NASDA News - December 15, 2009

USDA RELEASES CLIMATE IMPACT REPORT; DAIRY INDUSTRY COMMITS TO REDUCE EMISSIONS
Published: December 15, 2009

In the midst of international climate change talks in Copenhagen, Denmark, USDA released “The Effects of Climate Change on U.S. Ecosystems,” a report indentifying potential effects from climate change.  In cooperation with the U.S. Global Change Research Program (USGCRP) and the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research, the report examines the impact climate change has already had on agriculture, land and water resources, and biodiversity, as well as provides an outlook for the next several decades.  

Key findings from the report include:  

• Grain and oilseed crops will mature more rapidly, but increasing temperatures will heighten the risk of crop failures, particularly where precipitation decreases or becomes more variable.
• Marketable yield of horticultural crops (such as tomato, onion, and fruit) are more vulnerable to climate change than grains and oilseed crops due to the high sensitivity of their quality and appearance to climate factors.
• Livestock mortality will decrease with warmer winters but this will be more than offset by greater mortality in hotter summers. Hotter temperatures will also result in reduced productivity of livestock and dairy animals, due to changes in consumption and lower pregnancy rates.
• Weeds that can thwart agriculture production grow more rapidly under elevated atmospheric CO2, extend their range northward, and are less sensitive to herbicide applications.
• The trends toward reduced mountain snowpack and earlier spring snowmelt runoff in the Western U.S., and toward increasing drought in the West and Southwest, imply changes in the availability of water and a need to monitor the performance of reservoir systems with implications for water management and irrigated agriculture in that region.
• Climate change is inducing shifts in plant species in rangelands, favoring the establishment of perennial herbaceous species that reduce soil water availability early in the growing season. Shorter winters, however, decrease the need for seasonal forage reserves.
• Forests in the interior West, the Southwest, and Alaska are already being affected by climate change as demonstrated by increases in the size and frequency of forest fires, insect outbreaks, and tree mortality over large areas.

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack also announced an agreement with U.S. dairy farmers to cooperatively expand the development of renewable energy on the farm and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.  According to a USDA press release, USDA is teaming up with the Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy to reach a 25 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by the year 2020.   Through a significant increase in anaerobic digesters, along with additional research and development in new technologies, USDA is demonstrating their commitment to work alongside producers to mitigate climate change.  (Contact: David Hickey)

COMPREHENSIVE IMMIGRATION LEGISLATION INTRODUCED TODAY IN HOUSE
Published: December 15, 2009

Representative Luis Gutierrez, D-Ill, Chairman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Immigration Task Force, was joined today by more than 20 House Democrats in introducing the Comprehensive Immigration Reform for America's Security and Prosperity Act of 2009 (CIR-ASAP). In light of the 2010 election cycle quickly approaching, today’s introduction kicks off an aggressive campaign by immigration reform advocates. The Agricultural Job Opportunity, Benefits, And Security Act Of 2009 (AgJOBS), legislation introduced earlier this year by Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Cali. and Rep. Howard Berman, D-Cali., was included in its entirety in the Gutierrez bill. The provisions of AgJOBS are similar to the agricultural provisions of S.2611, legislation that passed the Senate on May 25, 2006, which NASDA supported. NASDA supports both reforming the H-2A program and enactment of the AgJOBS legislation. While NASDA does not take a position on comprehensive immigration reform, NASDA does support enforcement of existing immigration, labor worker safety and border patrol laws. Reportedly already in the works, Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., and Sen. Lindsey Graham, D-S.C., are expected to introduce a comprehensive immigration reform package early next year. Reform advocates are encouraging the Senate Judiciary Committee to conduct hearings on the legislation in February. (Contact: Amy Mann)

EPA WANTS TO EXTEND FQPA RISK ASSESSMENT STANDARDS TO NON-FOOD PESTICIDES
Published: December 15, 2009

In what it deems an effort to protect farm workers and children, the Environmental Protection Agency last week announced that it intends to apply Food Quality Protection Act (FQPA) risk assessment techniques to all pesticides. 

The Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), which regulates pesticide registration, utilizes a risk-benefit standard for approving pesticide products.  FQPA, however, mandates a risk-only standard and includes an additional safety factor and aggregates all non-occupational pesticide exposure.   

"The state of the science since FQPA [was adopted] has advanced to the point that it is now possible to consider aggregate risks from the same pesticide used in agricultural, commercial and/or residential settings, cumulative risks from exposure to pesticides with common mechanisms of toxicity, and the unique risks posed to infants and children due to their potentially increased sensitivity to pesticides," the agency said in its policy paper on the announcement.   (Contact: Nathan Bowen)

USDA SEEKS COMMENT ON DRAFT EIS FOR GENETICALLY ENGINEERED ALFALFA
Published: December 15, 2009

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) today announced the availability of a draft environmental impact statement (EIS) that evaluates the potential environmental effects of deregulating alfalfa genetically engineered (GE) to be resistant to the herbicide glyphosate, known commercially as Roundup.  This GE alfalfa is commonly referred to as Roundup Ready (RR) alfalfa.

APHIS considered two alternatives in the draft EIS:  to grant nonregulated status to the two RR alfalfa lines, or to maintain the lines’ status as regulated articles.  APHIS analyzed these alternatives with regard to their potential environmental impacts, socioeconomic impacts, as well as human health and safety impacts. More information can be found on the APHIS webpage.  A document with frequently asked questions on the issue is also available online.  (Contact: Bob Ehart)

FDA EXPANDS PRESENCE OUTSIDE U.S. WITH OPENING OF MEXICO CITY POST
Published: December 15, 2009

As part of its continuing effort to buttress food safety in this country, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration today announced the opening of its Mexico City post. The other posts in the Latin America Office are located in Santiago, Chile, and at the FDA’s Latin America Office headquarters in San José, Costa Rica. All told, in the past 13 months, the FDA has opened 10 international posts, including posts in China, India and Europe, in addition to the Latin American offices. This effort by FDA is to prevent problems by working with its regulatory partners and food industries overseas.  (Contact: Bob Ehart)

USDA ANNOUNCES $40 MILLION IN BARK BEETLE FUNDING
Published: December 15, 2009

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced today that U.S. Forest Service will commit an additional $40 million to address public safety concerns and forest health needs arising from the millions of acres of dead and dying trees from bark beetle infestations in the West.

Bark beetle is in epidemic stages across the Rocky Mountain region. The impacts have been especially severe in the Forest Service's Rocky Mountain Region, where over 2.5 million acres have been affected. The epidemic has had a severe impact on forest health and has resulted in a dramatic increase in the danger of trees falling on roads, trails and recreation areas. In addition, these dead and dying trees greatly increase the risk of fire danger in the communities of the Rocky Mountain Region and elsewhere in forested areas of the United States.  (Contact: Nathan Bowen)

2009 MIAMI SHOW A BIG HIT WITH WESTERN HEMISPHERE BUYERS
Published: December 15, 2009

The recently concluded (November 9-10), 12th annual Americas Food & Beverage Show is the only trade show focused on food trade within the Western Hemisphere. 

Exhibitors in NASDA’s USA pavilion collected valuable information and met new business prospects at the 12th edition of the Americas Food & Beverage show.

A wide variety of fresh, new products from the U.S., Brazil, Canada generated show floor “buzz” as attendees from 87 countries saw and sampled from a plethora of products including bakery, ethnic, dairy, meat, poultry, seafood, beverages, organic and natural, and fresh fruits and vegetables.

While the smallest of NASDA’s three domestic export events, the U.S. Pavilion at the AFB event succeeds through its regional focus and strong exhibitor preparation.  According to Jonathan Martinez, from the Foreign Agricultural Service’s office in Caracas, “The buyers from Venezuela said they appreciate how well the US exhibitors understand the Latin America market and culture. Having knowledge on how the culture affects the market is crucial when selling to this clientele.”

2009 show highlights included an extensive slate of pre-arranged meetings for U.S. exhibitors focused on meeting key contacts from the Caribbean, Central and South American markets. 

