NASDA News--Aug. 25, 2008

SENATE PANEL HOLDS FIELD HEARING ON FOOD & FUEL COSTS
Published: August 25, 2008

       The Senate Agriculture Committee held a field hearing in Omaha, Nebraska, on August 18, to explore recent economic shifts in rising energy prices, rising commodity prices and changes in acres planted, and the increasing production of biofuels. The field hearing was called by Chairman Tom Harkin (D-Iowa) and Sen. Ben Nelson (D-Neb.).
       Witnesses offered a wide range of testimony from the many sectors impacted by these changing prices. Some of witnesses included:  Dr. Bruce Babcock, professor of economics and director at the Center for Agricultural and Rural Development at Iowa State University; Dave Moody, president of the Iowa Pork Producers Association; Tim Recker, president of the Iowa Corn Growers Association; and Dean Oestreich, chairman, Pioneer Hi-Bred, and vice-president, DuPont Agriculture and Nutrition; and Dr. Thomas Foust, biofuels technology manager, National Renewable Energy Laboratory. Copies of all testimony is available on the Senate Agriculture Committee website at http://www.agriculture.senate.gov.
       Harkin said the panel learned that rising energy costs are an underlying driver, through increasing demand for biofuels and increasing production costs also increase corn and soybean prices. He noted the current energy situation presents both huge challenges and opportunities for renewable energy to reduce dependence on fossil fuels while providing a "shot in the arm to rural economic growth and farm income."  (Contact: Charlie Ingram)

NASDA WELCOMES FALL INTERN
Published: August 25, 2008

       The NASDA office welcomes their new fall intern, Michelle Wood, who began her first day on August 25. Michelle is an entomology major who will graduate in May 2010 from Texas A&M University.  She is from Texas A&M's Agricultural & Natural Resource Policy (ANRP) internship program. Born and raised in Texas, Michelle calls both Irving and College Station home.  She is interested in learning about conservation and outreach, international agriculture, renewable energy, and bio-control of insects on crops.  She is working toward her goal to pursue some form of agricultural missions in Africa. She is very excited about being in Washington and working with the NASDA team!  (Contact: Charlie Ingram or Michelle Wood)

FDA APPROVES IRRADIATION FOR LETTUCE AND SPINACH
Published: August 26, 2008

       The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced a final rule August 21 amending the food additive regulations to provide for the safe use of ionizing radiation for the control of foodborne pathogens and extension of shelf-life in fresh iceberg lettuce and fresh spinach. FDA has determined that this use of ionizing radiation will not adversely affect the safety of the food.
       This final rule is a partial response to a petition that had been filed by the National Food Processors Association (now the Grocery Manufacturers' Association) on behalf of the Food Irradiation Coalition. It will permit the irradiation of fresh iceberg lettuce and fresh spinach to a maximum absorbed dose of 4.0 kGy, which is effective in reducing microbial pathogens that have been associated with these crops in the past.
       Food irradiation has been used on certain spices for years and has been approved as a means of pest control on certain fruits and vegetables for many years. In February 2000, USDA announced a final rule allowing the use of food irradiation on raw, single ingredient meat and poultry products. Today, irradiated products, including certain raw meat products, are offered by retail chains in major markets. Consumers are able to identify irradiated products by looking at the label, which bears prominently a symbol called the radura and the words "treated with irradiation" or "treated by irradiation."  (Contact: Charlie Ingram)

USDA SIGNS MOU WITH THE NATIONAL PEST MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION
Published: August 25, 2008

       Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service's (APHIS) Wildlife Services (WS) signed a memorandum of understanding with the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) to strengthen its cooperation and coordination on wildlife damage involving nuisance birds. The agreement is intended to ensure a stronger relationship between USDA and pest management firms by working together to address problems caused by nuisance birds, such as European starlings, house sparrows, and pigeons. It establishes regular meetings and communication between USDA and NPMA while recognizing WS responsibility for the control of invasive species. WS actively researches and develops contraceptive agents and other control techniques for birds, such as pigeons and geese, and will provide training to the NPMA on new techniques as they are developed.
       Under this agreement, entities and individuals seeking assistance with nuisance bird problems will continue to have the choice of using pest management companies or seeking WS help to respond to damage concerns. WS, however, will not actively seek to become involved in the control of nuisance birds in areas where pest management companies have the established capacity to meet consumers' needs. The 2008 Farm Bill Manager's Statement encourages APHIS to enter into such agreements with private industries.  (Contact: Bob Ehart)

