NASDA News--April 27, 2009

WYOMING AGRICULTURE DIRECTOR ETCHEPARE TO RETIRE
Published: April 27, 2009

        John Etchepare, who has devoted six years to the Wyoming Department of Agriculture and his entire career to the Agriculture industry, has announced plans to retire as the state agency’s director at the end of April 2009.

        Before serving as director of agriculture under Governor Dave Freudenthal, Etchepare owned and managed Warren Live Stock Company for 37 years. Raising sheep, cattle and wheat on extensive land holdings in Wyoming and Colorado, the Warren Live Stock Company was one of the largest family-owned operations in the Rocky Mountain region when it was sold in 2000.

        During Etchepare’s long career in Agriculture, he served as the President of the Wyoming Wool Growers and Director of the American Sheep Industry while being active in the National Cattlemen’s Association, the Wyoming Stock Growers and the National Lamb Feeders Association.

        Along with his position as director of the WDA, John has served on other state entities during his time as a producer. These include the Economic Development Board, the State Land Committee and the Brand Inspection Task Force. As WDA Director, Etchepare served as the Executive Officer for the Wyoming Board of Agriculture, a member of the Wyoming Agriculture and Natural Resource Mediation Board, co-chair of the Animal Damage Management Board, member of the Environmental Pesticide Control Act of 1973 Board of Certification, Chairman of the Carbon Sequestration Board, Ex-officio member of both the Wyoming Beef Council and the Wyoming Wheat Marketing Commission as well as Chairman of the Wyoming Landscape Conservation Initiative.

        "During his career as a rancher and time as Department of Agriculture Director, John has been a tireless advocate for the farming and ranching community of Wyoming," said Jason Fearneyhough, Deputy Director of the Wyoming Department of Agriculture. "He has driven many significant successes at the WDA and his experience, expertise and position as director will be missed by not only by our department but the Wyoming agriculture community as a whole."

        The governor has not yet announced who will replace Etchepare as the agency’s interim or permanent director once his retirement is effective on April 30, 2009.

         "I have very much enjoyed serving the state of Wyoming as the Agriculture Director for the last six years." Etchepare said. "Agriculture has always been my passion and it was an honor to serve the citizens of Wyoming by celebrating, maintaining and fighting for such an important part of Wyoming’s heritage and future." (Contact: Stephen Haterius)

NASDA REGIONAL ORGANIZATIONS PREPARE FOR SUMMER MEETINGS
Published: April 27, 2009

        NASDA’s four regional organizations are preparing and organizing for their annual summer conferences. The regional groups are important venues for state agriculture departments to address key policy issues and begin their preparations for NASDA’s annual meeting in September. All of the regional Presidents plan active agendas. Details about meeting registration, sponsorship opportunities, hotels, agendas and other information are posted on the NASDA website under "Events and Trade Shows."

        NEASDA is the annual meeting of the Northeastern Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NEASDA). Those states include: Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Vermont. NEASDA’s President is Commissioner Patrick Hooker, New York Department of Agriculture and Markets. The NEASDA meeting will be held in Saratoga Springs, New York from June 7 to 9.

        SASDA is the annual meeting of the Southern Association of State Departments of Agriculture (SASDA). The states include: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, US Virgin Islands and West Virginia. The President of SASDA is Secretary & Commissioner Terry Peach of the state of Oklahoma. SASDA will be held in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma from June 15 to 18.

        MASDA is the meeting of the Midwestern Association of State Departments of Agriculture (MASDA). Those states include: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin. Their current President is Director Robert Boggs, Ohio Department of Agriculture. The MASDA conference will be held July 17 to 21 in Huron, Ohio.

        WASDA is the annual meeting of the Western Association of State Departments of Agriculture. Those states include Alaska, American Samoa, Arizona, California, Colorado, Guam, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming. WASDA’s President is Director Katy Coba of the Oregon Department of Agriculture. The WASDA conference will be held July 26 to 30. (Contact: Stephen Haterius or Gillian Woodward)

KEY USDA APPOINTMENTS ANNOUNCED FOR MARKETING, FSA, ADMIN & ENVIRONMENT
Published: April 27, 2009

        President Barack Obama and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced several key appointments last week in the areas of marketing, Farm Service Agency, Administration and natural resources.

