NASDA News - September 29, 2009

NATION’S AGRICULTURE LEADERS MEET IN ALABAMA
Published: September 29, 2009

State commissioners, directors and secretaries of agriculture from across the country met for NASDA’s 2009 annual meeting in Montgomery, Alabama last week.  NASDA members met to address a wide range of pressing issues impacting American agricultural production and food safety including pending energy legislation, trade, biosecurity, organic agricultural production, water quality, and environmental issues.  NASDA members also approved a plan—to be released this week—that will address the serious economic conditions facing America’s dairy, pork and poultry industries.

Former Mexican President Vicente Fox addressed NASDA members on the importance of trade between the U.S. and Mexico.  USDA Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan and a number of other administration officials also spoke at the meeting.  A summary of actions taken by NASDA members at the meeting is available online.  (Contact: NASDA Policy Staff)

KEE NAMED NEW NASDA PRESIDENT
Published: September 29, 2009

Delaware Secretary of Agriculture Ed Kee was selected as NASDA President for 2009-2010 during NASDA’s annual meeting in Montgomery, Alabama.

Kee was appointed as Delaware’s Secretary of Agriculture by Governor Jack Markell in January 2009.  He began his professional agricultural career as the farm manager at Nassau Orchards in Lewes, Delaware.  Ed Kee was appointed the Kent County Agricultural Agent for the University of Delaware in 1978, and moved to State Vegetable Crops Specialist, working out of Georgetown, Delaware.  In 2004, Kee was appointed as the Extension Agricultural Program Leader.  He served as the Vegetable Crop Specialist and the Ag Program Leader.  Kee retired from the University in 2008 and worked for Hanover Foods Corporation as Director of Agriculture.

Kee is a nationally and internationally recognized expert on vegetable science.  He has authored or co-authored more than 30 articles in peer-reviewed scholarly journals.  These include articles published in the fields of horticulture, vegetable science, agricultural engineering, agricultural economics, history and civil rights.  Kee has published or lectured on agricultural or historical topics across the United States and in Mexico, Germany, Hungary, Canada, and the Ukraine.  He is the author of Saving Our Harvest: The History of the Mid-Atlantic Canning and Freezing Industry.  Kee has also written numerous articles for the commercial agricultural press, including a monthly column for The Delmarva Farmer.

Kee, a sixth generation Delawarean, lives on a farm near Lincoln City with his wife Debbie.  Debbie and Ed have been married for 32 years.  They have two grown daughters, who live in Michigan and Pennsylvania.  Kee succeeds Alabama Commissioner Ron Sparks. 

Other changes in leadership include Utah Commissioner Leonard Blackham selected as First Vice president, Iowa Secretary Bill Northey as Second Vice President, and Oklahoma Commissioner Terry Peach as Secretary-Treasurer.  Other members elected to NASDA's Board of Directors include the presidents of the four NASDA regions:  Maine Agriculture Commissioner Seth Bradstreet representing the Northeastern region (NEASDA); U.S. Virgin Islands Agriculture Commissioner Louis Petersen from the Southern region (SASDA); Ohio Agriculture Director Robert Boggs representing the Midwestern region (MASDA); and Montana Agriculture Director Ron de Yong representing the Western region (WASDA).  Minnesota Agriculture Commissioner Gene Hugoson will serve as the at-large representative and Commissioner Sparks remains on the board as immediate past president.  (Contact: Stephen Haterius)

NASDA ANNOUNCES 2009 HONOR AWARD RECIPIENTS.
Published: September 29, 2009

NASDA members gave recognition to three industry professionals who have demonstrated excellence to the agricultural industry.  The 2009 Annual was held in Montgomery, Alabama.  The awards were presented to Van  Harris for his contribution to the Georgia Department of Agriculture; Tom Womack from the Tennessee Department of Agriculture and Jeff M. Witte from the New Mexico Department of Agriculture.

