NASDA News April 2, 2008

COOKBOOK SUBMISSIONS
Published: April 02, 2008

Get your submissions in for the NASDA 2008 cookbook today! The North Dakota Department of Agriculture is asking each state department of agriculture to provide up to eight recipes for a cookbook that they are publishing for the NASDA annual meeting. Please email recipes to jbeckman@nd.gov ASAP

FARM BILL NEGOTIATORS KEEP PUSHING FOR DEAL
Published: April 02, 2008

       House and Senate negotiators are continuing to push for an agreement on a final 2007 farm bill. Last week, key lawmakers discussed different versions of a farm bill funding framework, but much work needs to be done before a final agreement is reached.
       A "preliminary funding framework" for the 2007 farm bill was announced on March 18 by Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Tom Harkin (D-Iowa). Negotiators are trying to reach a deal on how $10 billion in additional spending will be allocated in the farm bill. Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus (D-Mont.) and other senators promptly rejected the March 18 proposal because it only provided $2.2 billion for permanent disaster assistance. A new version of the funding framework was circulating the week of March 24 which proposed $4 billion for disaster assistance and less funding for conservation, direct payments, crop insurance, trade, specialty crops and energy. The budget numbers are likely to change again as negotiators continue their "closed door" discussions. 
       Negotiators are struggling to meet an April 18 deadline when the current extension of the 2002 farm bill expires. President Bush has said that if lawmakers cannot reach an agreement on the farm bill by April 18, then he would call on Congress to extend current farm law for at least one year. (Contact: Charlie Ingram)

CONGRESS RETURNS TO HECTIC SPRING AGENDA
Published: April 02, 2008

       The House and Senate returned to work on March 31 after a two-week recess. Lawmakers are facing a hectic spring schedule on a variety of legislative priorities before the Memorial Day recess in May. 
       The legislative work schedule is already short due to the presidential election year and long, contentious debate is expected on a number of issues. Agricultural leaders are pushing hard to reach an agreement on a final 2007 farm bill before the extended current law expires on April 18 (see separate story). Lawmakers are also trying to complete work on the congressional budget resolution so that the appropriations committee can start writing their FY09 spending bills. The Senate plans to consider a housing stimulus package and renewable energy tax credit. House lawmakers hope to pass legislation to overhaul the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). 
       The White House will send Congress another emergency supplemental defense spending bill for the Iraq war which is certain to generate prolonged debate in both chambers. Another White House priority is a free trade agreement with Colombia and legislation may be delivered to Congress this week. (Contact: Charlie Ingram)

THINK LOCALLY . . . SELL GLOBALLY AT THE AMERICAN FOOD FAIR
Published: April 02, 2008

       Small business is the engine that drives local economies across the U.S.; however, small business has historically shied away from the worlds of international business and exporting. That's about to change according to DeWitt Ashby, director of the 2008 American Food Fair, who is concentrating on helping small- and mid-size food manufacturers reach international markets. 
       "There are great opportunities for small- and mid-size food businesses that are willing to step outside their comfort zones and become part of the global supply chain," explains Ashby. "We are currently in a situation where the quality and price of U.S. food products are very attractive to middle class consumers in other nations and it's time for small- and mid-size manufacturers to get in on the action."
       The 2008 American Food Fair takes place May 17 to 20 in Chicago's McCormick Place as a special feature of the National Restaurant Association's annual show. The Fair is sponsored by NASDA and represents a unique and successful partnership between state and federal governments to help small businesses expand overseas. Participating companies exhibit under their state banners and receive advice and support on exporting from their local departments of agriculture.   The federal government plays a role through Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS), which organizes delegations of buyers to attend the Fair through its offices in U.S. Embassies around the world. This year, delegations of top-level buyers for restaurants, hotels, and institutional facilities are expected from more than 100 countries. 
       NASDA and FAS cultivate the buyer/seller relationship by paying particular attention to the needs of companies new to exporting and to the needs of international buyers. In particular, the International Trade Center (ITC) will be staffed with interpreters and is the perfect place to meet representatives from U.S. Commercial Service and Foreign Agricultural Service personnel from overseas offices. (Contact: DeWitt Ashby or Megan McDonald)