        President Barack Obama announced April 24 the nomination of Edward M. Avalos as USDA Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs. Avalos has served with the New Mexico Department of Agriculture for 29 years where he established the New Mexico Specialty Crops Program. He also spent five years with the Texas Department of Agriculture. Avalos has implemented many trade promotions and trade missions during his career. He has worked in Mexico, Japan, China, Canada and Latin America, promoting New Mexican crops and livestock. Avalos was raised on a family farm in New Mexico's Mesilla Valley where they grew cotton, wheat and a variety of specialty crops. He is a member of several agricultural promotion organizations in the state.

        Pearlie S. Reed has been nominated for USDA Assistant Secretary for Administration. Reed is a consultant specializing in Agriculture, Conservation, Economic Development and Management. He served as Regional Conservationist for the Western Region from May 2002 to July 2003. Reed served as Chief of USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) from 1998 to 2002. He also served as acting assistant secretary for administration for USDA, from February 1997 until he was named Chief of NRCS in 1998. He began his career with the Soil Conservation Service, predecessor of NRCS, in 1968 as a student trainee. He has served in four states, including Maryland and California, where he was state conservationist, responsible for leading comprehensive soil, water, and resource conservation and development programs.

        Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has appointed Doug Caruso as Administrator of USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA). The FSA administers and manages farm commodity, credit, conservation, disaster and loan programs through a network of federal, state and county offices. Caruso returns to USDA after working as CEO of Wisconsin Farmers Union Specialty Cheese. From 1993 to 2001, Caruso was at USDA as State Executive Director of FSA in Wisconsin. From 1989 to 1993, he worked as State Director for United States Senator Herb Kohl (D-Wisconsin) and before that as general manager and communications director for the nation's sixth largest farmer-owned milk marketing cooperative.

        Jay Jensen has been appointed USDA Deputy Under Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment (NRE). In this position, Jensen will have responsibility for the U.S. Forest Service (FS), which manages 193 million acres of National Forest System lands and provides assistance to the more than 10 million family-forest landowners in this country. Since May 2005, Jensen has been Executive Director of the Council of Western State Foresters/Western Forestry Leadership Coalition. The Coalition is a federal-state governmental partnership. He has also served as Senior Forestry Advisor for the Western Governors Association, where he was responsible for the biomass energy program. (Contact: Charlie Ingram or Stephen Haterius)

SWINE FLU ILLNESSES REPORTED IN U.S.
Published: April 27, 2009

        As of this weekend, the United States government reported 20 laboratory confirmed human cases of swine influenza A/H1N1 (8 in New York, 7 in California, 2 in Texas, 2 in Kansas and 1 in Ohio). All 20 cases have had mild influenza-like Illness with only one requiring brief hospitalization. No deaths have been reported.

        In a rare weekend White House press briefing, the Secretary of the Department Homeland Security (DHS), Janet Napolitano, declared a public health emergency in the United States. This will allow funds to be released to support the public health response. The Centers for Disease Control and Preparedness (CDC) activated its Emergency Operations Center to coordinate the agency’s response to this emerging health threat.

        All of 20 cases reported in the U.S. have the same genetic pattern based on preliminary testing. The virus is being described as a new subtype of A/H1N1 not previously detected in swine or humans. Also, the government of Mexico reported 18 laboratory confirmed cases of swine influenza A/H1N1. Investigation is continuing to clarify the spread and severity of the disease in Mexico. Suspect clinical cases have been reported in 19 of the country’s 32 states. Over one hundred people have died and at least one thousand preliminarily diagnosed with the flu. The World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General, upon the advice of its Emergency Committee, declared this event a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. WHO is not recommending any travel or trade restrictions at this time.

        The media is also reporting confirmed cases in Canada–the Public Health Agency of Canada’s National Microbiology Lab in Winnipeg has confirmed four cases of A, H1N1 swine flu from Nova Scotia. The British Columbia Centre for Disease Control identified two additional cases from British Columbia. All six cases are same strain of human swine influenza that has been found in the U.S. and Mexico.

