NASDA News - November 24, 2009

HEALTH CARE MOVES FORWARD IN SENATE
Published: November 24, 2009

During a rare weekend session, the US Senate voted to move the colossal health care package, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, ahead by a vote of 60-39.  With the result still unclear until the final hours, the procedural vote went strictly along party-lines, as the Democrats secured the critical 60 votes to move the legislation forward.  Following the Thanksgiving holiday recess, the Senate will continue to work on the legislation, which many Democrats hope to have completed before the end of the year.  Along with the health care overhaul, Congress will also focus on completing fiscal year 2010 appropriations legislation, as 7 of 12 bills still remain to reach the President’s desk.  (Contact: David Hickey)

IMMIGRATION REFORM EXPECTED TO BE INCLUDED IN UPCOMING CONGRESSIONAL AGENDA
Published: November 24, 2009

After the White House signaled its willingness to tackle the controversial immigration issue in 2010, Democrats in the House are willing to push comprehensive immigration reform legislation and believe they can pass it without bipartisan support.  The effort is led by Rep. Luis Gutierrez (D-IL), who heads the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Immigration Task Force.

In 2007, Gutierrez and Rep. Jeff Flake (R-AZ) co-sponsored bipartisan immigration reform legislation that failed to pass.  Current discussions however have not included Republican members.  Gutierrez plans to introduce his bill on December 15 and is reportedly aiming for 100 co-sponsors.

In the Senate, however, Sen. Charles Schumer (D-NY) is working with Senate Republicans to craft a moderate bill that is expected in January. CHC leaders said the Senate is likely to kick off formal debate on the issue with Schumer’s bill, due out in January.

NASDA will be watching both pieces of legislation to see that language beneficial to agriculture is included.  NASDA supports the Agricultural Job Opportunities, Benefits and Security Act (AgJOBS) that was introduced by Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) and Representatives Howard Berman (D-CA) and Adam Putnam (R-FL) last May and believes it will provide much-needed relief to the nation’s ongoing agriculture labor shortage by reforming the H-2A seasonal worker program and providing farmers with the stable, legal workforce.   AgJOBS is a result of many years of negotiation between the agriculture and worker advocate communities and enjoys broad support.   (Contact: Amy Mann)

DEADLINE TO APPLY FOR VALUE-ADDED PRODUCER GRANTS QUICK APPROACHING
Published: November 24, 2009

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack is encouraging farmers and business owners to apply for value-added producer grants before next week’s deadline of November 30.  These opportunities, which consist of planning grants of up to $100,000 and working capital grants of up to $300,000, are available for those that seek to increase their market share through value-added processing.  Applicants must submit their paperwork at their respective USDA-Rural Development state office or through www.grants.gov.  For additional information, please visit the USDA-Rural Development website.  (Contact: David Hickey)

USDA PROVIDES ADDITIONAL STIMULUS FUNDING FOR RURAL WATER PROJECTS
Published: November 24, 2009

Last week, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced $117.3 million to be distributed for water and environmental project loans and grants.  Through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, USDA has invested nearly $2 billion in water and wastewater infrastructure throughout rural America.  A complete list of the recently announced awardees is available here.   (Contact: David Hickey)

HARVEST PROGRESSES, STILL BEHIND 5-YEAR AVERAGE
Published: November 24, 2009

The following is a brief update on crop progress and weather conditions from the USDA-National Agriculture Statistics Service: 

Weather: Temperatures across much of the northern half of the country were above average during the week, while areas in California, the Southwest, and along the Gulf Coast experienced temperatures well below normal. Wet conditions continued in areas of the Pacific Northwest and returned to much of the Corn Belt and the eastern half of Texas where precipitation totals exceeded 800 percent of normal during the week.

Corn: Nationally, harvest advanced 14 points during the week leaving progress, at 68 percent, 19 points behind last year and 26 points behind the 5-year average. Harvest was most active in Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin where producers combined 21 percent or more of their crop. Despite the active harvest pace in these States, overall progress remained over 2 weeks behind normal. Wet weather in Illinois and Missouri held the harvest pace to single digits during the week.

Soybeans: Producers had harvested 94 percent of the 2009 soybean acreage by week’s end, 3 points behind both last year and the 5-year average. The most significant harvest delay was evident in Kansas where overall progress was 13 points, or over 2 weeks, behind normal.

