NASDA News - September 1, 2009

PENN. AG SECRETARY WOLFF RESIGNS, GOVERNOR NOMINATES RUSSELL REDDING
Published: September 01, 2009

Pennsylvania Governor Edward G. Rendell announced last week that he will nominate Russell Redding of Adams County as the new Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture secretary following the resignation of Dennis Wolff, which is effective September 12.

“Denny Wolff has worked hard over the last six and a half years to ensure Pennsylvania’s farmers have the resources they need to expand their business and ensure the state’s number one industry continues growing,” said Governor Rendell. “He’s worked effectively to implement my plan to ensure more farmers have ready access to affordable financing and the resources and guidance they need to expand, diversify or transition their operation. He’s also played a pivotal role in strengthening our food safety system and opening new markets to Pennsylvania’s producers.”

Russell Redding has served the department since April 1995, when he served as a deputy secretary. In 2003, he was named executive deputy secretary and assumed the day-to-day operational and administrative oversight responsibilities for the entire department. His nomination as secretary is subject to Senate confirmation.

“Russell is one of the most respected individuals in Pennsylvania agriculture today,” said the Governor. “From his days growing up in Gettysburg, he has been actively engaged in the agricultural community. In his professional career, he has proven himself to be incredibly knowledgeable and capable on all matters of agricultural policy at the state and federal levels.

Prior to joining the department, Redding served as an agricultural policy advisor and executive assistant to U.S. Senator Harris Wofford. (Contact: Bob Ehart)

KENNEDY'S PASSING, GOP RESIGNATIONS TO ALTER SENATE MEMBERSHIP
Published: September 01, 2009

This past week was marked by the death of notable statesman Sen. Ted Kennedy (D - MA).  Kennedy’s passing on Tuesday leaves vacant the Senate seat he occupied for 46 years.  Although a special election has been set for January 19, 2010, it remains unclear exactly how and when his seat will be filled.

In 2004 state lawmakers passed a law effectively barring then Gov. Mitt Romney (R - MA) from appointing a Republican successor for Sen. John Kerry (D - MA) had he won the presidential election.  Shortly before his death Kennedy began a push for a reversal of the law which, if changed, would allow Gov. Deval Patrick (D - MA) to appoint a temporary successor.  Under current Massachusetts law a special election must be held to fill the seat.  It has been suggested that Kennedy’s widow, Vicki Kennedy, succeed her late husband.  Should Kennedy decide not to pursue her late husband’s seat, a number of Massachusetts politicians are likely to scramble for the seat. 

After Sen. Mel Martinez (R- FL) unexpectedly resigned from office Gov. Charlie Crist (R – FL) appointed his former chief of staff George LeMieux to fill the seat.  The decision by Crist, who has announced intentions to run in 2010 for the senate seat vacated by Martinez, has attracted criticism within the state.

The Senate will likely see additional changes this year as it is expected Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchinson (R – TX) will soon announce her resignation as she prepares for the 2010 Texas gubernatorial race against incumbent Gov. Rick Perry (R - TX).  It is unclear who Perry will appoint to replace the seat vacated by Hutchinson. (By: Ethan Mathews, Policy Contact: David Hickey)

BRAZIL TO RETALIATE IN US COTTON DISPUTE
Published: September 01, 2009

The World Trade Organization (WTO) ruled this week that Brazil can move forward with imposing nearly $300 million in retaliatory sanctions annually against American products following a ruling by the WTO in 2004 that American payments to cotton growers violate international trade agreements. 

Following this week’s WTO ruling, Brazil will begin infringing on patents on American pharmaceutical products.

The $294.7 million in sanctions authorized by the WTO is significantly lower than the $2.5 billion in trade retaliation Brazil sought.

In response to the WTO decision, the National Cotton Council argues that the WTO’s action was based on 4 year-old data and doesn’t reflect any of the changes to the US cotton program made by the 2008 Farm Bill.  (Contact: Amy Mann and Amy Mann)

JAPANESE ELECTIONS POSE UNCERTAIN AG TRADE RAMIFICATIONS
Published: September 01, 2009

Japan’s Democratic Party (DPJ) has taken a historic victory over the longtime ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) in elections this weekend.  The LDP has been the dominant political party in Japan since 1955 and, excluding an eleven month period in the early 1990s, has governed the country since that time. 