        In Spain, a 23-year-old man that returned from a trip to Mexico last week was found to have the virus, according to a statement released by Spain’s health ministry. The man was put under observation on April 25 after complaining of chest problems. Another 20 patients are under observation on suspicion of having contracted the virus. In New Zealand, an alert was first sounded when 10 students and a teacher that had just returned from Mexico tested positive to influenza A. Authorities believe it "highly likely" that they contracted the H1N1 swine flu sub-strain while there. Twenty people are in quarantine and authorities are following up on at least 18 others. (Contact: Bob Ehart)

FDA ISSUES ADVISORY ON ALFALFA SPROUTS
Published: April 27, 2009

        The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on April 26 recommended that consumers not eat raw alfalfa sprouts, including sprout blends containing alfalfa sprouts, until further notice because the product has been linked to Salmonella serotype Saintpaul contamination. Other types of sprouts have not been implicated at this time.

        The investigation indicates that the problem may be linked to contamination of seeds for alfalfa sprouts. Because suspect lots of seeds may be sold around the country and may account for a large proportion of the alfalfa seeds currently being used by sprout growers, and cases of illness are spread across multiple states, FDA and CDC are issuing this general advisory. FDA will work with the alfalfa sprout industry to help identify which seeds and alfalfa sprouts are not connected with this contamination, so that this advisory can be changed as quickly as possible.

         CDC, FDA and six State and local authorities have associated this outbreak with eating raw alfalfa sprouts. Michigan, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Utah, and West Virginia have reported 31 cases of illness with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Saintpaul to CDC. Most of those who became ill reported eating raw alfalfa sprouts. Some reported eating raw sprouts at restaurants; others reported purchasing the raw sprouts at the retail level.

        The illnesses began in mid-March. Cases are still being reported, and possible cases are in various stages of laboratory testing, so illnesses may appear in other states. No deaths have been reported. The number of infected people may be higher than currently reported because some illnesses have not yet been confirmed with laboratory testing. Initial investigation results trace the contaminated raw alfalfa sprouts to multiple sprout growers in multiple states. This suggests a potential problem with the seeds used, as well as the possible failure of the sprout growers involved to appropriately and consistently follow the FDA Sprout Guidance issued in 1999 http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/sprougd1.html.

        The guidance recommends an effective seed disinfection treatment immediately before the start of sprouting (such as treating seed in 20,000 parts per million Calcium hypochlorite solution with agitation for 15 minutes) and regularly testing the water used for every batch of sprouts for Salmonella and E coli O157:H7 contamination. This outbreak appears to be an extension of an earlier outbreak in 2009. In February and March, an outbreak of Salmonella Saintpaul infections occurred in Nebraska, South Dakota, Iowa, Kansas, and Minnesota. This outbreak was linked to raw alfalfa sprouts, and the outbreak strain was indistinguishable from that of these recently reported cases. A separate outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes infections was also linked to sprouts in 2009. In the 1990s, a number of outbreaks related to sprouts led FDA to issue its guidance.

        Experience over the past decade has shown that the likelihood of Salmonella in sprouts can be minimized when recommendations from FDA’s Sprout Guidance are followed. Preventive controls are very important in the growing of alfalfa sprouts. FDA reminds sprout growers to be vigilant in their food safety practices and strongly encourages sprout growers to follow the Agency’s Sprout Guidance. Additionally, the United Fresh Produce Association has advised all of its members to follow FDA’s guidance on sprouts. FDA appreciates that the produce industry has reinforced this message and reminds retailers that it is prudent to sell sprouts from growers who follow FDA’s recommendations. The CDC and FDA recommend at all times that persons at high risk for complications, such as the elderly, young children, and those with compromised immune systems, not eat raw sprouts because of the risk of contamination with Salmonella or other bacteria. Salmonella is an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy individuals infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses, such as meningitis and bone infections. For persons who continue to eat sprouts, visit (U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 2002 consumer advisory, available at: http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~lrd/tpsprout.html). (Contact: Bob Ehart)

ACRE PROGRAM ENROLLMENT BEGINS
Published: April 27, 2009

        Beginning April 27 producers can enroll in the Average Crop Revenue Election (ACRE) program. The ACRE program was created in the 2008 Farm Bill to give producers an option in lieu of traditional counter-cyclical payments.

        Commodities eligible for ACRE payments are wheat, corn, grain sorghum, barley, oats, upland cotton, long grain rice, medium and short grain rice, peanuts, soybeans, sunflower seed, canola, flaxseed, safflower, mustard seed, rapeseed, sesame seed, crambe, dry peas, lentils, small chickpeas and large chickpeas.