Winter Wheat: Seeding in the 2010 winter wheat crop advanced slowly during the week. With 93 percent of the crop in the ground, progress was 5 points behind last year and 4 points behind the 5-year average. Producers in Colorado, Michigan, and Montana used over 3 days suitable for fieldwork to finish seeding their crop during the week. Emergence advanced to 84 percent complete by November 22, seven points behind last year and 6 points behind the average. Despite evidence of rapid emergence in Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, and Missouri during the week, overall progress remained 29 points or more behind normal in these States. Overall, 64 percent of the winter wheat crop was reported in good to excellent condition, unchanged from ratings last week but down slightly from last year.

Cotton: Seventy-two percent of the Nation’s cotton crop was harvested by week’s end, 1 point behind last year and 3 points behind the 5-year average. Progress was behind normal in all estimating States except Arizona and Texas.  (Contact: David Hickey)

THANKSGIVING DINNER CHEAPER THIS YEAR
Published: November 24, 2009

Consumers nationwide will see their traditional thanksgiving dinner come at a discount this year. Due to decreased production costs and the economic down turn, we have seen a 4 percent drop in overall trimmings for Thanksgiving dinners nationally. The average cost of last year’s thanksgiving for 10 people was $44.61 as compared to this year’s cost at $42.91, a $1.70 price decrease between the two years.  The American Farm Bureau reports that the shopping list for a family of 10 for a classic Thanksgiving Dinner includes bread stuffing, turkey, buttered rolls, peas, cranberries, sweet potatoes, carrot and celery tray, milk and coffee beverages, and pumpkin pie topped with whipped cream.

A 16 pound turkey will cost roughly $.44 less this year than last.  When compared to the overall decrease in traditional Thanksgiving dinner costs, Milk was the highest with a $.92 cent drop in retail price.  Additional items that decreased this year include fresh cranberries, whipping cream, brown-n-serve rolls, celery and carrot trays, and various preparation items which include eggs, onions, sugar, evaporated milk, butter, and flour. Items showing an increase in price include pie shells, pumpkin pie mix, and bread stuffing.

 “Consistent with the retail food price declines seen throughout the year, consumers will pay just a bit less for their Thanksgiving feast this year,” said Jim Sartwelle, an AFBF economist.

Shoppers are encouraged to look for the best deals and keep an eye out for bargain prices. Farm Bureau survey results should closely resemble what folks are paying nationwide for individual Thanksgiving dinner items. Families who are too busy to cook can expect to pay between $50-$75 on ready to eat Thanksgiving meals suggested for up to 10 people that include all the trimmings and found at local supermarkets and restaurants.

“As we gather this Thanksgiving for food and fellowship, it’s fitting to take a moment to recognize and give thanks, not only for the abundant food we enjoy as Americans, but for the hard-working farm and ranch families across our nation who produce it,” said AFBF President Bob Stallman when he released the survey results.

The AFBF’s marketbasket food surveys can be closely tracked at their 2009 quarterly reports and the federal government’s Consumer Price Index.  (By: Preston Asay)

VA: PESTICIDE CONTROL BOARD RECOGNIZES EXTENSION AGENTS FOR OUTSTANDING SERVICE
Published: November 24, 2009

On October 8, 2009, the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) and the Virginia Pesticide Control Board recognized 20 Virginia Cooperative Extension agents and specialists for their outstanding participation in the pesticide container recycling program, the pesticide disposal program and pesticide safety education courses.  The following agents were recognized for their outstanding performance during 2008 - 2009:

Pesticide Container Recycling Program – The 2008 Plastic Pesticide Container

Recycling award was given to Kelvin Wells, Extension Agent in Sussex County, for contributing approximately 1,700 pounds of the total 117,000 pounds of properly rinsed plastic pesticide containers and for possessing the many attributes that ensure a successful program. These attributes include flexibility, maintaining open communication with the project partners and exhibiting a high degree of professionalism throughout the process.

Pesticide Disposal Program – For their combined efforts, the award for the 2008

Pesticide Disposal Program went to Extension agents Barry Robinson, Montgomery County; Jason Pratt, Pulaski County; and Jon Vest, Floyd County. The winning trio exhibited both cooperation and collaboration as they selected sites, notified agricultural producers and homeowners of the availability of the program and educated farmers and homeowners on proper storage and disposal of unwanted pesticides.

