NASDA News--June 2, 2009

NASDA WELCOMES SUMMER INTERNS
Published: June 02, 2009

Four interns from Texas A&M University joined the NASDA office on May 27 for the summer semester. Austin Miles, Mark Smith, Sean McCarver and Kasey Miller will work with NASDA until early August.

Austin Miles is a senior Ag Leadership & Development major at Texas A&M University. He will graduate in May 2010 and will remain at Texas A&M to pursue his master’s degree in Animal Science. He is from Whitesboro, Texas and has been actively involved in production agriculture his entire life. Austin’s family operates a small cattle ranch and his grandparents raise cattle as well as farm oats, hay and other crops. After completing graduate school, he plans to work for a federal or state agency, assisting and representing American farmers and ranchers. Austin has a strong interest in rural development, agricultural education and the sustainability of small family farms and ranches.

Mark Smith was born to Mary and Gary Smith in Okinawa, Japan in 1980. He now calls Schertz, Texas his home. He previously spent six years in the U.S. Air Force and is an Operation Iraqi Freedom & Operation Enduring Freedom veteran. Following his service, Mark went to Blinn Junior College and finished two associate degrees before transferring to Texas A&M University. After finishing his degree in agricultural economics (emphasis in finance), he plans to seek an MBA. After living in England, Colorado, and Japan, Mark is looking forward to his summer in Washington, D.C. Mark’s interests focus on energy and renewable fuels, and veteran affairs issues.

Sean McCarver is a Senior Poultry Science Major from Bellaire, TX. He is participating in the Agricultural & Natural Resource Policy (ANRP) internship program and is interested in learning more about food safety issues and foreign agriculture. He is extremely excited about the opportunity to witness how current agricultural issues are handled on the national level.

Kasey Miller is a senior agricultural communication and journalism major at Texas A&M hailing from Thorntown, Indiana. Her love of agriculture stems from showing beef, sheep, and rabbits growing up. In the future, she hopes to earn a master’s degree in agricultural journalism, eventually going to work as a magazine editor of an agricultural publication. She is excited to represent Texas A&M in Washington D.C. through the Agriculture and Natural Resources Policy (ANRP) internship. (Contact: Charlie Ingram or Stephen Haterius)

EPA APPOINTS CHIEF AGRICULTURAL COUNSELOR
Published: June 02, 2009

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lisa Jackson announced June 1 the appointment of Larry Elworth as Chief Agricultural Counselor at the agency.

Elworth was previsouly executive director at the Center for Agricultural Partnerships (CAP), and led initiatives that solve agricultural problems by helping farmers adopt more environmentally sound and profitable farming practices. The Center has focused on increasing participation among farmers who have not previously participated in federal programs, particularly specialty crop producers. Additionally, Elworth served as special assistant for pesticide policy from 1993 to 1996 for the Office of the Secretary at USDA. He was also a liaison to Domestic Policy Council in the White House. He’s had 15 years experience as a fruit production grower, using integrated pest management in the field. (Contact: Charlie Ingram)

USDA-NASS BEGINS JUNE AGRICULTURAL SURVEY
Published: June 02, 2009

USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) has begun to conduct its annual June Agricultural Survey (also known as the Crops/Stocks Survey). This is one of the largest and most important surveys conducted by NASS and provides the first clear indication of the production and supply of major crops in 2009.

The June Agricultural Survey is conducted annually in all states except Alaska and Hawaii. NASS will collect data from approximately 73,000 farms, which are selected from among the Nation’s 2.2 million farms. The information collected about specific commodities varies somewhat from state to state. But all participating producers will be asked to provide information on their total acres, acres planted to specific commodities, and quantities of grains and oilseeds stored on-farm. All information reported is kept strictly confidential and is not shared with other government agencies or any public or private organization.

Once results of the survey are compiled and analyzed. NASS will publish the information in a series of reports. These include the annual "Acreage" report and the quarterly "Grain Stocks" report, both to be released on June 30, 2009. Survey data also contribute to NASS’s monthly and annual "Crop Production" reports, as well as the annual "Small Grains Summary," to be published September 30.

All sectors of the agricultural industry rely on NASS acreage, production and stocks estimates to help make sound business decisions. For example, the annual Acreage report is one of the most anticipated sources of accurate and timely information for buyers when making critical business decisions regarding futures contracts and purchases. The data also levels the playing field for farmers and ranchers, giving them access to the same information as elevators, input suppliers, bankers, and others with whom they do business. In addition, the information assures international customers that the U.S. will continue to be a reliable supplier of major commodities and enables the industry to evaluate export potential.