         Producers may elect and enroll in ACRE for the 2009 crop year even if they have already accepted advance direct payments under the Direct and Counter-cyclical Program. Producers who elect the ACRE program for a farm agree to: (1) forgo counter-cyclical payments; (2) accept a 20-percent reduction of the direct payments; and (3) accept a 30-percent reduction in loan rates for all commodities produced on the farm.

        The deadline for producers to sign up for the 2009 crop is August 14, 2009. More information regarding the ACRE program, please visit the Farm Service Agency (FSA) website at: http://www.fsa.usda.gov. (Contact: David Hickey)

CONGRESS REVIEWS FEDERAL CROP INSURANCE PROGRAM
Published: April 27, 2009

        The House Agriculture Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities and Risk Management conducted a hearing April 22 to evaluate the current state of crop insurance. Former NASDA President and current National Farmers Union President Roger Johnson testified, along with witnesses representing an array of farm groups and crop organizations.

        As farmers are exposed to unpredictable and unusual circumstances, federal crop insurance provides a critical risk management tool. During the hearing, witnesses testified on a myriad of issues regarding the current crop insurance program, including situations where farmers are faced with shallow losses and Average Production History (APH) yields declining due to recurring drought conditions. Witnesses also discussed the implementation of the Supplemental Revenue Assistance (SURE) program, which was established in the 2008 Farm Bill. (Contact: David Hickey)

HOUSE AGRICULTURE PANEL REVIEWS USDAAâ€S FOOD SAFETY SYSTEM
Published: April 27, 2009

        The House Agriculture Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy and Poultry held a hearing last week to discuss the current food safety system under USDA. Alfred Almanza, Administrator of USDA’s Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS) testified as well as representatives from the meat, poultry and egg sector. The hearing was the second in a series being held to gain a better understanding of the food safety system and how it operates under USDA.

        Almanza stated several strengths of FSIS including: in-plant personnel responsible for continuous and daily inspection of meat and poultry carcasses; implementation and observance of Hazard Analysis and Control Points system (HACCP); and verification that plants’ food safety plans have assessed all possible hazards and responded with appropriate preventive measures to mitigate the risks. Almanza also testified on the need for a more science-based and data-driven system, along with data integration among FSIS programs and other agencies. He also believes that third-party auditors are a good tool to utilize but that they do not need to be regulated by federal oversight.

        Patrick Boyle, President of the American Meat Institute (AMI), testified that mandatory HACCP would ensure a more preventive approach towards hazards in the food production system. He pointed out that FSIS has authority to shut down a plant if food safety violations are identified and that new legislation should not focus on additional penalties. Dr. James Reagan, who testified on behalf of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), said Congress should focus on a common goal between the different regulated industries and increase funding to implement the regulations already in place. Dr. Elizabeth Kushinskie, representing the National Chicken Council, testified that increased funding should come through appropriations and not user fees. Elliott Gibber testified on behalf of the United Egg Association and encouraged Congress to implement a mandatory HACCP program for egg products. He also urged USDA to seek appropriate industry input when creating policy changes as opposed to inviting comments during the finalization of such regulations.

        The Committee may consider drafting legislation tailored to the strengths and weaknesses of the current food safety system once it has a better view on USDA’s current operations and the agency’s implementation of existing law. Subcommittee Chairman David Scott (D-GA) said "With respect to the operations of USDA and FSIS, the system is largely working well, but of course challenges remain, and in Congress, we must ensure that USDA and FSIS have the resources they need to meet those challenges." (Contact: Bob Ehart or Maggie Curry)

COURT REQUESTS RESPONSES ON PESTICIDE PERMIT CASE
Published: April 27, 2009

        The Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals on April 24 directed the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and environmental groups to respond by May 8 to a rehearing petition filed by a coalition of agriculture interests, and supported by NASDA, in National Cotton Council (NCC) v. EPA.

        The action comes after EPA declined to request a rehearing of the Court’s earlier decision that Clean Water Act (CWA) permits are required for pesticide applications "in, over, or near" waters of the U.S. If the Court’s decision stands, agricultural producers will be required to obtain a permit for an estimated 5.6 million pesticide applications annually. Currently, no permitting system is in place to handle the dramatic increase in permit applications.