Harris, who is currently the Agricultural Manager/Retail Program Director, began his career as a Sanitarian in 1977. He has held several positions in the department and is one of the principal founders of the Georgia Public Health Team, currently named the Georgia Food Safety and Defense Task Force.  The organization is one of the first defense task force groups in the country.  Deputy Commissioner Terry Coleman, who presented the Award, commended Harris on his dedication to the Department as well as his community involvement.  Harris thanked the NASDA members and longtime Commissioner Tommy Irvin for giving him the opportunity to serve with the department.

Bob Ehart, NASDA’s Director of Public Policy presented Tom Womack with the NASDA Communications Award. Womack who was a former President of COSDA, (Communications Officers of the State Departments of Agriculture) has been recognized for his work with Tennessee’s Public Affairs Office. He also assists the Governor’s office and was recently recognized for his work on farmland preservation.  Ehart commented on the recipient’s calm demeanor during times of crisis and noted his “interviews” on his front lawn during the BSE crisis in 2003.  Womack also volunteers at Tennessee’s Emergency Management Agency where he participates in many of the emergency drills and is often selected to serve in leadership roles in those drills.

The award for Outstanding Service in Agriculture, recently named the James A Graham award, was presented to Jeff M. Witte of the New Mexico Department of Agriculture and New Mexico State University (NMSU).  Since 2003 Witte has been the Director of Agricultural Biosecurity.  In this position, Witte’s responsibilities include strategic planning with a special emphasis in risk assessment and coordination among the agricultural industry, tribal entities, and federal/state agencies.  His focus is in securing a safe food supply and infrastructure for New Mexico and is active in the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) agrosecurity trainings. The colleague and instructor with NMSU   is also the co-director and co- founder of the Southwest Boarder Food Safety and Defense Center.   Witte thanked both Director/Secretary Miley Gonzalez and his wife for their support in his endeavors.  (Contact: Gillian Woodward)

BOXER AND KERRY TO RELEASE CLIMATE BILL
Published: September 29, 2009

Senators Barbara Boxer (D-Calif) and John Kerry (D-Mass) are expected to release a draft of their climate bill tomorrow.  A discussion draft of the bill obtained by NASDA, which closely mirrors the version passed by the House in late June, contains a more stringent emissions reduction target of 20 percent by the year 2020, up from the House proposed 17 percent.  Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev) has indicated that the bill will likely not be introduced for floor discussion this year.  (Contact: David Hickey) 

SENATE DEBATES INTERIOR-ENVIRONMENT SPENDING MEASURE
Published: September 29, 2009

The Senate passed the FY2010 Interior and Environment appropriations bill last week amidst debate that served as a preview of the coming climate change debate in the Senate.   In the end, the $32.1 billion spending bill represents a 16 percent increase from last year’s level, without including stimulus funds.  The legislation will now be reconciled by a House-Senate conference committee. 

During the debate, Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) filed an amendment to prohibit the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from regulating carbon dioxide emissions for any source under the Clean Air Act for one year, except for mobile sources.  The amendment was intended to provide the Senate with more time to address climate legislation, rather than allow the EPA to determine the regulations.  After a heated debate, Senate leaders denied a vote on the amendment.

Earlier this week, Senator Tom Harkin (D-Iowa) also introduced an amendment to prohibit any FY2010 funds to be used for the inclusion of indirect land use change considerations in the renewable fuels program.  Soon after introduction, Senator Harkin withdrew the amendment due to concerns with the statutory direction given to the EPA by Congress to address the issue.  NASDA supported Senator Harkin’s amendment. (Contact: David Hickey)

EPA ISSUES GREENHOUSE GAS REPORTING RULES
Published: September 29, 2009

EPA issued the Final Mandatory Reporting of Greenhouse Gases Rule this week which will require large sources and suppliers of greenhouse gasses (GHGs) to report their emissions.  The rule will cover 10,000 facilities and approximately 85 percent of US GHG emissions.  Under the rule, large CAFOs will be required to report emissions from their manure management systems.  The House Interior Appropriations bill was amended by Rep. Tom Latham (R-Iowa) to prohibit federal funds for the implementation of the rule.  This will be an item that the House-Senate conference committee will have to reconcile.  (Contact: David Hickey or Nathan Bowen)

