NASDA News--January12, 2009

DAIRY REGULATORY OFFICIAL’S ORGANIZATION ADOPTS NEW NAME
Published: January 12, 2009

NASDA’s affiliate organization which represents each state’s dairy regulatory officials has announced that their membership has approved its new name, the National Association of Dairy Regulatory Officials (NADRO).

Formerly known as the Dairy Division of NASDA, the organization was founded in 1957 and has evolved along with the nation’s dairy industry. The new name more clearly conveys the membership’s composition and areas of expertise. Each state’s dairy regulatory structure is unique with approximately 30 dairy agencies being located in departments of agriculture. The remaining agencies are located in departments of health along with a limited number of states having programs partitioned among multiple agencies.

NADRO’s objectives are to protect the health, welfare and interests of dairy product consumers and to promote unity and efficiency in the application of dairy regulatory procedures. NADRO’s annual meeting is scheduled for July 12-15 in Reno, NV. The meeting is regularly attended by industry representatives. For more information, please contact NADRO’s President, Greg Pittman of the Minnesota Department of Agriculture by email at: greg.pittman@state.mn.us. NADRO Officers for 2009 are: Greg Pittman, MN Department of Agriculture, President; Linda Stratton, WY Department of Agriculture, President-Elect; Cathy Kaszowski, MA Department of Agriculture, Vice-President; Peggy Gates, GA Department of Agriculture, Past President; Chris Thompson, U of KY Division of Regulatory Services, Secretary; Eunice Schlappi, KY Department of Agriculture, Executive Treasurer. (Contact: Charlie Ingram)

INVESTIGATION ON CONTAGIOUS EQUINE METRITIS CONTINUES
Published: January 12, 2009

On December 15, 2008, the State of Kentucky confirmed a case of contagious equine metritis (CEM) in a quarter horse stallion on a central Kentucky premises. NASDA and its members have been holding conference call meetings with USDA officials to review and discuss the situation.

A total of seven stallions have now been confirmed as positive for CEM by USDA’s National Veterinary Services Laboratories. Four of the infected stallions are located in Kentucky and three are in Indiana. The Indiana stallions spent time on the central Kentucky premises during the 2008 breeding season. In addition to the seven positive stallions, the locations of 172 exposed horses have now been confirmed. The total of 179 horses includes 23 stallions and 156 mares located in 35 States. All CEM-positive horses, and all exposed horses that have been located, are currently under quarantine or hold order. Testing and treatment protocols are being put into action for all located horses. Almost 200 additional exposed horses are actively being traced. An exposed horse is one that was bred to a CEM-positive horse, either naturally or via artificial insemination, or one that is otherwise epidemiologically linked to a CEM-positive horse, as determined by State and Federal animal health officials. (Contact: Bob Ehart)

SENATE DEMOCRATS ANNOUNCE PRIORITY BILLS
Published: January 12, 2009

Senate democrat leaders announced January 7 their top ten legislative priorities for the new session of the 111^th Congress. Both political parties traditionally introduce a set of legislative bills at the beginning of the congressional session to outline their agendas.

Most of the democratic bills focus on economic issues and will carry the numbers S. 1 through S. 10. No details about the bills are available yet, which will be officially introduced over the coming weeks. S. 1 will be the comprehensive economic stimulus package that lawmakers are currently developing. S. 2 will focus on tax reform and S. 3 is the Homeowner Protection Act; which will probably include proposals to place a moratorium on home foreclosures. S.4 will address comprehensive health care reform. S. 5 is described as the "Cleaner, Greener and Smarter American Act" and is designed to provide "green" investments in energy and updating infrastructure. It is also expected to address goals to reduce greenhouse gases. S. 6 will address redirection of foreign policy in Iran and Afghanistan and S. 7 will expand education opportunities, including early childhood education. S. 8 will recommend a review of Bush administration regulations and S. 9 proposes to strengthen border security and reform immigration policies. Finally, S. 10 will address the federal budget deficit and national debt.