        Furthermore, the Court’s ruling has placed producers in legal jeopardy under the Clean Water Act’s citizen-action provisions. Reports indicate that 34 notices to sue have already been filed in California following the Court’s ruling.

        While the April 24 announcement does not mean the Court will rehear the case, it does indicate that it has an interest in the legal and policy issues raised by the coalition of agricultural interests. NASDA continues to work with a broad coalition of agricultural groups on further legal, regulatory, and legislative activities on this issue. (Contact: Nathan Bowen)

USTR DELAYS IMPOSITION OF DUTIES IN EU-BEEF HORMONES DISPUTE
Published: April 27, 2009

        United States Trade Representative Ron Kirk has announced that due to recent signs of progress in negotiations with the European Union (EU), the United States is delaying the imposition of additional duties on a modified list of EU products in connection with World Trade Organization (WTO) dispute settlement rulings in the EU – Beef Hormones dispute. Under a determination announced on January 15, 2009, the additional duties were to go into effect on April 23, 2009. 

        "The United States will delay the trade action until May 9, to provide a little more time to negotiate a settlement with the EU," explained Ambassador Kirk. "Commissioner Ashton and I have been working to deal with this difficult problem and I appreciate her commitment to resolving it. The EU has demonstrated seriousness in their efforts to solve this problem, and two additional weeks should be sufficient to establish whether we can address the remaining issues successfully."

        The January 15, 2009 announcement made additions to and deletions from the list of the products subject to additional duties, changed the EU member states whose products are subject to the duties, and, for one product, increased the level of the additional duties.  Under a decision announced on March 12, the effective date for most of the January 15 changes was moved from March 23 to April 23. In order to respect commercial arrangements that had been made in the weeks following January 15, however, USTR permitted products identified for removal from the list to be taken off the list on March 23.The details of the delay in the trade action are set out in a Federal Register notice that shortly will be posted on USTR’s website. (Contact: Amy Mann)

SENATE COMMITTEE REVIEWS ENERGY EFFICIENCY STANDARDS
Published: April 27, 2009

        The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee held a hearing April 22 to review the concept of a national energy efficiency resource standard (EERS). To date, there are 19 states that have implemented an EERS.

        Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) testified at the hearing and described legislation he recently introduced (S. 548) that would require a 15 percent improvement in energy efficiency by 2020 for electricity producers and 10 percent for natural gas distributors. According to Sen. Schumer, the bill would create 222,000 new jobs, as well as save consumers $170 billion. The EERS goals proposed in S. 548 are identical to the targets set forth in The American Clean Energy and Security Act, draft climate change legislation written by Rep. Henry A. Waxman (D-CA), Chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee and Rep. Edward J. Markey (D-MA), who chairs panel’s Subcommittee on Energy and Environment.

        Critics of a national EERS believe the mandated efficiency targets would increase energy costs for consumers and create a large, unnecessary bureaucracy. "Energy efficiency must continue to be a viable part of our energy mix, just as solar, geothermal and wind are," Ranking Member Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) said. "But I am simply not convinced that this bill (S. 548) will strengthen our energy policy. At this point, a stand-alone standard is best left at the state level, and our committee’s time is best spent on other mechanisms that will promote energy savings." (Contact: David Hickey)

NEW WEBSITE LAUNCHED FOR NICHE MEAT PRODUCERS, PROCESSORS & CUSTOMERS
Published: April 27, 2009

        The Niche Meat Processor Assistance Network–with experts from Extension and state departments of agriculture in 25 states and counting–is glad to announce the launch of a new website to help the small to mid-sized meat processing facilities that provide market access for niches such as local, grass-fed, and organic. Access to appropriately scaled meat processing facilities is a challenge facing small to mid-sized livestock producers and their customers around the country.

        The Niche Meat Processor Assistance Network (NMPAN) aims to help connect the dots in this area to foster rural development and expand agricultural opportunities. The NMPAN website is www.nichemeatprocessing.org or www.extension.org/small meat processors.

        eXtension (pronounced e-extension) is a national initiative of the U.S. Cooperative Extension System. The site provides research, news, and learning modules from land-grant universities nationwide. The website pulls information together on a range of important issues for small meat processors and everyone who depends on them, including: (1) processing rules & regulations, explained clearly; (2) business development & workforce management; (3) mobile processing units; (4) detailed profiles of successful niche processors; and (5) more than 100 Frequently Asked Questions -- with answers.