The DPJ and Yukio Hatoyama, who is expected to be named Prime Minister later this month, campaigned on protecting Japan from globalization.  DPJ pledged to restore Japan’s stagnant economy through policies that promote less U.S. dependency and more involvement with China, the United Nations, and other Asian countries. 

Japan’s incoming government has said it intends to increase farm subsidies, raise the minimum wage, and promote a child support program that would give parents incentives to have more children to counter Japan’s aging population. 

The DPJ has campaigned on the promise that a American-Japanese free trade agreement  would exclude agriculture.  The protectionist stance of the incoming government could also significantly impact American beef export opportunities in Japan.  Members of Congress along with the U.S. beef industry continue to press for the resumption of full beef exports to Japan.  After the discovery of BSE in the US in 2003, Japan closed its markets to US beef products.  In 2006 Japan began accepting limited imports of beef from cattle 21 months or younger. 

Following the Japanese elections, the White House issued a statement saying, “We are confident that the strong U.S.-Japan Alliance and the close partnership between our two countries will continue to flourish under the leadership of the next government in Tokyo.  President Obama looks forward to working closely with the new Japanese Prime Minister on a broad range of global, regional and bilateral issues.”  (By: Preston Asay, Policy Contact: Amy Mann)

USDA ESTABLISHES DAIRY INDUSTRY ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Published: September 01, 2009

USDA announced the establishment of a Dairy Industry Advisory Committee and is now seeking nominations.  The Committee, which will consist of 15 members, will be representative of producers and producer organizations, processors and processor organizations, handlers, consumers, academia, retailers, and state agencies involved in organic and non-organic dairy at the local, regional, national and international levels. 

According to USDA, the Committee will review issues facing the dairy industry, which will include volatility in farm milk prices and dairy farmer profitability.  "The Obama Administration is committed to working with all sectors of the dairy industry to develop changes to the dairy pricing system to avoid the boom and bust cycle behind the crisis facing many dairy farmers this year," said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. "The input provided by the members of this committee will play an important role in building a more stable market for dairy producers for years to come." (Contact: David Hickey)

NASDA CREATES WORKING GROUP TO ADDRESS ECONOMIC CRISIS IN LIVESTOCK SECTORS
Published: September 01, 2009

In order to address the dire economic situation facing the pork, dairy, and poultry industries, NASDA established a new working group to provide a broad, diverse approach to the crisis.  The working group, which will conduct its initial conference call this week, will provide representation from all the NASDA regions, thus ensuring the inclusion of States with affected dairy, beef, poultry and pork industries.  (Contact: David Hickey)

FOREIGN AGRICULTURAL OFFICIALS TO VISIT NEW HAMPSHIRE AND VERMONT
Published: September 01, 2009

USDA's Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) announced on August 28 that foreign agricultural officials representing 23 countries will tour New Hampshire and Vermont Aug. 31 through Sept. 4 to see food and agricultural products in those states as part of an annual FAS orientation tour.

"International trade plays a critical role in the health and development of the agricultural economy," said FAS Administrator Michael Michener. "FAS' orientation tours not only showcase U.S. farm and food products, but facilitate the face-to-face interactions that open and expand opportunities for US producers and enhance global food security."

From Connecticut to Maine, New England produces a wide variety of food and agricultural products that are exported worldwide. According to the latest data available, the region's agricultural exports reached $488 million in 2007, accounting for almost 19 percent of New England's farm economy. These agricultural exports help boost farm prices and income, while supporting more than 5,000 jobs both on and off the farm in food processing, transportation, and manufacturing.

This year's tour will begin in Weare, N.H., and finish in Greensboro, Vt. Some of the destinations include Abigail's Organic Bakery; the Stonyfield farm yogurt facility; Local Harvest, a Community Supported Agriculture operation; and the University of New Hampshire in Durham, where officials will visit an organic dairy farm complex, a student-operated dairy, and a horticulture research farm.