ENVIRONMENTAL GROUPS PETITION EPA TO REGULATE CAFOS UNDER THE CLEAN AIR ACT
Published: September 29, 2009

A coalition of environmental and animal rights groups, led by the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) filed a legal petition this week to require EPA to regulate concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) under the Clean Air Act.  In July HSUS CEO Wayne Pacelle said that by September 25, HSUS would have “a fully functioning litigation department” that would do “nothing but offensive litigation for animals.”  Animal Agriculture was one of the main topics of discussion at the meeting in July.  (Contact: Nathan Bowen or Amy Mann)

AG APPROPRIATIONS CONFEREES REACH AGREEMENT ON POULTRY IMPORTS FROM CHINA
Published: September 29, 2009

Conferees on the agriculture appropriations bill - led by Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn), chair of the Agriculture Subcommittee of the House Appropriations Committee, have agreed to language for the FY 2010 agriculture appropriations conference report regarding the use of appropriated funds by USDA with respect to potential imports of poultry products from China. The conference agreement would allow USDA to use appropriated funds in FY 2010 to promulgate or implement a rule allowing imports of processed poultry or poultry products from China provided the Secretary of Agriculture notifies Congress that certain conditions have been met.

The action was applauded by Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and United States Trade Representative Ron Kirk.   USDA worked with Rep. DeLauro to craft the final language, which ensures the protection of the nation's food supply in a manner consistent with scientific principles as required under U.S. international obligations. This result reflects the hard work and commitment of the Administration, Rep. De Lauro, Senator Mark Pryor (D-Ark), and all House and Senate conferees.

Under U.S. law, poultry and poultry products may not be imported from any foreign country unless USDA determines that the food safety standards, facilities, and conditions of that country achieve a level of sanitary protection equivalent to that achieved by U.S. standards. If USDA determines that a country achieves this level of protection for some or all poultry products, it issues a rule permitting import of such products, subject to border inspection and other requirements.

A full description of the language can be found at the House Appropriations website. (Contact: Amy Mann)

OBAMA NAMES CHIEF AG TRADE NEGOTIATOR
Published: September 29, 2009

President Obama nominated Islam “Isi” Siddiqui as the chief agriculture negotiator in the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative.  Most recently, Siddiqui served as CropLife America's vice president for agricultural biotechnology and trade.  He also served as the Clinton administration’s undersecretary for marketing and regulatory programs at USDA.  (Contact: Amy Mann)

US TRADE REP CALLS FOR INPUT ON BARRIERS FOR AMERICAN EXPORTERS’ ACCESS TO MARKETS
Published: September 29, 2009

The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) last week kicked off its initiative to better detect and address standards-related measures that impede U.S. producers' ability to access foreign markets, and sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) measures restricting U.S. agricultural exports and is seeking public comments on the most significant barriers faced by U.S. agricultural producers and other exporters.  Standards-related measures can be applied to agricultural products, such as food nutrition labeling schemes and food quality or identity requirements while  SPS measures can include specific product or processing standards, requirements for products to be produced in disease-free areas, quarantine regulations, certification or inspection procedures, sampling and testing requirements, health-related labeling measures, maximum permissible pesticide residue levels, and prohibitions on certain food additives.   More information can be found on the USTR website.  (Contact:  Amy Mann)

PRESIDENT TAPS CUSTOMS AND BORDER PROTECTION CHIEF
Published: September 29, 2009

President Obama plans to nominate Alan Bersin as the new commissioner of US Customs and Border Protection. Administration officials notified members of Congress of the plan to shift Bersin from his role advising on US-Mexico border issues. His new assignment, unlike his current post, requires Senate confirmation. Bersin has served as California education secretary, San Diego schools superintendent and US attorney for Southern California under the Clinton administration. (Contact: Bob Ehart)

CSP DEADLINE APPROACHES
Published: September 29, 2009

Sept 30^th is the deadline to apply for the new Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP).  CSP is a voluntary program that provides technical and financial assistance to encourage farmers to maintain existing conservation practices and implement new ones.  (Contact: Nathan Bowen)