        "The market for niche meats is growing steadily around the country as more livestock producers and consumers jump onboard. However, they often find a lack of appropriate infrastructure -- slaughterhouses and further processors -- to be the barrier," said Lauren Gwin, Oregon State University researcher and a coordinator of the network. "Unlike many basic foods --fruits and vegetables, or grains and beans -- you can’t market meat without a proper place to have it processed."

        Niche meat processors are small to mid-sized meat processing facilities that can serve local and regional markets for meats such as local, grass-fed and organic. "We define ‘niche’ very broadly as market differentiation," said Arion Thiboumery, Iowa State University research assistant and the other coordinator of the network. "We’re trying to help increase opportunities for livestock producers."

        The Niche Meat Processor Assistance Network is supported by USDA Rural Development, the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, Heifer International, and the eXtension Initiative. Contacts for more information are: Arion Thiboumery, Iowa State University, (515) 294-2882, arion@iastate.edu; Lauren Gwin, Oregon State University, (541) 737-1569, Lauren.Gwin@oregonstate.edu; Terry Meisenbach, eXtension Communications, (760) 328-8260, tmeisenbach@eXtension.org. (Contact: Charlie Ingram)

SOUTH DAKOTA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE APPOINTS NEW DEPUTY SECRETARY
Published: April 27, 2009

        Pierre, SD–Amber Brady has been appointed as the new Deputy Secretary of the South Dakota Department of Agriculture (SDDA). She has worked for the SDDA since early 2007, serving as General Counsel and the Director of Agricultural Policy.

        "Amber is an exceptional individual and an incredible resource for the Department," said Secretary of Agriculture Bill Even. "She has been a valuable team member during her first two years, and is a great asset for South Dakota agriculture."

        Before joining the SDDA in May 2007, Ms. Brady worked in private law practice focusing on commercial and agricultural litigation. Raised on a farm near Abilene, Texas, she received her Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science from Texas Tech University, her Master’ degree in Animal Science from Colorado State University—where she also coached the 2001 Colorado State Meat Judging Team—and her Juris Doctorate from Drake University Law School in Des Moines, Iowa. At Drake, she served as the Editor in Chief of the Drake Journal of Agricultural Law.

        In addition to her duties as Deputy Secretary, Brady will continue to serve as the SDDA’s legal counsel and policy director. The SDDA also announces the appointment of Nathan Sanderson as the Department’s new Public Information Officer. In addition to his communications duties, Mr. Sanderson serves as the Deputy Director of Agricultural Policy.(Contact: Nathan Sanderson at: 605-773-6211)

COMMISSIONER FARMER BLASTS FDA OVER NEW RULE THAT WILL HARM AMERICAN ANIMAL AGRICULTURE
Published: April 27, 2009

        FRANKFORT, Ky. — Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer today blasted the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for imposing an enhanced animal feed ban rule that will create severe economic and environmental hardship for Kentucky livestock producers, businesses and consumers.

        "I am disappointed that the FDA and out-of-touch Washington bureaucrats have made the decision to become enemies of animal agriculture," Commissioner Farmer said. "The new rule will put many small family farmers, renderers, haulers and associated businesses out of business. I understand that we need to minimize the risk of mad cow disease in the United States. But the risk is already extremely low, the controls that are already in place work very well, and there are better ways to achieve what the FDA wants to do. They simply chose not to listen.

        "The FDA’s own announcement said some of the comments they received talked about a heightened risk of mad cow disease from imports of live cattle from Canada. Doesn’t it make more sense to restrict imports from countries with a higher risk of mad cow disease than to destroy American animal agriculture?"

        The FDA last week announced that an enhanced feed ban rule will take effect on April 27. The agency set a compliance date of Oct. 26 to allow renderers additional time to comply with the rule.

        Officials and livestock industry leaders fear the new rule could make it difficult, if not impossible, for many producers to dispose of carcasses properly. Means of disposal other than rendering, such as composting, incineration and digesting, are expensive and impractical. The state no longer is able to provide grants to counties for dead animal removal because of lack of funding.