NASDA and the state departments of agriculture are encouraging farm and ranch operators to participate in the survey. The information provided by survey respondents is confidential by law. NASS safeguards the privacy of all responses and publishes data only in aggregate form, ensuring that no individual operation or producer can be identified.

For more information about NASS surveys and reports, go to the NASS website at: www.nass.usda.gov or call the NASS hotline at: (800) 727-9540. (Contact: Charlie Ingram)

APHIS PLANS ANIMAL ID LISTENING SESSIONS
Published: June 02, 2009

USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) will hold additional listening sessions on the National Animal Identification System (NAIS). The meetings will take place this month in, California, Florida, Missouri, New Mexico, North Carolina and South Dakota.

In 2004, APHIS began implementing NAIS, an animal traceability system that would enable producers and animal health officials to respond quickly and effectively to animal disease events in the United States. During these June listening sessions, APHIS seeks to gather not only producer comments and concerns, but also potential solutions to create a program that producers can feel comfortable supporting.  The sessions will include information about the current program, as well as an opportunity to give public testimony or ask a program-related question. Discussion sessions relating to the following areas of concern will allow producers to provide their input on ways to make the program into something they can support: cost, impact on small farmers, privacy and confidentiality, liability, premises registration, animal identification and animal tracing.

The public meetings will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. local time, with registration one hour prior to each meeting. The meetings will be held in the following locations:

Tuesday, June 9: Jefferson City, Mo.
Thursday, June 11: Rapid City, S.D.
Tuesday, June 16: Albuquerque, N.M.
Thursday, June 18: Riverside, Calif.
Thursday, June 25: Raleigh, N.C.
Saturday, June 27: Jasper, Fla.

Additional information on the meetings can be found at: www.usda.gov/nais/feedback. This notice was published in the May 22 Federal Register. (Contact: Bob Ehart or Amy Mann)

VISACK RELEASES ADDITIONAL STIMULUS FUNDING FOR RURAL WATER
Published: June 02, 2009

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack recently announced an additional $143 million in water and environmental projects. Through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), this immediate funding will assist rural communities in providing safe drinking water and improving wastewater treatment systems. This additional ARRA funding will in total be disbursed to 21 states. According to Secretary Vilsack, "President Obama’s investments in these projects will ensure that residents have reliable drinking water in addition to helping local economies thrive as a result of the improved infrastructure." For more information on USDA Rural Development’s Water and Environmental Program, as well as a list of the water projects set to receive ARRA funding, please visit www.rurdev.usda.gov. (Contact: David Hickey)

USDA DELAYS IMPLEMENTATION OF RULE TO STREAMLINE LOAN PROGRAMS
Published: June 03, 2009

Last week, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced that it is further delaying the implementation of an interim rule that would establish a unified guaranteed loan process for four Rural Development guaranteed loan programs. 

Implementation of the interim rule is now delayed until October 1, 2009, which is the fourth time it has been pushed back since its establishment last December. The programs which would be modified by the interim rule include: Community Facility, Water and Waste Disposal, Business and Industry, and Renewable Energy Systems and Energy Efficiency Improvement Projects. For more information on the announcement, please visit: http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/pdf/E9-12560.pdf. (Contact: David Hickey)

LEGISLATION TO PROMOTE AGRICULTURE EXPORTS TO CUBA INTRODUCED
Published: June 03, 2009

Sen. Max Baucus (D-MT) has introduced the "Promoting American Agricultural and Medical Exports to Cuba Act of 2009," S. 1089 with bipartisan support. The legislation would facilitate the export of agricultural products to Cuba by allowing timely and direct cash payments for agricultural goods. In addition, USDA would be required to promote U.S. agricultural exports to Cuba. The current travel ban on allowing U.S. citizens and legal residents to travel to Cuba would be lifted and restrictions on exports of medicines and medical devices would be eased. The bill has sixteen cosponsors, including six republican Senators. (Contact: Amy Mann)

ENVIRONMENT BRIEFS
Published: June 03, 2009

ENVIRONMENT BRIEFS

6^th CIRCUIT ORDERS EPA TO RESPOND TO REHEARING. The 6th Circuit Court of Appeals directed the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to respond by June 3 to the request by a coalition of agriculture groups for a rehearing of NCC v. EPA. The agriculture coalition has asked that the full 6th Circuit reconsider the Court’s earlier decision to require NPDES permits for all aquatic and many terrestrial pesticide applications. The Court previously requested a response from the environmental petitioners to this rehearing request. NASDA wrote EPA Administrator Jackson on May 28 urging her to remain consistent with the agency’s previous legal arguments and also support the request for a rehearing. Earlier this month, NASDA submitted a letter to the Court expressing concerns with the decision, particularly as it impacts state regulators’ authority and responsibilities under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). NASDA’s letter supported the agricultural petitioners’ request for a rehearing. 