Pesticide Safety Education

First Place: In recognition of their success educating farmers in the calibration and safe operation of pesticide application equipment, the first place award went to a team consisting of Extension agents Mike Parrish of Dinwiddie County and Kelvin Wells of Sussex County with Extension specialist Bobby Grisso from Virginia Tech. The team arranged for a suitable site and then brought in three spread trucks and two different sprayers that participants could review for safe operation and calibration. Attendees had the opportunity to handle calibration equipment and discuss tip choices as well as view sophisticated GPS systems. In addition to a discussion of the personal protection equipment needed when operating or calibrating such equipment, participants were also given tips on safe operation when operating on the highway between fields.

Andres Alvarez, Director, VDACS Division of Consumer Protection, presented each agent with a commemorative plaque and a gift basket of Virginia's Finest products on behalf of the Virginia Pesticide Control Board. (Contact: VDACS’ Office of Pesticide Services, 804.371.6558)

KY: AG COMMISSIONER RICHIE FARMER: GIVE THANKS FOR OUR FARMERS THIS HOLIDAY SEASON
Published: November 24, 2009

At this special time of year, my family and I like to pause to give thanks for our many blessings.  This season is known for the fall harvest and bountiful meals with friends and family, so it is especially appropriate to give thanks for Kentucky’s farmers.

Kentucky’s farmers – and those throughout America – produce the food and fiber we all depend on.  Thanks to their skill, ingenuity and hard work, we are blessed with the safest, most abundant and most affordable food supply in the world.

The average American farmer feeds 144 people.  American farmers produce a variety of foods unmatched anywhere on Earth, making it possible for us to have the wholesome, balanced meals we need to survive and thrive.

Right here in Kentucky, our farmers produce a growing diversity of crops and livestock.  Their experience and expertise enable them to make the most of Kentucky’s temperate climate and rich, fertile soils.  Some of them run family farms that have been fixtures in their communities for generations, even centuries.  They feel a deep kinship with the soil they work and the consumers they serve.

Many Kentucky farmers market their products with help from the Kentucky Proud farm marketing program.  Kentucky Proud has put millions of dollars in the pockets of Kentucky farmers in the last five years, enabling their operations to continue and even prosper.  Kentucky Proud also helps consumers find Kentucky-raised or -processed foods that they can serve to their families with confidence. 

Farmers contribute to our local and state economy. Kentucky farmers took in a record $4.7 billion in cash receipts in 2008, and agriculture as a whole accounts for more than a quarter of Kentucky’s economic activity.  Agriculture puts thousands of Kentuckians to work in our rural communities as well as our urban areas.

Farmers are our relatives, friends and neighbors.  Many of them are leaders in our churches, schools and communities.  Young farmers and students in 4-H and FFA will play a vital role in Kentucky’s progress and prosperity for years to come.

In the spirit of the season, I hope you will join me in giving thanks for farmers and asking for rich blessings upon them that they may continue their noble and essential work.  (Contact: Bill Clary, (502) 564-1137)

MD: MAJOR DECEMBER SURVEYS COMING TO MARYLAND
Published: November 24, 2009

As farmers finish harvesting this year's corn and soybean crops, the USDA, NASS, Maryland Field Office will conduct three major surveys: the 2009 County Agricultural Production Survey (CAPS), the December Agricultural Survey, and the December Hog Report. Data from these surveys will be used to establish final 2009 crop acreage, yield, and production estimates, 2010 winter wheat seedings, grain stocks, hog inventory, and farrowings. County estimates for major crops and livestock are an important outcome from these survey data.

To get the final story on the 2009 crops, about 1,800 Maryland farmers will be contacted on the 2009 CAPS.

Approximately 1,400 will be asked to complete the December Agricultural Survey, and about 100 more will be contacted on the December Hog Report. Each report is critical to ensure data reliability.