U.S., MEXICO AND CANADA ANNOUNCE TRADE PROTOCOLS FOR CATTLE
Published: April 02, 2008

       Agricultural officials from the United States, Canada, and Mexico on March 28 announced protocols to harmonize standards for the export of U.S. and Canadian breeding cattle to Mexico consistent with international trading standards. The announcement was made after a series of meetings between the three countries to discuss a variety of agricultural trade issues. 
       The new protocols outline conditions for the export of U.S. and Canadian cattle to Mexico. Mexico denied access to U.S. breeding stock beginning December 23, 2003, when the U.S. announced its first-ever case of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE). Since that time, Mexico has only allowed importation of registered U.S. dairy heifers under the age of 24 months, despite in-depth international negotiations to include breeding stock. The protocols allow for the trade of breeding cattle born after Jan. 1, 1999, consistent with the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) standards. Canadian exporters will need to obtain import permits from USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS); Mexico's Secretar¡a de Agricultura, Ganader¡a, Desarrollo Rural, Pesca y Alimentaci¢n (SAGARPA), as well as a health certificate from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). Shipments will be inspected by U.S. and Mexican officials. 
       The harmonization of the standards in North America reaffirms the U.S. position that cattle can be traded safely when countries follow the OIE standards for effectively managing the risk of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), and further ensures that trade protocols for Canada, Mexico and the U. S. are consistent between the countries and with OIE. The protocols further a 2005 agreement to more effectively address the BSE risk in North America. In May 2007, the OIE formally classified the U.S. as a controlled risk country for BSE. This status confirmed that U.S. BSE regulatory controls are effective and that U.S. beef and beef products of all ages can be safely traded. (Contact: Charlie Ingram)

JOHNSON NAMED TO TV AGRICULTURE PROGRAM ADVISORY PANEL
Published: April 02, 2008

       NASDA President and North Dakota Agriculture Commissioner Roger Johnson has been appointed to the advisory board for the public television series "America's Heartland."
       "As our country becomes increasingly urbanized, it is vitally important that the story of agriculture is accurately and vividly presented," said Johnson, who recently attended for an advisory board meeting in St. Louis. " America's Heartland' is doing an outstanding job of helping city dwellers better understand where their food comes from and the importance of agriculture in their lives."
       Johnson will represent NASDA on the 27-member panel. Other members include commodity groups, general farm organizations, farm broadcasters, rural cooperatives, and agribusinesses.
       Now in its third year, "America's Heartland" is a magazine-style, half-hour series devoted to agriculture in the 50 states. The program is carried by more than 80 percent of the public television stations in the country and is seen by an estimated 1.25 million viewers.
       America's Heartland is produced by KVIE, a public television station in Sacramento, California. It can be seen across the country--local schedules and more information about the program is available at http://www.americasheartland.org. (Contact: Rick Kirchhoff)

BUSH NOMINATES NEW AGRICULTURE TRADE NEGOTIATOR
Published: April 02, 2008

       President Bush announced March 26 that he intends to nominate Ellen Terpstra to be Chief Agricultural Negotiator in the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR), with the rank of ambassador. Terpstra currently serves as deputy under secretary of Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services at USDA. 
       As chief agricultural negotiator, Terpstra will replace Dr. Richard Crowder and will be responsible for directing U.S. agricultural trade negotiations. At the multilateral level, she will work closely with Dr. Joe Glauber, who will continue in his role as U.S. Special Doha Envoy. 
       Terpstra was previously the head of USDA's Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) and also served in the USTR Office as a trade negotiator and policy coordinator. Her private sector experience includes work as president and chief executive officer of the USA Rice Federation and president of the U.S. Apple Association. (Contact: Charlie Ingram)