SENATE BLOCKS WILDFIRE MONEY FROM DC PARKS
Published: September 29, 2009

The Senate voted last week to direct the Obama administration to stop spending stimulus bill wildland firefighting money on urban parks in the District of Columbia. (Contact: Nathan Bowen)

VILSACK ANNOUNCES $8.5 MILLION IN RECOVERY GRANTS BE AWARDED TO WIC
Published: September 29, 2009

Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack announced last week that approximately $8.5 million in recovery act grants will be awarded to selected state agencies to improve special supplemental nutrition programs for women, infants, and children (WIC). The appropriations will be funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and will provide WIC recipients with an easier way to purchase nutritious foods. 

"WIC is a proven, effective program and is helping build a stronger, healthier America by providing nutrition assistance, promoting healthy eating and encouraging physical activity," Vilsack said at the national 'Healthy Kids, Healthy Future' conference in Washington, D.C. last week. The WIC Program safeguards the health of low-income women, infants, and children up to age five who are at nutritional risk by providing nutritious foods to supplement diets, information on healthy eating, and counseling and health service referrals.

The funds are obligated to eleven states, nine WIC state agencies will be awarded approximately $3 million for Electronic Benefit Transfer planning projects and the remaining $5.3 million of the funds will be awarded to two WIC state agencies for modern computer systems that will help administer WIC programs. (By: Preston Asay, Policy Contact: Amy Mann)

THE ASSOCIATION OF AMERICAN WAREHOUSE CONTROL OFFICIALS ANNOUNCES NEW NAME
Published: September 29, 2009

The Association of American Warehouse Control Officials announced today that the organization’s name has been changed.  This action was taken as a result of a membership vote at the association’s annual meeting, July 22, 2009, in Bozeman, Montana.  The new name of the organization is the Association of Grain Regulatory Officials.

Many members have grain producer protection programs in place in addition to warehousing regulations. The membership felt that the prior name emphasized only part of the association’s purpose.

The Association of Grain Regulatory Officials is a network of regulatory officials from U.S. states, Canadian provinces, USDA and business affiliates formed to share information, ideas and camaraderie in support of the members and partners in agricultural production and warehousing.  The organization was first formed as the National Association of State Licensed Warehouse Departments in 1939.

For additional information contact association president, Richard Wahl (Iowa) at 515-281-5324 or visit the association’s website at www.agroonline.org. (Contact: Amy Mann) 

FORMER CO COMMISSIONER NAMED CITIZEN OF THE WEST
Published: September 29, 2009

Former Colorado Agriculture Commissioner Tom Kourlis and wife Rebecca Love Kourlis were recently named the 2010 “Citizens of the West” by the Denver’s National Western Stock Show.

“The Citizen of the West, selected by a committee of community leaders, is an honor bestowed yearly upon individuals who embody the spirit and determination of the western pioneer and are committed to perpetuating the West’s agricultural heritage and ideals.”

Rebecca Kourlis’ parents, Ann Love and Colorado Governor John Love received the same award in 1989.

Tom and Rebecca will be honored at a dinner party on January 13th at a Hyatt Regency Convention Center in Denver, Colorado.  (Contact: Preston Asay)

OK: BUYING LOCAL FIREWOOD PROTECTS OKLAHOMA’S FORESTS
Published: September 29, 2009

Buy local has a whole new meaning when it comes to protecting Oklahoma from invasive species this fall and winter. Consumers are urged not to purchase firewood from out-of-state due to all the insects and diseases it might carry. Instead, buying local firewood can help keep invasive species from gaining a foothold in Oklahoma’s forests and woodlands.

“Firewood is becoming a major pathway for moving invasive species, and that’s not a good thing,” says John Burwell, Oklahoma State Forester. “The take home message to Oklahomans is to buy their firewood locally and burn it locally.” Whether it is used at a campground or at home, people are transporting firewood great distances these days, taking with them any bugs or diseases that might not be native to that area.