TEXAS-MEXICO AGRICULTURE EXCHANGE PROGRAM BUILDS A BRIDGE TO INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
Published: August 25, 2008

       Texas Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples and Fermin Montes Cavazos, general director of the Agricultural Development Corporation of Nuevo Leon, have announced the formation of the Texas-Mexico Agriculture Exchange Program. The educational opportunity will benefit agricultural leaders in Texas and Mexico, and connect the two agricultural powerhouses.
       Staples and Montes Cavazos signed the memorandum of understanding between the Texas Department of Agriculture and the Nuevo Leon Department of Agriculture at the Tri-National Accord in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho.
       "Developing leaders to tackle tomorrow's challenges is essential for the future prosperity of Texas," Staples said. "Mexico is Texas' largest trading partner. Providing opportunities for the best and brightest from Texas and Nuevo Leon to learn from each other will advance the agricultural industry and that results in superior service for consumers."
       The purpose of the program is to provide an educational exchange to share information and improve understanding between Mexico and U.S. producers on agricultural production and trade in both countries.
       The program involves reciprocal visits for young professionals from each state, who will be given the opportunity to work with agribusiness organizations that match their experience and requirements with host agricultural operations and industries.
       The participating producers and agribusiness institutes will arrange for educational activities, interaction at organization events and meetings, and room and board for participants. The goal is for the professionals to gain knowledge about production practices and industry organization and then bring that information back home to share with colleagues.
       A key component of the program is support from industry partners. Jon Means, president of the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, initially discussed the concept with Staples and committed to help place the young leaders at excellent Texas ranches.
       "Our neighbors to the south are some of our most valuable trading partners.  This program will help future generations of cattle raisers to form lifelong relationships that will benefit the cattle industry for many years to come," Means said.
       The first exchange is set for spring of 2009.  (Contact: Bryan Black, 512/463-7664)

INSECT PAVILION HIGHLIGHTS EXOTIC AND INVASIVE SPECIES AT THE STATE FAIR
Published: August 25, 2008

       Exotic pests and interesting insects from around the world are the highlights of the Insect Pavilion at the California State Fair.  Exhibits of butterflies, moths, beetles, a tarantula, a giant scorpion, lubber grasshoppers, and tomato hornworms are among the insects featured this year.
       "This pavilion is a wonderful example of efforts to educate the public on the threat of invasive species to California," said California Agriculture Secretary AG Kawamura. "When citizens are aware of the potential threats to our food supply, they are better equipped to assist in detecting these pests before they spread. I applaud the State Fair for providing this exhibit and I encourage everyone to stop by and learn more about these pests."
       Mounted specimens of numerous invasive species include the Mediterranean fruit fly, boll weevil, gypsy moth, Asian longhorned beetle, and the Colorado potato beetle. Interactive activities include petting a hissing roach, giant millipede or darkling beetle.
       The California Department of Food and Agriculture is committed to protecting the state against the invasion of exotic pests and diseases.  Protecting agriculture from invasive pests also protects the food supply, environment, and the economy.
       Information on exotic pests will be available at the pavilion.  The CDFA encourages citizens who think they have any of these unwanted pests to contact their local county agricultural commissioner.  Citizens can also contact the state's pest hotline at 1-800-491-1899.
       Still photos and video of the insect pavilion are available. Photos may be downloaded at http://www.cdfa.ca.gov/exec/public_affairs/insectpavilion.html and media interested in video may contact the CDFA Office of Public Affairs.  (Contacts:  Steve Lyle, 916/654-0462)