USDA RECOGNIZES CERTIFICATION MATERIALS FOR ORGANIC INDUSTRY
Published: April 02, 2008

       USDA National Organic Program (NOP) officials have clarified that certifying agents can utilize materials registration programs operated by the Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) and the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA). NASDA's affiliate organization, the National Association of State Organic Programs (NASOP), and OMRI have been working with USDA to address certification program issues. 
       Because of the complexity in determining which materials are approved and prohibited under the National Organic Standards, OMRI and WSDA have developed material registration programs that are based on international quality management systems and the National Organic Standards. OMRI and WSDA evaluate hundreds of materials and publish lists that specify which brand name materials are allowed for use in organic production and handling. Certification agencies, organic producers and handlers rely on these lists to make certification decisions. The USDA National Organic Program does not have the resources or the technical expertise to do this work. The OMRI and WSDA brand name lists have been used as an industry standard for many years and are widely recognized for the quality of their work by certifiers, producers, handlers, and the industry that produces the materials.
       NASOP President Miles McEvoy and OMRI Executive Director Dave DeCou met with NOP Program Manager Barbara Robinson. As a result of the meeting, USDA issued a statement on March 5, 2008 that clarified that accredited certifying agents could utilize OMRI and WSDA for evaluating materials used in organic production and handling. Organic producers and handlers certified by WSDA may utilize materials approved by either WSDA or OMRI in their organic systems. Over the next year, OMRI and WSDA will be working with USDA to develop an accreditation program for material evaluation programs. The full text of the March 5, 2008 USDA statement is available at http://www.ams.usda.gov/nop/VerificationOfMaterialsMemo30508.pdf. (Contact: Charlie Ingram)

OHIO'S FIRST-EVER FOOD POLICY COUNCIL HOLDS INITIAL MEETING
Published: April 02, 2008

        Ohio Agriculture Director Robert Boggs chaired the first Ohio Food Policy Council meeting this week at the department's campus in Reynoldsburg. The council, which was created by Governor Ted Strickland in August 2007, will study the state's agriculture industry and establish policies to strengthen and promote its growth. 
       "This council is the first step in ensuring the plentiful fruits of our agricultural industry are accessible and affordable for all Ohio families," Boggs said. "We hope this council will boost the industry by increasing the amount of food grown, processed and consumed in Ohio. At the same time, we will work to create the network necessary to place these products on the dinner table of all Ohioans."
       The council will study the state's $93 billion food and agriculture industry and will establish collaborative policies. Members will analyze food production, processing and consumption in Ohio to better link producers and consumers in local food systems. This network will help ensure citizens in need have greater access to fresh and nutritious food.
       The council also will work to promote the growth of Ohio food products by assisting farmers and businesses in effectively marketing their products inside and out of the state. As part of these efforts, the council will address ways to protect Ohio's valuable farmland and water resources. (Contact: Cindy Brown, 614/752-4505)

GRANHOLM SIGNS LEGISLATION ESTABLISHING AGRICULTURE PESTICIDE DEALER LICENSING
Published: April 02, 2008

       Governor Jennifer M. Granholm recently signed Senate Bill 682 (Public Act No. 18) creating a new agricultural pesticide dealer license--ensuring Michigan businesses can compete fairly by stopping out-of-state businesses from having an unfair price advantage.
       "This legislation levels the playing field for Michigan businesses," Granholm said. "It's critical that any out-of-state company distributing agricultural pesticides in our state pay the same fees as Michigan-based businesses to help protect our groundwater."
       The new legislation requires any non-Michigan based registered use pesticide (RUP) dealer or agricultural pesticide dealer to report distribution or sales into the state to the pesticide registrant who is responsible for submitting groundwater fees based on a percentage of total wholesale value. Registrants should now be able to identify all distribution and sales into Michigan.
       "I applaud the Legislature for correcting the fee assessment inequity," said Michigan Agriculture Director Don Koivisto. "Prior to the new license requirements, an out-of-state agricultural pesticide dealer may have been distributing pesticides without incorporating the groundwater fees creating an unfair price advantage for non-Michigan businesses."
       Michigan groundwater protection fees are used to support the Michigan Groundwater Stewardship Program (MGSP), which provides information and assistance to pesticide and fertilizer users that helps them voluntarily identify and reduce environmental risks.
       MGSP activities include on-farm risk assessments of pesticide and nutrient management practices in the field and at the farm headquarters, such as agricultural chemical storage, pesticide mixing and loading, and water well construction/management. The MGSP also supports Clean Sweep (free pesticide disposal) and pesticide container recycling.
       Additionally, the requirement for retaining a resident agent in Michigan allows MDA to obtain and audit agricultural pesticide sales records from RUP and agricultural pesticide dealers located outside Michigan. Previously, MDA was only able to audit records from dealers located in Michigan. For more information, watch the MDA website at http://www.michigan.gov/mda.   (Contact: Jennifer Holton, 517/373-1104)