Other highlights of the show were a new products showcase, the annual chefs' competition, and the food & beverage awards ceremony, which recognized exhibitors showing outstanding products. These events allow industry leaders to explore new ideas on food preparation and display, and gave them the opportunity to preview items that consumers from their countries will want to see on the shelves of their grocery stores or on their plates at their favorite restaurants.

In addition to the exhibits, new products displays, and the one-on-one meetings between buyers and suppliers, the show featured seminars and meetings about better servicing and packaging products to maximize profit in a down economy, computer systems to track inventory and production, warehousing, and other subjects affecting the food industry. 

Sponsored by NASDA and the Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS), USA Pavilion exhibitors included the Illinois, Louisiana, Georgia, and Minnesota departments of agriculture, enterprise Florida, the U.S. Dairy Export Council, the Southern U.S. Trade Association (SUSTA), and the U.S. Meat Export Federation.

The 2010 Americas Food & Beverage Show featuring the USA Pavilion will be held October 26-27 at the Miami Beach Convention Center.  This is a great opportunity for U.S. companies to explore and expand trade opportunities in the lucrative Caribbean, Central American, and South American markets.  (Contact: DeWitt Ashbyor Megan McDonald)

LA: FOOD INSECURITY LEVELS AT ALL-TIME HIGH
Published: December 15, 2009

Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain, D.V.M., said more than 14 percent of the nation’s households have trouble putting food on the table during some time of the year and asked Louisiana residents who are able to consider donating to their local food banks this holiday season.

“Food insecurity means American families are finding it tougher and tougher to put good nutritional food on the table to feed their families,” Strain said. “The United States Department of Agriculture says more than 17 million homes were food insecure in 2008. It’s the largest amount ever since the USDA began keeping statistics in 1995.  

“Closer to home food insecurity means more state residents than ever will rely on local food banks to help them get through the holiday season.

According to USDA statistics, Louisiana ranks first in the number of young children (age 0-5) who are food insecure. For more than 200,000 Louisiana children, child food insecurity means possible impairment in intellectual, physical and emotional development that can hinder them from reaching their full potential.

“I support the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) plan to assist producers and help people who are being affected by the economic downturn.

“Nearly 36 million Americans participate in the nation’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – an increase of more than 21 percent from a year ago. As of August 2009, more than 740,000 Louisiana residents participate in the SNAP program, according to the state Department of Social Services. SNAP is commonly known as the Food Stamp Program.

“Removing the food surplus from the market and putting it into food assistance programs would quickly stabilize prices for these foods and allow producers to break-even or better on their farms. The aid will be distributed through food assistance programs, which could include food banks, school lunch programs, SNAP and foreign military food assistance in countries such as Afghanistan and Iraq.” (Contact: Sam Irwin, 225-922-1256)

PA: PENNSYLVANIA PRESERVES ADDITIONAL FARMLAND FOR FUTURE PRODUCTION
Published: December 15, 2009

Pennsylvania’s nation-leading farmland preservation program today set aside an additional 3,332 acres on 31 farms for permanent agricultural production, acting Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding announced.

In the program’s 21-year history, 428,708 acres on 3,928 farms have been preserved for agricultural use in perpetuity, safeguarding them from development.

 “Preserving farmland keeps Pennsylvania growing by maintaining and supporting the social, economic and environmental benefits of the state’s agriculture industry,” Redding said. “We must remain committed to our preservation efforts to ensure that our valuable agricultural land continues to produce affordable food and fiber for our state and nation.”

The latest farms to be preserved are in 19 counties: Armstrong, Beaver, Berks, Bucks, Butler, Dauphin, Lancaster, Luzerne, Mercer, Mifflin, Monroe, Montgomery, Montour, Somerset, Union, Washington, Wayne, Westmoreland, Wyoming and York.

The state’s farmland preservation program works through the Pennsylvania Agricultural Conservation Easement Purchase Program, which was developed in 1988 to help slow the loss of prime farmland to non-agricultural uses. The program enables state, county and local governments to purchase conservation easements, also called development rights, from owners of quality farmland.

Since the program’s inception, state, county and local governments have invested more than $1 billion to preserve farms.