The group will continue to Vermont to visit a maple syrup operation; an apple cider mill; and an independent organic seed business. Officials will wrap up the tour by visiting an organic vegetable farm; a Community Supported Enterprise that specializes in food prepared with local ingredients; and a cheese production operation. Foreign officials pay for their own travel, lodging, and expenses.

Kathleen Merrigan, USDA Deputy Secretary of Agriculture, will head the delegation of U.S. agricultural officials scheduled to participate in the tour.  Information on the participants, including the foreign delegation, can be found at the USDA Newsroom at www.usda.gov. (Contact: Amy Mann)

USDA ANNOUNCES CHILD NUTRITION GRANTS
Published: September 01, 2009

 Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today awarded approximately $5.8 million in Team Nutrition Training Grants to 18 states to help children develop good nutrition and physical activity habits for healthier lifestyles. This funding provides schools with nutrition education materials for children and parents as well as technical assistance for communities and school food service providers.  (Contact: Amy Mann)

NASDA WELCOMES FALL INTERNS
Published: September 01, 2009

Two interns from Texas A&M University joined the NASDA office on August 26 for the fall semester. Preston Asay and Ethan Mathews will work with NASDA until early December.

Preston Asay is from Dallas, Texas and graduated from Highland Park High School in 2005. Preston is currently a junior at Texas A&M University pursing an Agriculture Economics major with emphasis in food marketing.  During his time here at NASDA, he hopes to gain a better knowledge of foreign agriculture trade, energy, and natural/renewable resources. Some of his favorite pastimes include fly-fishing, hunting, and camping with his brothers. He is fond of music and plays the guitar, drums, and piano. He hopes to further his knowledge of the economy through agricultural policy and aspires to one day obtain a master’s degree in business. Preston understands that the ANRP Internship Program with NASDA is a great opportunity to gain new perspective and learn more about the government’s role in agricultural policy.

Ethan Mathews of Austin, Texas, is a recent graduate of Texas A&M with a degree in agricultural leadership and development. While at A&M, Ethan was admitted to the Dean’s List, worked as a teaching assistant, and was active in club sports.  Ethan has experience in natural resource management having worked as a paralegal for a law firm specializing in environmental issues.  He is very excited to be working for NASDA this fall and plans to remain in D.C. following his internship. His policy interests are energy and water. (Contact: Charlie Ingram)

WI: BACTERIAL INFECTION LINKED TO RAW MILK IN SOUTHEASTERN WISCONSIN
Published: September 01, 2009

Thirteen confirmed cases of illness in southeastern Wisconsin have been linked to consumption of unpasteurized milk, public health officials said August 28, and they cautioned residents to discard any unpasteurized milk they have in their homes.

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services and the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection said individuals have tested positive for campylobacter jejuni, a bacterial infection that causes gastro-intestinal symptoms and fever and that occasionally leads to severe complications.

The onset of illness was Aug. 14-20. All victims had consumed raw milk or been in households where someone else consumed raw milk and became ill. Campylobacter can be passed between people as well as being contracted directly from contaminated food. Selling or distributing raw milk and raw milk products is illegal in Wisconsin. (Contact: Donna Gilson, 608-224-5130)

VA: VIRGINIA AG PRODUCERS INVITED TO SPANISH TRADE MISSION
Published: September 01, 2009

The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) offers Virginia food producers the opportunity to introduce their products to the Spanish market through a partnership with the Southern United States Trade Association (SUSTA).  The Spain Trade Mission takes place November 16 – 20, 2009, in Madrid and Barcelona, and SUSTA will pay airfare for participating producers.

The trade mission will put producers in touch with key buyers from the Iberian Peninsula, allowing them to take advantage of the region’s growing consumer retail industry.  “Spanish consumers are interested in new products,” said Keith Long in VDACS’ Office of International Marketing.  “U.S. agricultural exports to Spain are up sixty percent from 2008, and the market continues to offer increased opportunities for U.S. consumer products.