NORTHEY ANNOUNCES HIRING OF NEW STATE APIARIST AND DIRECTOR, MINES AND MINERALS BUREAU
Published: April 02, 2008

       Iowa Agriculture Secretary Bill Northey has announced that the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship has hired Andrew Joseph as the state apiarist for Iowa and Todd Coffelt as the new chief of the Mines and Minerals Bureau. In his position, Joseph will oversee apiary registration and inspection, conduct beekeeper education courses and conduct public outreach on bees and beekeeping. The Mines and Minerals Bureau is responsible for licensing mine operators, registering and bonding mining sites, reclaiming abandoned mines, and permitting, bonding and inspecting coal mines in the state.
       Joseph received his masters in science in entomology from the University of Kentucky (UK) in Lexington. While there, he was an active member of beekeeping organizations on local, state, and multistate levels.
       His research at UK focused on bees as pollinators in monoculture--looking at the role of nectar foraging in relation to overall foraging activity and, ultimately, plant pollination. In addition to the research, Joseph also cared for Kentucky State University and University of Kentucky's bees including managing the annual honey sales.
       The department has three part-time apiary inspectors that examine hives across the state. They serve the beekeepers and growers of Iowa by providing identification and control of bee diseases, pests, and parasites as well as facilitate the interstate movement of bees.
       Funding for a state apiarist was provided by the Iowa Legislature during the 2007 session. The position was suspended in 2001 due to budget constraints faced by the Department.
       Todd Coffelt has been an environmental specialist with the department's Mines and Minerals Bureau for the past seven years. In this role he was responsible for administering multi-million dollar grants to support reclamation projects. He had a number of other responsibilities as well, including overseeing project development and contract completion.
       Previously, Coffelt worked for Seneca Environmental Services. Coffelt received a bachelors of arts from Simpson College and a master of science in agronomy from Iowa State University. (Contact: Dustin Van de Hoef, 515/281-3375)

COLORADO STATE VETERINARIAN RETIRING
Published: April 02, 2008

       Colorado State Veterinarian John Maulsby has announced his retirement effective July 31, 2008. Maulsby was appointed to the state's chief veterinary position in August 2006.
       "John has been a dedicated veterinarian for over 30 years, 20 of which were in service to the Colorado Department of Agriculture," said Colorado Agriculture Commissioner John R. Stulp. "John has been a tireless advocate for the compassionate treatment of animals and a dedicated regulatory veterinarian."
       Maulsby is a Colorado native and received his doctor of veterinary medicine from Colorado State University in 1975. He worked in private practice for 13 years prior to joining CDA. In 2005 Maulsby was nominated for the Governor's "State Top Achievement Recognition" award for his efforts on behalf of the department to manage an outbreak of vesticular stomatitis, an insect-borne disease that threatened the state's dairy, beef and horse herds.
       "I have enjoyed working for the Colorado Department of Agriculture for the last two decades; I truly believe that agriculture is our most important industry," said Maulsby. "I wish the best to Colorado's ag producers and thank them for being such an important part of all of our lives."
       "Doctor Maulsby has been a valuable member of my staff, and I have the utmost respect for his integrity, professionalism and veterinary skills. He will be missed," Stulp said.
       According to Stulp, a search for his replacement will begin this spring. (Contact:   Christi Lightcap, 303/239-4190)

ADMINISTRATOR, DIVISION OF FOOD SAFETY
Published: April 02, 2008

       Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade & Consumer Protection is seeking a creative administrator for its Division of Food Safety that has the vision and energy to work with Wisconsin producers and processors to guarantee a safe and wholesome food supply for its citizens. The Department is also committed to working with federal agencies, local governmental units and with regulated businesses to continually improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the food safety regulatory program. Ensuring the continued high quality and safety of the food supply is not only vital to the health and well-being of all Wisconsin citizens and all consumers of Wisconsin produced food products, but also essential to the growth of the state's economy. This is a demanding, but highly rewarding public management position.
       The Division includes the country's largest dairy inspection program, wholesale and retail food inspection programs, a state meat inspection program, a laboratory evaluation program, and a grading program for cheese, butter, and eggs. The Division has 186 employees and an annual budget of approximately $16.5 million. The Division cooperates with local units of government, the US Department of Agriculture, and the US Food and Drug Administration in carrying out its regulatory responsibilities. 
       Those 1interested in this position are encouraged to send a letter of interest along with a resume to Rod Nilsestuen, Secretary, PO Box 8911, Madison, WI 53708-8911 by no later than April11th. Specific questions about this position should be referred to Martin Henert, Executive Assistant, at (608) 224-5035. The State of Wisconsin is an equal opportunity employer, with competitive benefit and salary provisions.