NASDA News - October 27, 2009

NASDA COMMENTS ON ATRAZINE SAP ANNOUNCEMENT
Published: October 27, 2009

Last week, NASDA submitted comments to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in response to their announcement of a Science Advisory Panel (SAP) to examine cancer and non-cancer human health impacts of atrazine.  The EPA is conducting the review in response to a report by the National Resources Defense Council (NRDC) that the herbicide may be more harmful to humans than previously thought.  The letter expressed concerns that, in light of significant scientific data available and EPA’s re-registration decisions, the recently announced SAP could lead to negative impacts on agricultural production and the economic vitality of rural America.  (Contact: Nathan Bowen)

CLIMATE CHANGE LEGISLATION RE-INTRODUCED IN SENATE
Published: October 27, 2009

Last week, Senators Barbara Boxer (D-CA) and John Kerry (D-MA) introduced an updated version of the Clean Energy Jobs and American Power Act (S. 1733), which will likely be the base text for climate change legislation in the US Senate.  The bill, which carries many similarities to the House-passed American Clean Energy and Security Act (HR. 2454), will be the subject of several hearings this week in the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, a panel chaired by Senator Boxer. 

The timetable for action on the legislation is still unclear, as Congress continues to work on fiscal year 2010 appropriations bills, major healthcare reform, and financial regulatory legislation.  Nevertheless, Chairwoman Boxer plans to conduct a full markup of the bill in the near future.  Ranking Member James Inhofe (R-OK) has threatened to utilize a procedural maneuver to push back the date of a markup in order to ensure a full analysis has been conducted of the legislation.  The bill may also be addressed by several other Senate Committees with jurisdiction over certain sections, including Agriculture, Commerce, Finance, and Foreign Affairs.  (Contact: David Hickey) 

EPA RELEASES ANALYSIS OF HOUSE AND SENATE CLIMATE BILLS
Published: October 27, 2009

Along with introduction of the Clean Energy Jobs and American Power Act, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released an economic analysis looking at the differences between the House and Senate climate bills.  Altogether, there are few major differences between the bills.  According to the EPA analysis, there are four vital facets that both bills contain:

• The cap-and-trade policies outlined in these bills would transform the way the United States produces and uses energy;
• The average loss in consumption per household will be relatively low, on the order of hundreds of dollars per year in the main policy case;
• The impacts of climate policy are likely to vary comparatively little across geographic regions;
• Assumptions about the actions of other countries have much greater implications for the overall impact of the policy than the modeled differences between the two bills.

Key Provisions in the Clean Energy Jobs and American Power Act   (S.1733)

(Contact: David Hickey)

UNITED STATES AND INDIA MEET DURING TRADE POLICY FORUM
Published: October 27, 2009

U.S. Trade Representative Ronald Kirk and India's Minister of Commerce and Industry Anand Sharma met in New Delhi on October 26 for the sixth ministerial-level meeting of the United States-India Trade Policy Forum (TPF). The two governments signaled their readiness to continue their bilateral trade policy dialogue with renewed vigor under the five Focus Groups: Agriculture, Innovation and Creativity, Investment, Services, and Tariff and Non-Tariff Barriers.

The two governments agreed to work together on a framework for promoting real and meaningful cooperation in trade and investment. They also agreed to work together to support greater involvement by small and medium enterprises in each other's markets, and to pursue initiatives in the further development of India's infrastructure, and collaboration on clean energy and environmental services, information and communications technologies (ICT), and other key sectors.

The delegations discussed the continued working of the United States-India Private Sector Advisory Group (PSAG), which had been created under the TPF to provide strategic advice. Ambassador Kirk and Minister Sharma expect that the work of TPF will benefit from the depth, breadth and diversity of expertise of the PSAG in trade and international affairs.

A number of irresolvable issues between the US, India and China regarding access to agricultural markets in the developing world led to the collapse of the Doha Trade Negotiations in July 2008.  The Obama Administration has indicated its interest in getting the trade negotiations back on track.  In an interview posted Monday, October 26, 2009 at www.livemint.com, an online newspaper, Kirk made it clear that the US “advocates a combination of bilateral and multilateral negotiations to resolve thorny issues for a successful conclusion of the WTO’s Doha development round”.  (Contact: Amy Mann)

CONGRESSIONAL LEADERS OFFER ESTATE TAX COMPROMISE
Published: October 27, 2009

Last week, Representative Shelley Berkley (D-NV.) introduced legislation to address the burdensome estate tax by increasing the exemption, while at the same time, lowering the tax rate.   Set to expire at the end of 2009, the estate tax currently exempts those with assets valued at less than $3.5 million and includes a tax rate at 45 percent.  If nothing is done, there will not be an estate tax levied in 2010.  However, the tax will quickly return in 2011 with an exemption level decreased to $1 million and the tax rate increased to 55 percent. 