For more information, 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 website. (Contact: Elaine J. Lidholm, 804-786-7686)

MT: WORKSHOP ON ONLINE MARKETING FOR RURAL BUSINESSES
Published: September 01, 2009

Rural business owners can receive hands-on training in website development and online marketing at an eCommerce Workshop Sept. 15-16 in Billings, sponsored by the Montana Department of Agriculture in collaboration with the Western Rural Development Center.

The interactive training is led by regionally recognized instructors and successful local business owners who market products using the Internet. Sessions include building an online presence, marketing strategies, Internet selling, advertising do's and don'ts and building brand awareness. The workshop format was developed by the Western Rural Development Center, a regional center funded largely by USDA and located in Logan, Utah.

Funding for the workshop is provided by a Workforce Innovation in Regional Economic Development (WIRED) grant for rural Montana counties and Indian reservations.  (Contact: Perri Walborn at pwalborn@mt.gov)

MI: ZMITKO-SOMERS APPOINTED TO USDA CHERRY INDUSTRY ADMINISTRATION BOARD
Published: September 01, 2009

Jamie Zmitko-Somers, Michigan Department of Agriculture (MDA) employee and Saginaw County resident, has been appointed by USDA to serve a three-year term on the Cherry Industry Administration Board (CIAB), announced MDA Director Don Koivisto.

The Cherry Industry Administrative Board supports the national red tart cherry industry.  The board regulates the handling of tart cherries grown in Michigan, New York, Pennsylvania, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wisconsin.

An employee of MDA since 1997, Zmitko-Somers serves as the International Marketing Program Manager in the Agriculture Development Division, which works to strengthen profitability for family farms and enhance opportunities for the states food and agriculture industry. For more information on the CIAB, visit www.cherryboard.org (Contact: Heather Throne, 517-373-1085)

CO: SEVEN COLORADO HORSES INFECTED WITH WEST NILE VIRUS
Published: September 01, 2009

Seven equine cases of West Nile Virus (WNV) have been diagnosed in Colorado as of August 28, 2009.  The cases that have been recently diagnosed represent the first reported cases of West Nile Virus this year. The WNV positive tests were submitted from horses examined in the north central, northeast, and southeast regions of the state.

West Nile virus is a disease that threatens the health of humans, horses, and other animals. The greatest implication of this disease is the capability of the virus to cause encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) in humans and horses which may result in death.

The Colorado Department of Agriculture is providing tips for protecting horses. Horse owners should consult their private practicing veterinarian to determine an appropriate prevention strategy for their horses. For complete and updated information concerning new WNV equine case information including numbers and location of test positive horses visit: www.fightthebitecolorado.com . (Contact: Christi Lightcap, Christi.lightcap@ag.state.co.us) 

WI: POET-FARMER PROVIDES HELP FOR FARMERS
Published: September 01, 2009

Daniel Smith knows what it takes to run – and leave – a successful farm, and he knows the joy and pain of doing both. Now, he’ll use his experience to help farmers finding their way in a daunting economy.

Smith has joined the Wisconsin Farm Center, housed in the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, as an AmeriCorps member. AmeriCorps is a national service program, akin to the Peace Corps, but working in the United States rather than other nations. He is assigned to help out with the growing number of calls to the center, as more farmers – especially dairy farmers – find themselves facing financial difficulties today.

In his new role, Smith will do financial counseling and mediation, analyze balance sheets, look at financial statements and cash flow. “I can pretty well tell from those things whether a farm’s going to make it,” he says. “Our first goal is to keep people farming, but if that’s not possible, to help them move to a new career.”

Some might know Smith as a poet and essayist, writing about family farms and ties to the land. In “An Honest Living,” an essay published a year ago in UW-Madison’s magazine On Wisconsin, Smith reminisced about a lifetime on the farm. The Wisconsin Farm Center operates a toll-free hotline for farmers: 1-800-942-2474. (Contact: Donna Gilson, 608-224-5130)