“Places that have invasive species problems like sudden oak death, emerald ash borer, or Asian long horned beetle, have lots of dying trees,” says Burwell. “People are cutting those trees for firewood and moving it. The beetles and diseases are showing up hundreds of miles from any local infestation as people take the wood with them or sell it far from the source.”

The concern over firewood is stronger this year, largely because of emerald ash borer spread. The exotic wood-boring pest originally came from Asia and is believed to have entered the U.S. for the first time in the 1990s.  It has caused extensive damage and has killed millions of ash trees in Michigan and parts of Indiana, Ohio, Illinois, and Ontario, Canada. The insect has appeared as close to Oklahoma as southwestern Missouri.

As a consumer, the best advice is to ask the seller where the firewood came from. If the seller can’t assure you the wood is local, buy it from someone who can. Packaged firewood sold at retail stores often have a label indicating the origin of the product and whether it is kiln-dried. (Contact: Jack Carson, (405) 522-4575)

MD: GOVERNOR O’MALLEY PROMOTES OCTOBER AS “MARYLAND SEAFOOD MONTH”
Published: September 29, 2009

Are you ready for local sweet fat crabs, succulent oysters and tender, flaky rockfish?  Autumn is the perfect time for Maryland seafood because the best of the best is in season at the same time! Governor Martin O’Malley is promoting October as “Maryland Seafood Month,” to celebrate Maryland’s delicious and desirable seafood. 

"Seafood is one of Maryland's greatest family traditions and part of our identity. Generations of watermen make their living from the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries and people come from far and wide to enjoy the delicious finfish and shellfish they catch,” said Governor O’Malley. “Maryland Seafood Month' is as much a tribute to Maryland's seafood ‘family’ as it is a celebration of our greatest natural resource."

Seafood quality and safety has been, and continues to be, another Maryland tradition.  Our seafood is monitored by several state agencies, local health departments and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.  These agencies conduct regular product and plant inspections and water tests ensuring that Maryland seafood is wholesome.  In addition, Maryland crab meat undergoes a voluntary quality control and sanitation inspection.  Maryland is the only state that has this extra level of inspection for crab meat.  Such rigorous standards are another reason that Maryland crab meat is superior to all other crab meat in the world!

Maryland seafood is more than delicious. An excellent source of high quality protein, seafood is easily digested, generally low in fat, sodium and calories and high in important vitamins and minerals.  In addition, seafood contains Omega-3 fatty acids, believed to be effective in lowering cholesterol and the risk of heart disease. 

"Eating Maryland seafood is a delicious part of a healthy diet," says Agriculture Secretary Buddy Hance.  "October signals the harvest of savory, plump oysters, and is also the best time for crabs, which have been fattening up all summer.  Our world-famous state fish, striped bass, known locally as rockfish, is a tasty and popular fall dish as well.  So, ‘Make A Splash With Maryland Seafood.’ Jump in and enjoy the best the season has to offer." 

When purchasing fish, look for signs of freshness and quality: bright, clear eyes, scales that adhere tightly to the skin, skin that springs back when lightly pressed, bright pink or red gills and a mild sea breeze scent.  Crabs and oysters should be purchased live.  Crabs should be lively and you should discard any dead crabs before cooking.  Oysters purchased in the shell should have tightly-closed shells or should close when touched.  Both types of shellfish should be cooked the same day as purchased.  Always rinse finfish and shellfish with cold water before cooking.  Cooked seafood, as with all cooked food, should not come into contact with or be stored in the same container as raw food.  This is to protect from cross-contamination of bacteria that is normally found on raw food products.  As with beef, poultry and pork, proper cooking kills bacteria in seafood.  Careful clean up of preparation area and utensils is always important with all raw food products. (Contact:  Sue duPont, 410-841-5889)

MN: FAMILY DAIRY FOCUSES ON GOOD NEIGHBOR RELATIONS
Published: September 29, 2009

The winners of this month’s Minnesota Department of Agriculture Good Farm Neighbor Award work hard to keep their farm healthy and their neighbors happy.  Brothers Pat and Larry Linn along with their wives, Nancy and Shelly, are the owners of Linn Dairy near Richmond.  Pat Linn says maintaining good neighbor relations are an important part of running their business.