Republicans are also developing their priority bills which will carry the numbers S. 11 - S. 20. GOP leaders also indicated that their priorities will be focused on economic stimulus and tax relief. (Contact: Charlie Ingram)

USDA ISSUES FINAL RULE ON MANDATORY COUNTRY OF ORIGIN LABELING
Published: January 12, 2009

USDA has announced details of the final regulation for the mandatory country of origin labeling (COOL) program required by the 2002 and 2008 farm bills. The full text of the final rule will be published in the January 15 Federal Register and becomes effective on March 16.

The rule covers muscle cuts and ground beef, lamb, chicken, goat and pork; wild and farm-raised fish and shellfish; perishable agricultural commodities (specifically fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables); macadamia nuts; pecans; ginseng and peanuts. Commodities covered under COOL must be labeled at retail to indicate its country of origin. For fish and shellfish, the method of production-- wild or farm-raised, --must be specified. Commodities are excluded from mandatory COOL if the commodity is an ingredient in a processed food item. The definition of a processed food item remains unchanged from the August 1, 2008 interim final rule. Excluded from COOL labeling are items derived from a covered commodity that has undergone a physical or chemical change, such as cooking, curing, or smoking, or that has been combined with other covered commodities or other substantive food components such as chocolate, breading and tomato sauce. Also exempt are food service establishments, such as restaurants, lunchrooms, cafeterias, food stands, bars, lounges and similar enterprises.

The final rule outlines the requirements for labeling covered commodities and the record keeping requirements for retailers and suppliers. The law provides for penalties of up to $1,000 per violation for both retailers and suppliers not complying with the law. The rule prescribes specific criteria that must be met for a covered commodity to bear a "United States country of origin" declaration. In addition, the rule also contains provisions for labeling covered commodities of foreign origin, meat products from multiple origins, ground meat products, as well as commingled covered commodities.

USDA plans to make funding available to accelerate and expand training of state cooperator employees, initiate development of an automated review tracking system, conduct a retailer survey, conduct audits of the retail supply chain and continue conducting education and outreach activities. Currently, USDA has cooperative agreements with 42 states to conduct retail surveillance reviews. USDA will conduct the retail reviews in the states not covered by a cooperative agreement and perform the supply chain audits. Copies of the final rule and additional information are on the USDA website at: http://www.ams.usda.gov/COOL. (Contact: Amy Mann)

APHIS PROPOSES CHANGES TO ANIMAL ID SYSTEM
Published: January 12, 2009

USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is proposing to amend its domestic livestock regulations in order to enhance the traceability of animals in the United States. These proposed changes would create greater standardization and uniformity of official numbering systems and eartags used in both animal disease programs and the National Animal Identification System (NAIS).

USDA is proposing to recognize only animal identification numbers (AINs) beginning with the 840 prefix, which represents the U.S. country code, as official for use on eartags applied to animals born on or after one year or more after the finalization of this rule. AINs with USA and manufacturer code prefixes imprinted on the eartags would no longer be recognized as official identification numbers for such animals; however, animals that are already tagged would not have to be retagged. An interim rule published on September 18, 2008 prohibits the use of 840 AINs on animals born outside of the United States. Other animal identification numbering systems currently authorized for use on official eartags would continue to be recognized as official identification. These include the National Uniform Eartagging System and premises based numbering systems that combine a premises identification number (PIN) with a producer’s livestock production numbering system.

USDA is also proposing to require, on or after the effective date of this rule, that all new premises identification numbers (PINs) use the seven-character alpha-numeric code format instead of the state postal abbreviation. Identification eartags that employ a premises-based numbering system applied to animals one year or later after the date on which this proposed rule is finalized must employ the seven-character format.

Finally, USDA is proposing several changes pertaining to the use of the U.S. shield on official eartags; numbering systems that use such eartags; and the correlation of those numbering systems with the PIN. This would require that both AIN tags and official identification tags used in disease programs would only be issued to premises that have valid PINs. In the NAIS business plan, which outlines the program’s goals and strategies for the next 3-5 years, the immediate focus is on increasing the quantity of animals identified and traceable to their premises of origin, especially in the sectors with the lowest existing traceability levels, namely cattle.