        "The FDA doesn’t have the resources to efficiently or effectively enforce this rule. They can’t keep up with the responsibilities they already have," Commissioner Farmer said. "Producers can’t afford the additional costs the final rule will impose on them. The state doesn’t have the resources to dispose of tens of millions of pounds of animal carcasses. The FDA simply did not give enough consideration to the unintended consequences of the new rule.

        "Washington succeeded in killing the tobacco quota program, and now they’re going after animal agriculture," Commissioner Farmer continued. "The FDA threw out sound science and common sense when it made this rule."

        Commissioner Farmer said he is continuing to work with Kentucky’s congressional delegation to find a solution that will protect Kentucky’s livestock industry while also protecting consumers and the environment. "This isn’t over," Commissioner Farmer said.

        The final rule prohibits the use of certain cattle-derived materials from being used in any animal feed. The cattle materials prohibited in animal feed (CMPAF) include the brains and spinal cords of cattle 30 months old and older; the entire carcass of cattle 30 months old and older not inspected and passed for human consumption from which the brains and spinal cords were not removed; the entire carcass of cattle that test positive for bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE); and other materials. (Contact: Bill Clary at: 502-564-1137)

GOEHRING URGES DELEGATION & USDA TO BACK CONTINUED CRP OPENING
Published: April 27, 2009

        BISMARCK – Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring has asked North Dakota’s congressional delegation and USDA to support extending the emergency opening of Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) lands to provide producers with short-term assistance as they work to restore damaged buildings, fences and equipment.

         "Only a few days remain in the current CRP authorization," Goehring said April 27. "When that expires, many producers utilizing CRP lands may not have a feasible alternative for relocating their livestock."

        The CRP emergency opening was originally authorized through April 15 and subsequently extended through April 30. "Because of extenuating circumstances – lingering flooded pastures and extensive damage to buildings, fencing, roads, bridges and other infrastructure – we believe the additional emergency CRP authorization is necessary," Goehring said. "We encourage the Farm Service Agency state office to canvass county emergency boards and re-evaluate counties with immediate needs for continued CRP authorization."

        Goehring thanked the delegation for their efforts to secure assistance for livestock producers, especially their lobbying the administration to quickly implement emergency livestock disaster programs contained in the 2008 Farm Bill. (Contact: Ted Quanrud at: 701-328-2233 or Patrice Lahlum at: 701-239-7210.)

USDA BEGINS TREE RESTORATION IN MASSACHUSETTSS†ASIAN LONGHORNED BEETLE-IMPACTED AREA
Published: April 27, 2009

        USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has announced that the Asian long-horned beetle (ALB) cooperative eradication program will begin to restore the tree canopy in Worcester, Mass., by planting 150 trees this spring. APHIS and its cooperators are currently eradicating an infestation of the invasive insect in the Worcester area.

        The Mount Avenue neighborhood in Worcester’s Greendale area will be the first to receive ALB program restoration trees. Homeowners will select from an array of tree species that are not vulnerable to ALB infestation such as oaks, beech and linden trees and will work with program personnel on placement of the trees on their property beginning in May. The number of trees each homeowner receives will be coordinated through consultation with ALB program personnel and will be determined by the terrain and soil conditions on the land, the location and species of trees already on the property, and adjacent properties and the number and size of trees removed through ALB eradication efforts.

        This initial planting of 150 trees is just the beginning of the tree restoration in the Massachusetts ALB impacted area. The ALB program will plant up to 1,500 trees within the host removal area between now and spring 2010, and in the coming years, will dedicate a portion of the overall program funding to tree restoration to areas directly impacted by tree removal within the 64-square mile Massachusetts-regulated area.

        Several additional tree-planting efforts are also underway in the ALB-regulated area, including the Worcester Tree Initiative and efforts by the City of Worcester to replace street trees. Homeowners who receive trees through the Worcester Tree Initiative or purchase their own may receive trees from the ALB program restoration effort. However, ALB program personnel may determine that a property planted with trees from other sources could not sustain additional trees. In such cases, homeowners would not receive ALB program trees. The ALB program is a cooperative effort between USDA’s APHIS, USDA's Forest Service, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Conservation, the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (DAR) the City of Worcester and the towns of Holden, West Boylston, Boylston and Shrewsbury. (Contact: Bob Ehart)