Representative Berkley’s legislation would increase the exemption to $5 million and decrease the tax rate to 35 percent.  Realizing a full repeal of the tax may be politically impossible, several organizations representing farm groups and small business owners have lend their support for the bill. (Contact: David Hickey)

USDA-RD CELEBRATES MAJOR MILESTONE
Published: October 27, 2009

USDA-Rural Development Under Secretary Dallas Tonsager was in Alaska on Saturday celebrating the 60^th anniversary of their telecommunications and housing programs.  The programs are designed to improve quality of life in rural areas by providing increased connectivity through access to broadband internet and housing assistance to those who are lacking.  "The Obama Administration celebrates these great milestones in America's history. Today, we are building on the successes of the past by promoting infrastructure development that helps families, and also deploying new technology like broadband to make rural America a better place in which to live,” Tonsager stated.  (By Ethan Mathews, Policy Contact: David Hickey)

SECRETARY VILSACK ANNOUNCES CRITICAL FUNDING FOR RURAL BUSINESSES
Published: October 27, 2009

Last week, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced $71.1 million in guaranteed loans in an effort to invigorate rural businesses.  The funding was made available through the USDA-Rural Development's Business and Industry Guaranteed Loan Program, which is part of the $1.7 billion made available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.  "The Recovery Act funds announced today will help businesses get access to the capital they need to launch and expand their businesses and help bring additional jobs to America's small cities and towns," Vilsack said.  For additional information regarding the Business and Industry Guaranteed Loan Program, please visit the USDA-RD website.  (By Ethan Mathews, Policy Contact: David Hickey)

NM: Job opportunity - Division Director, Marketing & Development
Published: October 27, 2009

New Mexico Department of Agriculture (NMDA) has an opening for a Division Director, Division of Marketing and Development.  Salary is commensurate with qualifications.  Required Qualifications: Master’s degree in agriculture, marketing, or related field in hand by date of hire, from an accredited university and more than seven years experience.  Duties include but are not limited to directing and managing a multi-program marketing division that involves local, state, national, and international industries and consumers. Travel required.  Valid driver’s license required, and eligible to obtain a U.S. passport.  Defensive driving training required within three months after employment.  Position located in Las Cruces, NM.  Review of applications will begin November 15, 2009 and continue until filled. 

A complete copy of the position announcement to include application requirements and application form is available online, or contact Tom Bagwell, Deputy Director, NMDA, MSC 3189, PO Box 30005, Las Cruces, NM, 88003-8005 or call (575) 646-3702.  NMSU is an EEO/Affirmative Action employer.  Offer of employment contingent upon verification on individual’s eligibility for employment in the United States and may include a background check.

WI: CUMBERLAND CATTLE PRODUCER FOUND GUILTY IN PREMISES REGISTRATION CASE
Published: October 27, 2009

A Polk County farmer has been found guilty of violating Wisconsin’s livestock premises registration law, and ordered to pay nearly $400.

Patrick Monchilovich, 39, of Cumberland, is the first person to be convicted of violating the law, which took effect in November 2005. He has 60 days to appeal the judge’s decision.

The premises registration law requires that any property where livestock are held must be registered in a central database and assigned a number. The registration lists what species are on the premises.

When there is a disease outbreak, state animal health officials can look at the database to find susceptible animals for testing and/or provide information to the owners of the animals about the disease. The law is intended to speed up the process of finding potentially exposed animals when there is a disease outbreak. A speedier response protects animal and public health, limits losses to individual producers, and educes economic damage to the state as a whole.

According to documents filed by the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, Monchilovich was first contacted by telephone in April 2008 to inform him that he needed to register his premises, on which he was keeping cattle. He declined.  An animal health inspector visited him later that month, and he still refused to register.  In May 2008, he refused delivery of a certified warning letter, which was then hand-delivered to him during a final visit by the inspector and a compliace officer in June 2008.

Charges were filed in Polk County Circuit Court by District Attorney Daniel Steffen on Feb. 26, and Monchilovich pleaded not guilty on March 17. The case came to trial on Oct. 21, when he was found guilty by Judge Molly Gale Wyrick and ordered to pay a $200 civil forfeiture and about $190 in court costs.  (Contact: Donna Gilson (608) 224-5130)

VA: VIRGINIA ISSUES INVASIVE PLANT QUARANTINE IN FOUR LOCALITIES
Published: October 27, 2009

The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) today announced a temporary quarantine restricting the movement of Beach Vitex (Vitex rotundifolia) and articles known to be infested with any life stages of this plant into, within or from the counties of Accomack and Northampton on the Eastern Shore and the cities of Norfolk and Virginia Beach. 

“Now is the time to take action to limit the spread of this highly invasive plant," said VDACS Commissioner Todd P. Haymore.  “Beach Vitex, a deciduous, woody vine native to the Pacific Rim, grows rapidly along dunes and shorelines causing damage to these areas by crowding out native plants and threatening the habitats of various animals, including the endangered loggerhead sea turtle.  Although sometimes used as an ornamental plant by property owners who are not aware of its invasive nature, Beach Vitex has been planted in the mid-Atlantic area for the purpose of stabilizing dunes. However, it is less effective than native grasses in controlling dune erosion.  In fact, several native grasses are now considered superior for dune stabilization plantings.”