These proposed amendments are the next step in the development of a nationally integrated, modern animal disease response system. With a standardized system of numbering and use of uniform tags across USDA’s animal disease programs and the NAIS, animal health officials will be better equipped to locate and trace diseased and exposed animals during an animal health event. Obtaining this information quickly will significantly minimize the spread of the disease and its impact on producers. This action is scheduled for publication in the January 13 Federal Register. (Contact: Bob Ehart)

EPA PROPOSES TO EXEMPT MILK CONTAINERS FROM OIL SPILL REGULATIONS
Published: January 12, 2009

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued proposed rules on January 9 that would tailor and streamline requirements for the dairy industry under the Oil Spill Prevention, Control and Countermeasures (SPCC) regulations. There will be a 30-day public comment period on the proposed changes.

The proposed rule would exempt milk containers and associated piping and appurtenances from SPCC applicability and requirements if they are: (1) constructed according to current applicable 3-A Sanitary Standards, and (2) are subject to the current applicable Grade "A" Pasteurized Milk Ordinance (PMO) or a state dairy regulatory requirement equivalent to the current applicable PMO. The capacity of these milk containers would not be included in a facility’s total oil storage capacity calculation.

These amendments do not remove any regulatory requirement for owners or operators of facilities in operation before August 16, 2002, to develop, implement and maintain an SPCC plan in accordance with the SPCC regulations then in effect. Such facilities continue to be required to maintain their plans during the interim until the applicable date for revising and implementing their plans under the new amendments. A fact sheet and more information about the proposal is available on the EPA website at: http://www.epa.gov/emergencies/content/spcc/index.htm. (Contact: Charlie Ingram)

COURT VACATES PESTICIDE RULE ON CLEAN WATER PERMITS
Published: January 12, 2009

A U.S. Court of Appeals January 7 vacated an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rule which exempted certain pesticide applications from Clean Water Act (CWA) permits. NASDA and other agriculture groups have long urged the agency and Congress to exempt labeled uses of a pesticide from the requirement for a CWA permit.

The court’s decision said that EPA’s rule was "not a reasonable interpretation" of the Clean Water Act’s permitting requirements, but agreed with the agency’s assertion that not all pesticides should be classified as pollutants. Environmental groups issued statements saying the court decision means that all commercial pesticide applications to, over, and around waterways will now require CWA permits. However, there are legal questions raised by the decision which are unanswered and the court’s ruling will probably require further review or legislative action. The court’s decision also means that CWA permit requirements for pesticides will revert to the procedures in place before the agency’s final rule was adopted. Petitioners will have forty-five days to file for appeal with the court’s decision. (Contact: Charlie Ingram)

EPA ANNOUNCES PLAN TO IMPROVE PEST CONTROL IN SCHOOLS
Published: January 12, 2009

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced January 7 a strategic plan to reduce

pest and pesticide-related risks to children in all U.S. public schools by 2015.

The plan, "School IPM 2015: a Strategic Plan for Integrated Pest Management in Schools in the United States," calls for a 70 percent reduction in both pest complaints and pesticide use in schools. It relies on the coordinated efforts of teachers, custodians, food service staff, school administrators, pest management professionals, Agricultural Extension staff, regulators, architects, and parents to reduce pesticide risk in schools. The plan was developed in cooperation with the USDA’s Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service (CSREES), Regional Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Centers, and the IPM Institute of North America. It provides a roadmap to understanding pest biology, inspection and monitoring, and pest prevention that are key to successfully implementing IPM.

Pests and pest management can have long-term health effects and affect school attendance. Schools that adopt IPM should have less pesticide residue, fewer pest problems, and lower pest-related allergens. Studies show that IPM reduces pest complaints and pesticide use in schools by 70 percent to 90 percent, with no long-term increase in costs. More information about the IPM in Schools plan is available at: http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/ipm/schoolipm2015.htm. (Contact: Charlie Ingram)

FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION OPENS LATIN AMERICAN OFFICE
Published: January 12, 2009

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced January 7 the opening of an office in Costa Rica to serve the Latin America region. It is part of the agency’s action plan to improve the safety of imported foods.