Most selected farmers will receive a questionnaire in the mail. Some will be contacted by telephone or interviewed in person. Producers receiving the CAPS, the December Agricultural Survey, or the December Hog Report are encouraged to complete and return it promptly. Completing the survey on the web is also an option for all three surveys. Reporting by mail or on the internet will eliminate the need for telephone or personal follow-up, thus keeping survey costs to a minimum. Individual reports from farmers are kept confidential and only summarized to set county, state, and national estimates of crop production and livestock inventories.

Published estimates from these surveys level the playing field for Maryland farmers, giving them access to the same information as elevators, input suppliers, bankers and others with whom they do business. Users of these statistics include farmers and farm organizations, crop insurance firms, farm suppliers, exporters, foreign and domestic customers, transportation firms, and government agencies that manage farm programs and set farm policy.

The Hogs and Pigs report based on the December Hog survey will be released December 30, 2009. The Crop Production, Grain Stocks, and Winter Wheat Seedings reports based on the December Agricultural Survey will be released January 9, 2010. County level estimates based on data from these surveys will be available on February 19, 2010 for small grains and on March 2, 2010 for corn and soybeans. (Contact: NASS Maryland Field Office, 1-800-675-0295)

WI: ENJOY A MEAL, THANK A FARMER—NOV. 20 IS THANK YOU FARMERS AND RANCHERS DAY
Published: November 24, 2009

Governor Jim Doyle has proclaimed Friday, Nov. 20, to be “Thank You Farmers and Ranchers Day” in Wisconsin.

 “The holiday season is a time to thank America’s farmers and ranchers, who produce the food that nourishes us and serves as the centerpiece for family gatherings and holiday celebrations,” said Rod Nilsestuen, Secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection.  Governor Doyle’s proclamation lists the reasons that farmers deserve thanks:

• America has an abundant supply of safe, wholesome and affordable food.
• Wisconsin is the #1 cheese, #1 cranberry, and #3 potato state, producing more than 600 varieties of cheese, and 450 million pounds of cranberries to be shipped world-wide; without these farmers, this would not be possible.
• Less than 1 percent of the American population works in food production, yet the average American farmer now feeds 144 people. One out of every ten Wisconsinites is employed in agriculture, providing over 353,000 jobs to the state.
• Wisconsin’s 14,800 beef producers contribute to the $12.3 billion meat industry in the state.
• Agriculture in Wisconsin is a $59 billion industry, providing food for our tables, sustaining rural communities, preserving working farmland and habitat and protecting the environment.

Nilsestuen noted that The Beef Checkoff and the Wisconsin Beef Council are urging consumers during this holiday season to give thanks for the wholesome, affordable food supply raised in our country and the people who grow and raise it – America’s farmers and ranchers – and to call attention to the vital role they play in the nation and world.

 “Whether you raise thousands of dairy cattle or graze 35 cows, whether you’re a cash cropper selling corn and soybeans on the international market or an organic vegetable farmer selling direct to consumers, you’re a vital link in the food chain, and we want and need you in Wisconsin,” Nilsestuen said. “Our farmers not only supply us with food.  They indirectly provide thousands of jobs in food processing and distribution, and in farm equipment and supply manufacturing and sales. Their taxes support rural roads and schools, and they’re important customers who help keep small-town businesses alive. All are good reasons to say thank you to our farmers.” (Contact: Donna Gilson, 608-224-5130)

WI: WARM WEEKEND WEATHER PROMPTS CAUTION TO HUNTERS: HANDLE VENISON WITH CARE
Published: November 24, 2009

With mild temperatures predicted for opening weekend of the gun deer season in Wisconsin, food safety officials are cautioning hunters to handle venison carefully to keep it safe to eat.

When the temperature is over 40 degrees F., bacteria capable of causing food-borne illness can grow quickly. Keep it clean and cold, the experts say:

• Field dress the carcass immediately.
• Wash the body cavity with cold, clean water if possible. Carry a clean towel to wipe your hands and prevent cross contamination.
• Place the heart and liver in a food-grade plastic bag if you wish to keep them.
• Spread the rib cage to cool the carcass more quickly. If the air temperature is over 40 degrees, it’s a good idea to pack the carcass with clean ice. Refrigerate the carcass, if possible.
• Use food quality plastics bags or bucket to store cut meats. Do not use dark colored garbage bags, because they may contain toxic resins and are not intended for food use.
• Do not leave venison or other wild game in a car trunk where warmer temperatures promote bacterial growth.
• Use a cooler filled with ice or dry ice to store cut meat.
• Register and process venison as soon as it is harvested. Venison will spoil if it hangs without refrigeration in warm weather.  (Contact: Donna Gilson, 608-224-5130)

PA: ‘FARM-CITY WEEK’ KICK-OFF BRINGS AGRICULTURE TO CENTER CITY PHILADELPHIA
Published: November 24, 2009

While visiting the heart of Pennsylvania’s largest city, acting Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding today brought lessons on farming to Philadelphia while teaching residents how food makes its way from the farm to their tables.