“Several of our neighbors are non-farmers and so far we’ve had no complaints from them,” says Linn.  “We want to work to keep it that way.”

Linn says they monitor the wind when pumping manure to make sure odors don’t hinder any activities their neighbors have planned.  Last June, the Linns also gave farm tours to about 200 people at a “Breakfast on the Farm” event and they regularly invite school groups to visit and learn about dairy farming.

The Linns have a long-time commitment to conservation.  Since the early 1970’s, they have practiced conservation methods such as contour stripping and terracing to help reduce erosion.  With a lake located on one end of their property, the Linns are keenly aware of water quality issues and have worked diligently to maintain high water quality standards.  By installing a large buffer between the lake and the fields, they have been able to further reduce runoff from entering the lake.

The monthly Good Farm Neighbor Award honors farmers who show the utmost concern for their neighbors, their animals and the environment.  Winners are selected by a committee representing the University of Minnesota, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, the Minnesota Soybean Research and Promotion Council, the Minnesota Corn Growers Association and the MDA.

Nomination forms can be emailed to margaret.hart@state.mn.us or mailed to Good Farm Neighbor Award, Minnesota Department of Agriculture, 625 North Robert Street, St. Paul, Minnesota, 55155.  A link with a downloadable nomination form is also on the MDA website at http://www.mda.state.mn.us.  (Contact: Margaret Hart, Margaret.hart@state.mn.us)

MD: NEW AGRICULTURE LAWS GO INTO EFFECT OCTOBER 1
Published: September 29, 2009

Eight new agriculture laws go into effect October 1 in Maryland.  The laws address agricultural land preservation, organic farming, veterinary, turf grass and tobacco authority issues.

 “Working closely with the General Assembly this session, we passed key legislation to protect our priorities of strengthening our middle class and our small and family owned businesses and farms, providing opportunity for more people, and protecting the health of our citizens and the environment to keep Maryland smart, green and growing,” said Governor Martin O'Malley.

“We are very pleased by this year’s legislative session and have worked to get these laws up and running,” said Agriculture Secretary Buddy Hance. “We thank Governor O’Malley, the General Assembly, the farm community and the citizens who pushed for passage of these bills.  Their support shows that more people are recognizing how important agriculture is to their lives.”

2009 agriculture-related laws effective October 1 are:

• SB 90 - Corrects an oversight in legislation from the early 1990s when the Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Foundation (MALPF) changed its valuation method appraisal system.
• SB 89 – Authorizes MALPF to assess civil penalties to help correct willful violations of the easement purchased with public funds. 
• SB 91 - Requires cool season lawn and turf grasses to be labeled with a sell-by date and will extend the valid germination test date from nine months to 15 months. These changes bring Maryland’s Seed Law regarding cool season turf grasses into harmony with the USDA’s Federal Seed Act.
• SB 77 - Removes the requirement to adopt regulations that create a program that meets the requirements of the federal Organic Food Production Act and allows MDA to use the federal regulations.  Removes the $500 fee limit to defray the cost of conducting field inspections and laboratory analysis.
• SB 78 - Permits a veterinary medical student who has successfully completed three years of veterinary education to work under the direct supervision of a licensed veterinary practitioner.
• SB 74 - Repeals the Maryland Tobacco Authority, which has historically been responsible for regulating and overseeing the auction sale of leaf tobacco.
• HB 1413 - Requires that Maryland-licensed veterinarians obtain a minimum of 12 hours of continuing education annually to renew their license with the Maryland State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners. 
• HB 1418 - Establishes a review process for requests to condemn land preserved by MALPF for economic development, residential development, or parkland, comparing the public interest served by preserving the land for agricultural use versus the alternative use for which the land would be condemned. 