The office in Costa Rica is the first in a series in the region, which will eventually include an FDA presence in South America and Mexico later in 2009. Work on the office opening began in June 2008, when Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Mike Leavitt and Health Ministers from the countries of Central America and Panama gathered at a summit in El Salvador to map out a broad framework for cooperation on food and product safety. Another outcome of that summit will be a Memorandum of Understanding, which the countries have been working on and is expected to be signed soon.

Last year, FDA opened an office in Brussels to work with European Union countries and three offices in Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou, China. FDA also plans to open offices in two cities in India and is looking to open a location in the Middle East. HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt said in a statement that "the countries of Central America, along with Panama and the Dominican Republic, create the third-largest U.S. export market in Latin America, and, every year, the U. S. imports millions of dollars in goods from these important trade partners. An HHS/FDA presence in the region will improve collaboration, strengthen our partnership and hasten the flow of quality goods to our markets."

More details about the agency’s import safety plan and activities is available at: http://www.importsafety.gov. (Contact: Charlie Ingram)

DOE ANNOUNCES FUNDING OPPORTUNITY FOR BIOREFINERY PROJECTS
Published: January 12, 2009

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has issued a Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) for up to $200 million over six years (FY 2009 -FY 2014) to support the development of pilot and demonstration-scale biorefineries, including the use of feedstocks such as algae and production of advanced biofuels such as bio-butanol, green gasoline and other innovative biofuels.

The projects will support the Administration’s comprehensive energy strategy of increasing the nation’s energy, economic and national security by reducing reliance on foreign oil, and reducing greenhouse gases.

This FOA adds to over $1 billion DOE has committed to research, development, and demonstration of cellulosic biofuels technology. The FOA has two topic areas for biorefinery development: 1) pilot-scale, minimum throughput of one dry tonne of feedstock per day with a minimum non-federal cost-share at 30 percent; and 2) demonstration-scale minimum throughput of 50 dry tonnes of feedstock per day, with a minimum non-federal cost-share at 50 percent. DOE anticipates making approximately 5-12 awards under this announcement, depending on the topic area, and size of awards. Projects selected under this FOA will provide operational data that reduces the risk associated with commercialization. 

The intent of this FOA is to have integrated biorefinery projects at the pilot and demonstration scale levels operational within three to four years after applicants are selected. All projects must be located within the U.S., use feedstock from domestic biomass resources, and demonstrate significant greenhouse gas reductions on a lifecycle basis. These pilot and demonstration-scale facilities are intended to lead to commercialization in the near term. The projects selected will demonstrate the commercial viability for producing advanced biofuels from a variety of biomass conversion technologies and non-food feedstocks, therefore reducing U.S. dependence on oil. 

Mandatory letters of intent are due February, 20, 2009, and completed applications are due April 30, 2009. The complete FOA (number DE-PS36-09GO99038), can be viewed at www.grants.gov. Projects are expected to begin in FY2009 and continue through FY2014.  Funding is subject to annual Congressional appropriations. (Contact: Amy Mann)

USDA SEEKS NOMINATIONS FOR MEAT INSPECTION COMMITTEE
Published: January 12, 2009

USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is seeking nominations for individuals to serve on its National Advisory Committee on Meat and Poultry Inspection (NACMPI). The major role of the committee is to provide advice and recommendations to the Secretary of Agriculture on the development of food safety policies.

Every two years, FSIS seeks membership from a board range of groups who are interested in food safety. These groups include industry, academia, state and local government officials, public health organizations, and consumer and consumer organizations. The agency is looking for individuals who have expertise in the area of food safety, meat and poultry, but more importantly, they are looking for individuals who can grasp some of the increasing complex issues that FSIS plans to raise with the committee and provide useful feedback.

Applications are due by January 23. Details and information about submitting applications are available at: http://www.fsis.usda.gov/About_FSIS/NACMPI/index.asp.

OKLAHOMA AG DEPARTMENT LAUNCHES NEW BLOG
Published: January 12, 2009

Providing rural Oklahomans with timely updates about agricultural programs and opportunities is a priority of the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry. The agency has begun a new agricultural blog to help people who have no access to a daily newspaper or who rely on the internet for news and other information.