The purpose of this quarantine, which goes into effect October 26, 2009, is to help prevent the spread of Beach Vitex by prohibiting its artificial movement and the movement of those articles that are capable of transporting it.  The quarantine restricts the movement of any life stage of the plant, including roots, stems and seeds and any article known to be infested with this plant, such as sand, soil or mulch known to contain Beach Vitex in any life stage. 

The first confirmed finding of Beach Vitex in Virginia occurred in 2008.  Since then, it has been detected in several sites in the Commonwealth.  It has the potential to spread to other areas through artificial movement by individuals or through natural movement.  Seeds and stems could be carried by water currents to uninfested coastal areas.  The plant can reproduce easily from seeds and even the smallest pieces of broken stem.

The temporary quarantine, which will become permanent upon approval by the Board of Agriculture and Consumer Services, is designed to reduce the artificial spread of Beach Vitex to areas that currently are not infested.  Without this quarantine, this invasive plant and articles infested with it would be allowed to move freely throughout the regulated areas, spreading the pest’s presence.

“I urge concerned citizens as well as affected landowners not to attempt eradication or control measures for this invasive plant on their own,” said Commissioner Haymore. “Instead, citizens should contact the VDACS Office of Plant and Pest Services or their local Virginia Tech Extension Office to report the presence of Beach Vitex.”

For more information on Beach Vitex, citizens should contact their city or county agricultural Extension agent, listed in the local government section of your telephone directory under Virginia Cooperative Extension Service (VCE), or visit VCE's Web site at www.ext.vt.edu/offices.  They may also call VDACS’ Office of Plant and Pest Services in Richmond at 804.786.3515 or in Franklin at 757.562.6637.  More information is available at www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/plants/beachvitex.shtml, the Web site of the United States Department of Agriculture, National Invasive Species Information Center. 

OK: STRAY LIVESTOCK MUST BE REPORTED TO THE COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
Published: October 27, 2009

When it comes to stray livestock there is no such thing as “finders, keepers.”  Col. Mike Grimes, head of the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture’s Investigative Services division is reminding Oklahomans that state law requires anyone who finds stray livestock is required to notify the county sheriff’s department within seven days.  Waiting longer than that could result in being charged with larceny.

“The law is very clear that anyone who finds livestock is responsible for contacting the sheriff’s office,” he said.  “They can claim reimbursement for the cost of caring for the animals but they cannot keep or sell the animals.  That would amount to theft and could result in charges being filed.”

Several instances have been noted recently of people improperly concealing or selling livestock that did not belong to them, Grimes said.  At least three of these cases have resulted in charges being filed.

“The maximum penalty is seven years in the state penitentiary,” he notes.  “The bottom line is that if you find stray livestock, don’t try to keep it or sell it.  Be safe and report it right away.”  (Contact: Jack Carson (405) 522-4575)

MD: Galena woman wins national oyster cook-off
Published: October 27, 2009

Jackie Hardin, of Galena, Md., won the Grand prize and First Place in the Main Dish category of the 30th Annual National Oyster Cook-off for her dish “Oyster Tacos with Chipotle Cream Sauce.”  Hardin won $1,300 and a silver tray.  The oysters were fried in seasoned cornmeal then placed in soft tortilla shells with coleslaw and chipotle cream sauce.  This recipe is an easy to prepare and delicious fun way to cook oysters.

“On behalf of the Maryland Department of Agriculture, I congratulate the winners of the 30th Annual National Oyster Cook-off for their creative and fun recipes that feature one of our treasured Chesapeake Bay's most recognizable icons,” said Agriculture Secretary Buddy Hance. “Oysters are critical to our economy, our environment and our State’s identity.”               

In the Soups & Stews category, Jim McDuffie of Durham, NC, took home first place and $300 for his recipe “Outer Banks Poached Oysters on Smoked Pimento Cheese Grits with Fried Green Tomato Croutons.”  The oysters were poached in a seasoned broth with potatoes, bell peppers, and salt pork belly and then served over grits with smoked cheese.

Brendan Cahill, the 2008 Grand Prize winner from Lusby, Md., received first place and $300 in the Hors D’oeuvres category for his dish “Beach house Oysters with Sherry.”  The dish consisted of oysters on the half shell topped with a sauce made from butter, mushrooms, seasonings, sherry and egg yolks, and then baked.

The People’s Choice and Best Presentation awards went to Loic Jaffres of Leonardtown, Md., for his “Oysters Bourguignon in Puff”.  The oysters were cooked in wine, shallots, and pancetta and placed in puff pastry shaped like oyster shells. 

The 30th Annual National Oyster Cook-off was sponsored by the Maryland Department of Agriculture’s Seafood & Aquaculture Program, Rotary Club of Lexington Park, and St. Mary’s County Department of Economic Development.  The event was held at the St. Mary’s Oyster Festival in Leonardtown, MD.  A cookbook containing 31 award winning oyster recipes is available by sending a check for $8 to National Oyster Cook-off, P.O. Box 653, D.E.C.D., Leonardtown, MD 20650.