Two additional laws went into effect on July 1, 2009:

• SB 73 - Requires the Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Foundation and its county partners to maintain the confidentiality of financial information and the rankings of individual landowners until the end of an annual easement acquisition cycle.
• HB 676 – Authorizes MALPF to reconfigure the land under easement to resolve minor problems and/or enhance the farming operation.

A more detailed description of each new law is available on MDA’s website at: www.mda.state.md.us/about_mda/laws-legislation/2009_legislation.php. To see a full listing of bills signed by Governor O’Malley, visit www.gov.state.md.us and to see all bills considered by the 2009 General Assembly log onto www.mlis.state.md.us. (Contact: Sue duPont, 410-841-5889)

CO: COLORADO’S PRODUCE INDUSTRY PARTICIPATES IN WORLD’S LARGEST PRODUCE TRADE SHOW
Published: September 29, 2009

A contingent of Colorado’s fruit and vegetable growers will be traveling to Anaheim, CA, to participate in the produce industry’s largest trade show.

The Produce Marketing Association’s (PMA) Fresh Summit trade show is dedicated to fruit, vegetables, and floral with the goal of increasing sales and consumption, building strong professional relationships, and expanding business opportunities. 

 “The Department is pleased that our growers are working together in the Colorado Pavilion and building our reputation as a global produce supplier,” said Commissioner of Agriculture, John Stulp.  “The Fresh Summit provides an opportunity for our producers to promote Colorado’s produce industry to current and future buyers.” 

• Cash receipts from the sale of Colorado fruits and vegetables totaled $466 million in 2008, marking a 76 percent increase over the 2003 level. 
• Cantaloupe, peaches potatoes and sweet corn were key contributors to growth as receipts for each increased by more than 50 percent from 2003 to 2008.
• Colorado's produce is shipped throughout the U.S. and to 56 countries around the world.  

The Fresh Summit trade show draws more than 17,000 attendees annually.  During the 2008 show, Colorado growers met with international buyers from over 50 countries. This year, Colorado’s produce industry and Commissioner Stulp will also meet with the top Taiwanese buyers coming to the show through a program with the Western U.S. Agricultural Trade Association (WSUATA) to promote Colorado as a supplier to this growing international market. 

 “Taiwan has purchased over $150 million in U.S. produce in the past three years,” stated CDA International Marketing Specialist, Tim Larsen.  “We look forward to introducing these buyers to Colorado producers who could supply high quality produce such as lettuce, cabbage, onions and potatoes.” 

Colorado’s fruits and vegetables annually rank in the top ten in U.S. markets: Head Lettuce (3rd), Fall Potatoes (5th), Cabbage (8th), Romaine Lettuce (3rd), Cantaloupe (5th), Pears (8th), Leaf Lettuce (4th), Sweet Corn (6th), Dry Edible Beans (9th), Fresh Spinach (4th), Onions (7th), Summer Potatoes (4th), Peaches (7th).

Colorado’s produce industry will return to the 2009 Produce Marketing Association, Fresh Summit trade show in Anaheim, CA, October 2-5 at the Colorado Pavilion, booths 4162 and 4262.  Learn more about Colorado produce and locate Colorado’s produce companies at www.coloradoagriculture.com/produce.

For updates during the PMA show, contact Tim Larsen at (303) 898-2040.  (Contact: Christi Lightcap, Christi.lightcap@ag.state.co.us)

USDA-APHIS HOLDS PHOTO CONTEST
Published: September 29, 2009

USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is inviting amateur and professional photographers to enter their best poultry or pet bird photos in the Biosecurity For Birds calendar photo contest.

APHIS is interested in photos of all kinds of poultry, gamebirds, wild birds, shorebirds, and pet birds shown in a clean environment and without people in the pictures. People of all ages are encouraged to enter.

The winning poultry or bird photo (or photos) will be featured in the 2011 Biosecurity For Birds calendar.  Photos will be featured on the Biosecurity For Birds website, and some may be featured as screen savers on the site.

Those interested in participating can go to http://healthybirds.aphis.usda.gov for more information and the online entry form.  The deadline for submissions is January 31, 2010.