Secretary of Agriculture, Terry Peach, said the new internet site will be updated regularly about programs, agricultural issues and news of events and items of interest to agriculturists and consumers. "This is a project that will continue to evolve and grow throughout the future," he said. "I hope people will visit the site and offer suggestions for things they would like to see added or changed.

"We hope this will be a tool that supplements other news sources and provides coverage to people in locations with limited access to agricultural news," Peach said. "It is our obligation to keep our citizens as informed as possible." Wildfire conditions, training programs, grant and loan programs and licensing announcements are a few examples of the sites beginning content. A Made in Oklahoma recipe is also posted each Wednesday.

The ODAFF blog’s address is www.agblog.ok.gov and it is also linked to the agency website at www.oda.state.ok.us. (Contact: Jack Carson at 405-522-4575)

STATE TO HELP FUND CERTIFICATION TO ENSURE FOOD SAFETY
Published: January 12, 2009

New York State Agriculture Commissioner Patrick Hooker announced January 12 a new program that will offer financial support for growers and handlers of fresh produce to obtain third-party audits and/or water tests to verify effective food safety practices. bill.lyons@agmkt.state.ny.us.

The New York State Good Agricultural Practices Certification Assistance Program will reimburse up to $750 per eligible applicant, using USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant Program funds provided through the 2008 federal Farm Bill."Food safety has become an important marketing and health issue for the produce industry," the Commissioner said. "Buyers are demanding assurances from growers that their product is safe, making it necessary for growers and handlers to certify they have a food safety program in place.

This program will help increase the number of New York growers and handlers using third-party audits to verify their program and further protect New York's consumers. I want to thank New York's congressional delegation for making this program possible through their support of the federal Specialty Crop Block Grant Program." The New York State Good Agricultural Practices Certification Assistance Program will strengthen food safety and subsequently increase marketing opportunities for growers and handlers by paying the cost, up to $750, of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and Good Handling Practices (GHP) audits. Costs allowed under the program will include audits, informational assessments and costs of water testing done in 2008 or 2009 by a qualified third-party, which could be the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets or a private auditor.

In addition, Specialty Crop Block Grant Funds will be used to create a water quality data base, which will provide an objective measure of current irrigation water quality, as it relates to on-farm irrigation water management practices. For more information on New York State Good Agricultural Practices Certification Assistance Program and how to apply, growers and handlers can contact Bill Lyons, Farm Products Grading Manager for the Department’s Division of Food Safety & Inspection at 518-457-2090 or

New York State’s specialty crop sector is a vital part of the State’s agriculture industry as well as New York’s overall economy. New York nationally ranks second in apples and cabbage, third in grapes and cauliflower, and fourth in tart cherries, pears, pumpkins, sweet corn, and snap beans. Last year, New York farmers received $980 million from the sale of fruits and vegetables. (Contact: Jessica Chittenden at: 518-457-3136)

JOHNSON RECOMMENDS STRENGTHENING FARM PAYMENT ELIGIBILITY
Published: January 12, 2009

North Dakota Agriculture Commissioner Roger Johnson said January 8 the federal government needs to fine tune some of its proposed requirements for persons receiving federal farm payments.

"The rule establishes defined and measurable tests for payment-eligible contributions of land, capital or equipment and personal labor to farming operations," Johnson said. "What’s also needed is a defined measurement standard for contributions of active personal management."

In comments submitted to the Farm Service Agency (FSA), the division of the U.S. Department of Agriculture that administers farm payments, Johnson recommended implementation of defined and measurable standards based on hours devoted to and/or monetary value of contributed management activities. He said the standards must be comparable to those established for personal labor and capital contributions. "Although such requirements are unnecessary for sole proprietors, it appears legal entities with multiple members or shareholders have an open opportunity to manipulate the management activities of members or shareholders and qualify under the current definition," Johnson said. "While voting on management decisions during corporate meetings may be critical to the profitability of a farming operation, the legislative intent for eligibility is targeted to bona-fide producers who contribute more to the farming operation than participation in meeting discussions and decisions." Johnson also recommended eliminating the provision that allows combined contributions of personal labor and personal management when neither contribution alone meets eligibility requirements. "Under this allowed combination, the weakness of the management criteria provides an opportunity to qualify those who cannot meet the personal labor requirement," he said. "This is counterproductive to the legislative intent of closing loopholes and restricting farm program payments to those actively engaged in farming."