SOIL FUMIGANT REREGISTRATION ELIGIBILITY DECISIONS. EPA announced amended Reregistration Eligibility Decisions (REDs) for soil fumigant pesticides on May 27. The amended REDs will, among other things, require buffer zones around treated fields; written, site-specific fumigant management plans; and modifications to and prohibitions of certain application methods. The REDs issued last Wednesday modify earlier measures announced in July 2008. The new REDs include smaller buffers for chloropicrin and larger buffers for dazomet. Additionally, the new REDs allow for the overlap of buffer zones and relax requirements for buffers that include public rights of way. The EPA guidelines will require fumigators to notify State Lead Agencies about applications they plan to conduct if those agencies desire to receive such information. EPA has also indicated that it will work with all the states to amend their cooperative agreements with EPA to include compliance with new fumigant labels. NASDA submitted comments to EPA on these REDs on March 6, 2009 and expressed concern with elements of its earlier proposal. While the modifications include some improvements over the earlier proposal, a number of NASDA members remain very concerned with EPA’s announcement.

SENATE MAY ADDRESS CLEAN WATER ACT EXPANSION. The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee could potentially mark up legislation to expand the scope of the Clean Water Act on June 4. In its current form, the so-called "Clean Water Restoration Act" (S.787) would remove "navigable" from the definition of waters under federal jurisdiction and subject ground water, ditches, and even municipal storm drains to federal regulatory control. This would likely have significant implications on agricultural producers, state water officials, and private property owners. (Contact: Nathan Bowen)

RURAL BROADBAND STRATEGY REPORT RELEASED BY FCC
Published: June 03, 2009

Last week, Acting Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Michael J. Copps released a report on the state of rural broadband in America. "Bringing Broadband Rural America: Report on a Rural Broadband Strategy," which was done in coordination with the Secretary of Agriculture, was required by Congress as part of the 2008 Farm Bill.

In the report, Acting Chairman Copps remarks, "I view this report as a prelude to, and building block for, the national broadband plan, which will address in greater detail and on a vastly more complete record, the input of all stakeholders and the steps the nation must take to achieve its broadband goals." The report, along with the investment provided by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), will help shape the new Administration’s strategy to provide every American with access to broadband. In ARRA alone, there is an investment of $7.2 billion for grants, loans and loan guarantees. (Contact: David Hickey)

AGRICULTURE CENSUS DATA NOW AVAILABLE AT WATERSHED LEVEL
Published: June 03, 2009

For the first time, results from the Census of Agriculture have been published at the watershed level by USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS).

"Our data users in the agricultural and environmental communities have expressed the need for watershed data and NASS is proud to meet their needs," said Carol House, NASS deputy administrator for programs and products. "The new watershed publication presents agricultural data that conforms to geographic boundaries, rather than state and county boundaries."

In the new publication, NASS reports selected data from the 2007 Census of Agriculture according to watershed boundaries set by the U.S. Geological Survey. The information is available for all 20 major water sources in the United States, as well as for each of the 376 water basins. Information from the 2002 Census of Agriculture is published alongside the 2007 Census results to demonstrate changes in land use, production practices and livestock distribution over the past five years.

The Census of Agriculture is a complete count of the nation's farms and ranches and the people who operate them. It provides the only source of uniform, comprehensive agricultural data for every state, county, and now water basin in the nation. For more information about the Census of Agriculture and to access the watershed publication, visit www.agcensus.usda.gov or call (800) 727-9540. (Contact: Charlie Ingram)

AMERICAN FARMLAND TRUST KICKS OFF FARMERS MARKET CONTEST
Published: June 03, 2009

This summer American Farmland Trust is supporting farmers markets across the nation with a national farmers market contest. The contest is a nation-wide challenge to see which of America’s 4,685 farmers markets can rally the most support from its customers. The goal is to promote the connection between fresh local food and the local farms and farmland that supply it.

In this unique three-month campaign, Americans across the county are asked to show support for their farmers market by voting for America’s Favorite Farmers Markets. AFT wants farmers market customers in every state to have the opportunity to vote and they need to get farmers market managers in your area to enroll in the contest. At the end of the contest, one large, medium, and small farmers market will win the title of "America’s Favorite Farmers Market" for 2009. The reward will be a shipment of No Farms No Food® tote bags for the winning market managers to distribute to the shoppers that made it happen.

