All of the techniques being considered are alternatives to widespread spraying of conventional pesticides.

       Aerial pheromone treatments are planned to begin in late spring or early summer. The USDA is currently field testing a number of new aerial pheromone products in New Zealand, with the goal of finding a pheromone product that lasts longer in the environment than 30 days, therefore requiring fewer aerial treatments. Both the USDA and CDFA feel this is important in light of community concerns about the frequency of treatments. The products used in aerial treatments last year, Checkmate OLR-F and Checkmate LBAM-F, were designed to last 30 days in the environment. 

       While research in New Zealand continues, it is critical that ground treatments resume soon. Pheromone treatments with twist ties will likely begin in February, on a date yet to be determined. Twist ties are applied by ground crews to host plants, trees and fence posts in isolated, lightly infested areas within the nine-county region. This approach creates mating disruption by dispersing moth pheromone in the infested area. 

       Ground treatments with Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis), a naturally-occurring bacteria, and spinosad, an extract from naturally-occurring bacteria, may be utilized in heavily infested areas where moth larvae have been detected. The formulations of each product that would be used are approved for use on organic crops. No specific treatments with these products have been scheduled. This approach is intended to complement and not replace aerial pheromone treatments. 

       The USDA and CDFA are also evaluating another method--a male attractant treatment. This would start in the most densely infested areas and would consist of a ground treatment featuring pheromone mixed with a small amount of pesticide that would attract and then kill male apple moths. The mixture would be applied out of reach, at a height of approximately eight feet, on utility poles and trees. The pesticide that would be utilized is permethrin, a common household product that is used frequently for flea control on family pets. While no specific treatment using this method has been scheduled yet, it may be used in the period when aerial pheromone products are being tested. Again, this approach is intended to complement and not replace aerial pheromone treatment. 

       Additionally, the two agencies may introduce Trichogramma wasps, which are tiny and stingless, to help with eradication. The wasps lay their eggs inside moth eggs. The wasp larvae hatch and eat the host egg from the inside. These wasps will not bother over-wintering monarch butterflies and they would not be released near threatened or endangered plants or butterflies and moths. 

       The first confirmation of the Light Brown Apple Moth in the Bay Area came in February 2007. Since then, many thousands have been detected throughout the central coast region, in the counties of Monterey, Santa Cruz, Santa Clara, San Mateo, Contra Costa, Marin, San Francisco, Alameda and Solano. Small, isolated infestations detected last year in Los Angeles and Napa counties have already been eradicated.

       The Light Brown Apple Moth is native to Australia and is found in New Zealand, the United Kingdom and Hawaii. The range of host plants is broad with more than two-thousand plant species known to be susceptible to attack by this pest. It threatens California's environment--including cypress, redwood and oak trees--and the food supply. The pest destroys, stunts or deforms young seedlings; spoils the appearance of ornamental plants; and injures citrus, grapes, and deciduous fruit tree crops. (Contact: Nancy Lungren, 916/654-0462)

$500,000 TO HELP TOWNS DEVELOP FARMLAND PROTECTION PLANS
Published: January 24, 2008

       New York State Agriculture Commissioner Patrick Hooker recently announced nearly $500,000 in funding to help 21 towns develop local agricultural and farmland protection plans. This is the first time that towns and cities were eligible to apply for farmland protection planning grants; only counties have been eligible in the past. 

       "One of the most important roles of a municipality is the regulation of land use," Hooker said. "This responsibility gives them the authority and opportunity to provide a supportive environment for agriculture. I applaud these 19 towns for taking the initiative to address evolving land use issues in their area and plan for the protection of viable and active farmland. It is their participation in the planning process and commitment to providing a supportive business environment for agriculture that will make smart growth a reality here in New York State."

       New York's Farmland Protection Program provides two funding sources--planning grants and implementation grants. Planning grants are being announced today and include a portion of the start-up funds in developing an agricultural and farmland protection plan. The implementation grants are used to help purchase the development rights on viable farmland.

       
       The planning grants provide local municipalities with an economic incentive to develop local agricultural and farmland protection plans. These plans help maintain the economic viability of the State's agricultural industry and its supporting land base and to protect the environmental and landscape preservation values associated with agriculture. 

       Any municipality, including cities, towns and villages, that are located within a county which has established an agricultural and farmland protection board, are eligible for farmland protection planning funds. These funds can provide up to $25,000 or 75 percent of the cost of developing a local protection plan, which ever is less. 

       Farmland protection plans should identify the location of farmland proposed to be protected, the value of that land to the local economy, the value of that land as open space, consequences of possible conversion, and the level of conversion pressure on the proposed land. To date, 48 counties have farmland protection plans in place.

       Last month, Governor Eliot Spitzer announced nearly $35 million for farmland protection implementation grants; the largest amount of funding and greatest number of acres protected in the program's eleven year history. With that announcement, New York has allocated more than $144.5 million out of the Environmental Protection Fund for farmland protection projects, assisting local governments and their project partners in 26 counties to help protect 50,400 acres on 241 farms. To date, only half of those project contracts have closed, protecting in perpetuity, 27,500 acres of farmland.

       New York State has 7.6 million acres of farmland with 35,000 farms.   (Contact: Jessica A. Chittenden, 518/457-3136)