Redding’s remarks at City Hall coincided with the state’s kickoff of National Farm-City Week, Nov. 20-26, a national effort to enhance the link between farm families and urban residents. Governor Edward G. Rendell has proclaimed the seven-day period “Farm-City Week” in Pennsylvania.

With more people living in urban and suburban areas, Redding said today’s farmers bear a greater responsibility for feeding the world, noting that just one Pennsylvania farmer provides food and fiber for 155 people.

 “Pennsylvania’s agriculture industry provides a safe and abundant food supply for the state’s 12.5 million citizens in urban, suburban and rural communities,” said Redding.

 “Farm-City Day provides the chance to highlight the essential relationship between producers and consumers, showing where food comes from and the integral role agriculture plays in everyone’s lives.”

Redding was joined at the kickoff event by Philadelphia Parks and Recreation Commissioner Michael DiBerardinis and local legislators in showcasing Pennsylvania’s number one industry, agriculture, to those on hand.

 “By hosting this first-ever event in Center City Philadelphia, we are able to bring Pennsylvania farmers and consumers together to build a lasting relationship that will benefit our entire state.”

After spending the week at the city’s West Oak Lane Charter School, the Friends of Agriculture Foundation’s Mobile Ag Education Science Lab was moved to City Hall to provide consumers an interactive look at production agriculture. The 32-foot mobile trailer contains work stations where students can complete hands-on experiments relating to science and agriculture.

The Agriculture Department invited additional industry partners – both agricultural and urban – to help visitors learn first-hand about Pennsylvania’s dairy, beef, pork and poultry industries, horticulture and the veterinary industry.  Visitors also had the opportunity to share one-on-one conversations with farmers at the event.

 “This event also provides the chance to thank our farmers for their tireless commitment to producing the food and fiber that contribute to a better quality of life for countless citizens,” Redding said. “Today was a shining example of how the agriculture industry can and does work together to tell our story, and how we are all doing our part to keep Pennsylvania growing,” Redding said.

Redding added one of the best ways consumers can support Pennsylvania agriculture is through the PA Preferred branding program. Created in 2004 by Governor Rendell, PA Preferred helps consumers know they are purchasing products grown or processed in the commonwealth. To find a list of PA Preferred members or products, visit www.papreferred.com. For more information about the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, visit www.agriculture.state.pa.us.  (Contact: Jean Kummer, 717-787-5085)

MI: SELECT A MICHIGAN CHRISTMAS TREE FOR A FRESH, FESTIVE, FRAGRANT HOLIDAY
Published: November 24, 2009

Michigan Department of Agriculture (MDA) Director Don Koivisto joined Marsha Gray, executive director of the Michigan Christmas Tree Association, and farm owners John and Brenda Vormittag at the Vormittag Tree Farm in Grand Rapids to celebrate the start of the fresh Christmas tree season in Michigan. 

 “Thanksgiving weekend marks the unofficial beginning of the holiday season, and the grand opening of many Christmas tree farms in Michigan,” said Koivisto.  “As you celebrate the season, I encourage you to select a farm-grown Michigan Christmas tree, which not only adds fragrant beauty and tradition to holiday festivities, but also benefits the environment, supports local farmers, and helps grow Michigan’s economy.”

Michigan produces and sells more than a dozen tree varieties on a wholesale level -- more varieties than any other state.  Michigan has approximately 42,000 acres in commercial Christmas tree production, with an annual farm gate value of over $41 million.  The top six counties – Allegan, Manistee, Missaukee, Montcalm, Oceana, and Wexford - account for just over 50 percent of Michigan’s total Christmas tree acreage. The industry also generates an additional $1.3 million in sales of wreaths, cut boughs, garland, and other cut greens.