Johnson said the changes in eligibility requirements result from significant program improvements contained in the new Farm Bill, including a reduction in adjusted gross income thresholds and elimination of the "three entity rule." "Farm program payments are now credited to individuals through direct attribution, allowing for more stringent controls on who is receiving payments," he said. "This rule needs to effectively implement these changes to help restore the credibility of farm programs with not only the public, but also bona-fide producers."

Johnson praised FSA for its efforts in establishing and implementing new eligibility requirements. "The agency should be commended for addressing the numerous business structures, legal entities and business contribution issues that challenge the enforcement of these provisions," he said. "Experience has shown that farm program payment limits and eligibility restrictions are among the most demanding to regulate, and we recognize the complexity in writing regulations to effectively suppress legal maneuvering to circumvent legislative intent." (Contact: Ted Quanrud at: 701-328-2233 or Patrice Lahlum at:701-239-7210)

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE NAMES NEW STATE VETERINARIAN
Published: January 12, 2009

West Virginia Commissioner of Agriculture Gus R. Douglass named Gary Kinder, DVM, as new State Veterinarian and Director of the West Virginia Department of Agriculture’s (WVDA) Animal Health Division effective January 1, 2009.

Kinder replaces Dr. Joe Starcher, who retired from the agency last year. Gary Kinder joined the WVDA December 1, 2005, as Assistant State Veterinarian. He retired from a private veterinary practice he operated in Hurricane. A Charleston native, Dr. Kinder graduated from Stonewall Jackson High School, where he was active in athletics. He then went to Marshall University and graduated from Oklahoma State University School of Veterinary Medicine in 1974. He spent two years in the U.S. Army Veterinary Corps handling public health and food inspection duties before opening Hurricane Animal Hospital. Dr. Kinder may be contacted at (304) 558-2214 or at: gkinder@ag.state.wv.us.

COMMISSIONER GIVES ANNUAL STATE OF AGRICULTURE ADDRESS
Published: January 12, 2009

New York State Agriculture Commissioner Patrick Hooker today gave the 10th annual State of New York Agriculture address at the 177th Annual Forum of the New York State Agricultural Society in Liverpool. The Commissioner recognized the more than 300 agricultural leaders in attendance, acknowledging their personal resolve to seek solutions to issues that not only confront agriculture, but the entire State of New York.

The topic of this year’s Annual Forum was planning for the future, and provided attendees with insight on how to plan for both expected and unexpected changes. During the Commissioner’s remarks, he mentioned that "With all the changes impacting the State and its farms – the economy, technology, weather, energy costs and more – New York is still a very powerful state with capable and motivated workers, a diverse economy, and extraordinary entrepreneurs, educators and research facilities…Together we can face the toughest challenge and solve any problem."

The Commissioner described 2008 as "the year of the good, bad and ugly" with record commodity prices, record oil prices, a new Farm Bill, ongoing anxieties over labor issues and a harvest that capped a growing season of extremes. Food safety issues also made the headlines in 2008 with the largest recall in U.S. history and worldwide concern for melamine tainted milk products from China that killed at least six children. While Congress finally passed a new Farm Bill in 2008 that provided good news for New York farmers with support for New York’s specialty crops, increased funding for farmland protection, new incentives for cellulosic ethanol, and a stronger safety net for dairy farmers, the Commissioner predicted "2009 will be a lot tougher than last year."

"Despite a number of factors that are conspiring to make 2009 more challenging than 2008, I am optimistic," the Commissioner said. "I do believe farming and agriculture in New York has a promising future." New York State currently faces the largest budget deficit in history, forcing state agencies like the Department of Agriculture and Markets to focus on its core mission. "As Governor Paterson has told us, the need for a course correction for New York State is long overdue. The current path is not sustainable. We cannot spend more. We must spend smarter."