Many barriers stand in the way of scaling up local farm production to meet the burgeoning demand for local food. American Farmland Trust is working to support policies and programs to protect farmland, reduce barriers between farmers and consumers and encourage communities to plan for agriculture and regional food systems. "This contest is a way for consumers to show the pride they take in their local farmers’ market and by extension the local farmers and communities that support them," says AFT.

Farmers market managers can register for the contest at: www.farmland.org/marketmanager. Market shoppers will vote to support their favorite farmers’ market at www.farmland.org/vote starting in June. Results will be announced during Farmers’ Market Week August 2 – 8, 2009.

American Farmland Trust will be helping to promote the contest in your area and will be conducting outreach nationally. They are also be putting together a marketing toolbox to help market managers get the word out about the contest in their community. Please feel free to forward this message to farmers market managers in your area that might take an interest in this exciting opportunity! If you have more detailed questions, please contact Gretchen Hoffman, AFT Communications Coordinator, by email at: ghoffman@farmland.org or by phone at: 202-378-1251. Information is also available from AFT’s Jennifer Morrill by phone at:202-378-1255 or by email at: jmorrill@farmland.org.

MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE RELEASES ANNUAL REPORT
Published: June 03, 2009

ANNAPOLIS, MD (May 29, 2009) – The Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) has released its 2008 annual report highlighting its accomplishments. The agency provides leadership and support to the agricultural community and the citizens of Maryland by conducting regulatory, service and educational activities that assure consumer confidence, protect the environment and promote agriculture.

"Farmers are true partners in protecting our natural resources and this report illustrates their commitment to conservation even in difficult economic times," said Governor Martin O’Malley. "We are committed to putting our families first by protecting farmland and strengthening family farms and businesses. Working together, we’ll ensure a smart, green and growing future for Maryland.

Some of the department’s many accomplishments in 2008 were:

--Helping farmers achieve the largest planting of winter cover crops to protect soil and water by enrolling a record 387,000 acres in the program at a value of nearly $20 million.

--Encouraging more Marylanders to "Buy Local" through the Maryland’s Best branding initiative.

--Launching the Jane Lawton Farm to School Program and the first Homegrown School Lunch Week, in which nearly every school system in the state participated.

--Working with Governor O’Malley and Maryland’s Congressional delegation on the 2008 Farm Bill to secure an additional $23 million to support Maryland farmers’ conservation efforts for the Bay.

--Protecting more than 99,000 acres of forests and neighborhood trees and preventing estimated losses of $26.1 million from gypsy moth damage through a $4 million suppression program made possible by the O’Malley Administration.

--Committing record funding of approximately $65 million to purchase easements on more than 2,000 properties on nearly 9,700 acres, reaching a cumulative total of almost 275,000 permanently preserved acres of farmland.

--Awarding $11.3 million in conservation grants to farmers to install more than 2,000 projects on their farms to protect water quality.

--Working with farmers and environmental agencies to develop a workable new animal feeding operation permit to protect water quality.

--Providing a mechanism for animal shelters to safely and humanely sedate and euthanize animals.

"Maryland farmers are doing good things for the environment, providing more and more of our food, supporting the local and rural economies and preserving the open farmland that we all enjoy," said Agriculture Secretary Buddy Hance. "Our staff members are the unsung heroes behind our accomplishments. Because of their education, regulation promotion service and preservation activities, Marylanders can expect a healthy food supply and environment, fairness in the marketplace and that agriculture will remain a strong economic force."

The MDA 2008 Annual Report Maryland Agriculture – Fresh to you every day, is available on MDA’s web site at: www.mda.state.md.us. (Contact: Sue duPont at: 410-841-5889 or Julie Oberg at 410-841-5888)

AGRICULTURE DEPT OFFERS BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES IN TAIWAN & VIETNAM
Published: June 03, 2009

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – The Missouri Department of Agriculture (MDA) announced recently today that Hank Ma, Missouri’s Taiwan trade office director, will be visiting Missouri on May 24-June 6, 2009 to meet with agricultural-related firms, manufacturers and service companies interested in expanding sales in Taiwan and Vietnam. The Taiwan office, a program of MDA, has been successful in assisting with many types of exports into markets abroad.