 “Many family holiday traditions include a trip to a Christmas tree farm this time of year to choose and cut the perfect tree,” said Gray.  “Michigan ranks third in the nation in the number of Christmas trees harvested, supplying approximately 3 million farm-grown Christmas trees to the national market each year.”

After the holidays, there are several uses for recycled Christmas trees. Many communities chip the trees and use them for mulch, hiking trails, playground areas, animal stalls, or landscaping. Whole trees are recycled for an even greater variety of uses: river shoreline stabilization, sand dune erosion prevention, marshland sedimentation, fish habitat, winter garden decorations, wild bird feeders, even hazardous chemical clean-ups.

For more information on Michigan’s Christmas tree industry or to find a Christmas tree farm in your area, visit MDA’s Web site at www.michigan.gov/mda or contact the Michigan Christmas Tree Association at 800-589-TREE or at www.mcta.org. 

Consider these tips when purchasing a pre-cut tree or cutting your own:

• Look for a well-shaped tree with few bare spots;
• The tree should be fragrant, not musty;
• The needles should be green and have good retention; shake the tree to allow brown interior needles to fall out, green needles should not fall off a healthy tree;
• Store the tree in a cool, sheltered area to protect it from the elements until it is brought inside and decorated.

In addition, to help keep trees fresh throughout the holiday season and prevent Christmas tree-related fires:

• Make a straight cut across the trunk base and place the tree in a stand filled with at least one gallon of fresh water. Expect a freshly-cut Christmas tree to absorb up to one gallon of water the first day.
• Keep trees watered with at least one quart of water daily to maintain fragrance and beauty. A watered tree not only looks better but also is more fire resistant. If the water level in the tree stand drops below the end of the tree stump, a layer of sap can form over the cut stump in just a few hours, making it impossible for the tree to absorb water.
• Place trees away from heat sources such as fireplaces, televisions and radiators.
• Check tree lights to ensure they are consumer-inspected (UL-listed or Factory Mutual-approved).
• Inspect lights and cords before hanging them to ensure they are in good working order and fault-free.
• Remember to unplug tree lights before going to bed or leaving the house.  (Contact: Heather Throne, throneh@michigan.gov)

MN: GROW YOUR ORGANIC KNOWLEDGE AT THE 2010 MINNESOTA ORGANIC CONFERENCE
Published: November 24, 2009

The 2010 Minnesota Organic Conference and Trade Show offers a great line up of presentations for anyone interested in organic farming or the organic industry.  Registration is now open for the annual conference which will be held January 15-16, 2010 at the St. Cloud Civic Center in St. Cloud.

The three keynote speakers include David Vetter, a veteran organic farmer from Marquette, Nebraska and founder of Grain Place Foods, Inc., one of the first organic grain processing plants to serve small-scale organic farmers; syndicated agriculture columnist Alan Guebert, whose writing appears in farm and rural magazines nationwide; and registered dietician Angie Tagtow, whose work focuses on the public health benefits of sustainable food systems.

“We are tremendously excited about the wide range of topics and presenters that will be featured at the event,” said conference organizer Mary Hanks, at the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA).  “It will be an outstanding educational opportunity for organic farmers and others interested in learning more about organic food and agriculture.”

The two-day event also offers scores of breakout sessions led by experienced farmers, researchers, educators, and businesspeople.  Organic farmers Chris Blanchard and Laura Frerichs will talk about starting a CSA “subscription” farm. University of Minnesota Professor Bud Markhart will ask ‘Can Organic Feed the World?’ and a panel of seasoned organic inspectors will share tips to make organic farm inspections less intimidating.  Soil health, post harvest fruit and vegetable handling, the outlook for organic dairy and a mini-workshop for organic beginners, led by organic advisors Joyce Ford and Jim Riddle of Winona, are just a few of the other scheduled sessions, panel discussions, and roundtables on tap.

Early bird registration costs $100 for the two day conference and $70 for those who want to attend one day. There are further discounts for additional people from the same farming operation. The cost includes breakfast, lunch, and snacks prepared with organic ingredients specially sourced for the conference.  Reduced hotel rates are available until December 13. (Contact: Margaret Hart, Margaret.hart@state.mn.us)