Over the past couple of months, the Governor and Commissioner identified programs that are essential to the continued viability of all types of agricultural production and made sure that funding for those programs remained at strong levels. Some of those programs include the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory at Cornell, Integrated Pest Management, migrant child care, agricultural education, as well as environmental protection programs like nonpoint funding and farmland protection. The Governor has also proposed new programs that will further strengthen the industry such as allowing wine to be sold in grocery stores and the Bigger Better Bottle Bill, which would allow more money for environmental programs. The Commissioner said, "While some of the proposed spending cuts will be challenging to manage, these actions are no less necessary than those a farm operation takes during a time of low prices and high input costs. As Commissioner, I do not want the future of agriculture in New York to be one of mere survival; rather I want the future of New York agriculture to be a source of pride and prosperity for our entire state."

The Commissioner challenged the group to share a common vision that could be not only accepted, but embraced by local communities and governments at all levels. That vision is to make a better New York by valuing agriculture, allowing farmers to remain stewards of the land and to make a living from the land by working more efficiently with fellow producers, suppliers, processors, communities and governments. The Commissioner closed by asking the group to look around the room at their peers who are dedicated to New York’s agricultural industry and assured the crowd, "I know we can do it." (Contact: Jessica Chittenden at 518-457-3136)

NOMINATIONS SOUGHT FOR 2009 SIEMENS SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY AWARDS
Published: January 12, 2009

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Business Civic Leadership Center (BCLC) is calling for nominations for the 2009 Siemens Sustainable Community Awards.

Criteria for the awards are threefold: (1) overarching sustainability (strategic thinking about goals and outcomes, quality of life improvements for residents), (2) green sustainability (reduction in the community’s environmental footprint) and (3) economic sustainability (enhancement of the competitive business environment, stakeholder involvement with the local business sector).

The nomination period closes on January 30, 2009. Nominations will be accepted from any member of a local initiative on sustainability, including officials from governments, businesses, chambers, and community and economic development agencies. Winners will be announced on May 4, 2009, at BCLC’s National Conference on Corporate Community Investment in Chicago, IL.

For more information on how to apply and to view winners in the 2008 awards program, visit www.uschamber.com/bclc/sustainablecommunity or contact Caitlin Codella at: ccodella@uschamber.com.

USDA TO BEGIN ASIAN LONGHORNED BEETLE ERADICATION EFFORT FOR MASSACHUSETTS INFESTATION
Published: January 12, 2009

USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has begun the eradication of the Asian longhorned beetle (ALB) from Central Massachusetts as a result of the finding of no significant impact from the recently completed environmental assessment. Infested tree removals in the Massachusetts regulated area currently were scheduled to begin the week of January 5, 2009, weather permitting.

The eradication program consists of establishing a quarantine zone around the infestation, cutting and chipping infested trees, possibly removing selected host trees that are in proximity to infested trees, grinding or treating stumps of ALB-infested trees with herbicide to stop resprouting and chemically treating exposed host trees with imidacloprid via trunk and/or soil injections within a ½ mile of an ALB find. These actions are necessary to eradicate the ALB from Massachusetts, as well as to prevent the spread of ALB to other states.

The environmental assessment, titled "Asian Longhorned Beetle Cooperative Eradication Program in Worcester and Middlesex counties, Massachusetts," evaluated impacts to the human environment if no actions are taken to stop the spread of ALB in Massachusetts and the impact of host tree removal and chemical treatment within the area. The eradication effort is designed to limit the spread of the invasive ALB and facilitate its eradication within the infested area in Massachusetts. This is critical because the ALB is potentially one of the most destructive and costly invasive species to enter the United States.

The insect threatens urban and suburban shade trees and recreational and forest resources valued at hundreds of billions of dollars. The ALB also might impact such industries as maple syrup production, the forest products industries and tourism if allowed to spread. An ALB infestation that appears to be 8 to 10 years old was discovered in Worcester County, Mass., in August 2008. The infested area is currently being delimited to determine the extent of the infestation. No ALB have been discovered in Middlesex County, which neighbors Worcester County, but that county is included in eradication planning because of its proximity to the find in Worcester and in case infestations of ALB are eventually detected there. No host tree removals or chemical treatments to fight the infestation have taken place to date. Chemical treatments will first take place in spring 2009. Copies of the document detailing the assessment are available on the APHIS website. (Contact: Bob Ehart)