"This is an opportunity for Missouri companies to meet with a representative that works on the ground in Taiwan to expand their sales growth and export markets in Taiwan and Vietnam," said Dr. Jon Hagler, director of MDA."With more than 95% of the world’s consumers living outside of the U.S., Missouri exports provide a viable option for companies to expand their sales. Mr. Ma understands Missouri products and companies and can provide market insight and buyer contact information to agriculture businesses right here at home."

Taiwan continues to be the 6^th largest market and the 2^nd largest per capita consumer of U.S. agricultural products. The Department of Agriculture’s Taiwan office has been active and successful assisting Missouri companies with expanding Missouri sales to Taiwan and Vietnam since 1990.

Vietnam is a rapidly developing country. Rising incomes coupled with a growing tourism industry provides markets for processed and value-added food products. Vietnam’s shift from backyard livestock production to more commercial production increases opportunities for Missouri’s grain and feed ingredient companies. In addition, their growing furniture manufacturing sector is a market for Missouri’s hardwoods. In 2008, Vietnam imported over $15 million in agricultural products from Missouri, up from just over $7.2 million in 2004.

Agriculture-related businesses in Missouri interested in meeting with Mr. Ma can contact (573) 751-4339. To learn more about the Missouri Department of Agriculture, visit www.mda.mo.gov. (Contact: Misti Preston at: 573-751-8596)

AFRICANIZED HONEY BEE DETECTED IN UTAH COUNTY
Published: June 03, 2009

Cedar City -- Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF) has detected the presence of the Africanized Honey Bee (AHB) in Cedar City, in Southern Utah. The single hive was located in the eaves of a residence and is being destroyed by a qualified pest control company.

The presence of Africanized bees in Utah is not believed to be wide spread. The public is being encouraged to approach all bees with caution and respect and report the presence of bees to the UDAF's St. George office at: (435) 634-5708. "It appears this hive was able to survive the cold winters of Cedar City because it sought shelter inside the walls of this residence," said Plant Industry Director, Clair Allen. "We do not believe honey bees can survive Utah’s freezing temperatures in hives that are unprotected," he added.

A number of bee traps are being placed in Cedar City and in other locations in Iron County to determine the extent of the spread of the Africanized bee population. The first confirmation of the presence of Africanized bees in Utah was made in February when five hives were discovered in Washington and Kane Counties. There have been no reported stinging attacks on humans or animals to date. To learn more about the location of AHB in Utah, and how to stay safe around bees, visit http://ag.utah.gov. (Contact: Larry Lewis by email at: larrylewis@utah.gov. or by phone at: 801-538-7104)

VIRGINIA AG PRODUCERS INVITED TO PARTICIPATE IN SOUTH KOREAN REVERSE TRADE MISSION
Published: June 03, 2009

The global export market is expanding dramatically despite a worldwide recession, and many Virginia companies are marketing their agricultural products overseas with great success. The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) offers producers the opportunity to introduce their products to South Korea through a series of reverse trade missions June 22 – 30, 2009.

Suppliers of high-value food products will have an opportunity to meet one-one-one with a delegation of South Korean retail and food service buyers in Atlanta, Georgia June 23 and in Baltimore, Maryland June 25. The mission will culminate with two days at the Summer Fancy Food Show in New York City June 28 - 30, where exhibitors may schedule appointments with the delegation.

In 2008, total U.S. agricultural exports to South Korea reached a record high of $6 billion, representing an almost 50 percent increase from 2007 and expanding the U.S. share of the South Korean marketplace from 20 to 29 percent. Despite its vulnerability to the ongoing global recession, South Korean will remain among America’s top ten trading partners.

The greater relative decline of the won versus the Euro rather than the dollar, and food safety scares in China have created new openings for alternate suppliers. Best candidates for export to South Korea are dairy products, poultry and pork products, snack food, beverages and juices, candy and confections, pastries, pasta and sauce preparations.

"In 2008, Virginia exported nearly $15 million of food products to South Korea," said VDACS’ Commissioner Todd P. Haymore. "The primary categories were meats, soybeans and seafood. This reverse trade mission is an opportunity to build on last year’s success and increase our agricultural exports to South Korea. I encourage producers of these best candidate items to call and schedule a meeting."

Producers interested in taking advantage of this opportunity to introduce their products to key buyers in South Korea should contact Keith Long in VDACS’ Office of International Marketing. Call 804/371-8990 or e-mail keith.long@vdacs.virginia.gov. For information on additional domestic and international trade events, go to the VDACS Web site at: http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/news/t-events.shtml (Contact: .Elaine J. Lidholm at 804-786-7686)