For more information about Pennsylvania’s farmland preservation program, visit www.agriculture.state.pa.us and click on “Producers.”  (Contact: Nicole L. C. Bucher, 717-787-5085)

MD: MDA COLLECTS 21.6 TONS OF EMPTY PESTICIDE CONTAINERS FOR RECYCLING THIS YEAR
Published: December 15, 2009

The Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) offers empty pesticide container recycling programs for farmers, golf courses, government agencies and commercial applicators.  This program is offered free of charge and paid for through special fund revenues collected from licensing and certification fees and through pesticide product registration fees. 

“This beneficial pesticide recycling program helps to protect the Chesapeake Bay and keep Maryland smart, green and growing by removing potential contaminants from the environment through proper disposal,” said Agriculture Secretary Buddy Hance. “MDA encourages farmers and others who are eligible to participate in this program, which is offered free of charge.” 

Each year since 1993, MDA has operated an empty pesticide plastic container inspection and collection open to the public in at least seven locations statewide from June through September.  In addition, 13 pesticide dealer sites participate in the program. During 2009, 49,000 containers, weighing 21.6 tons, were collected from 125 participants.  The pesticide containers are collected, chipped, processed and remanufactured into new pesticide containers by a contractor hired by the pesticide manufacturing industry.  Since the program began, MDA has collected 616,000 empty pesticide containers weighing nearly 260 tons for recycling.

This year’s pesticide container recycling program operated in Caroline, Carroll, Frederick, Harford, Kent, Prince George’s, Queen Anne’s, Talbot, Washington and Wicomico counties.

The Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) manages the use of pesticides through regulatory and educational programs for private (farmer), public agency and commercial pesticide applicators that operate in Maryland to ensure that pesticide are used properly and that adverse effects from their use are avoided or minimized. For more information, visit: www.mda.state.md.us.  (Contact: Sue duPont, 410-841-5889)

KENTUCKY PROUD LIVESTOCK PROGRAM BENEFITS PRODUCERS AND EXHIBITORS
Published: December 15, 2009

A new program will add value to Kentucky-bred livestock exhibited at Kentucky Department of Agriculture-sponsored livestock shows and the Kentucky State Fair.

The Kentucky Proud Livestock Tag Program will make exhibitors eligible for additional premiums in livestock shows and the state fair. The program is expected to increase sale prices for participating producers.

“This program will provide an incentive for Kentucky exhibitors to pay more for show-quality, Kentucky-bred livestock,” Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer said. “Exhibitors who earn the additional premiums will be able to put that money toward their education or into next year’s livestock project. Producers and exhibitors will benefit from this program, and Kentucky’s livestock industries will get some well-deserved acclaim.”

Producers may enroll in the program and purchase Kentucky Proud tags for their show-quality animals for $5 per tag. The tags will make it easy to identify animals enrolled in the program and issue Kentucky Proud premiums to youth livestock exhibitors. Each tag bears the Kentucky Proud logo and an identifying number. Any animals not identified by a Kentucky Proud tag at a KDA-sponsored youth livestock show will be eligible for non-Kentucky premiums only.

The program has been launched with Kentucky Agricultural Development Fund money through the Kentucky Proud program. Proceeds from the sales of the tags will cover the Department’s cost for the tags and fund the additional premiums. The KDA is conducting the program in partnership with the Kentucky Beef Network with the cooperation of the Kentucky Dairy Development Council, the Kentucky Pork Producers Association and the Kentucky Sheep and Goat Development Office.

For more information, or to enroll in the program and purchase tags, contact the Division of Show and Fair Promotion at (502) 564-4983 or go to www.kyagr.com/marketing/fair/index.htm.  (Contact: Bill Clary, (502) 564-1137)

CO: CDA NAMES NEW DEPUTY COMMISSIONER
Published: December 15, 2009

Colorado Commissioner of Agriculture, John Stulp, has named Jim Miller, of Parker, as the Colorado Department of Agriculture’s Deputy Commissioner.

“Jim has been acting in this capacity for some time and brings the right mix of experience and judgment to the position,” said Stulp.  “During Jim’s tenure with the Department, he has proven his dedication to the agricultural community and I am thrilled he has accepted this rewarding yet challenging position.”

The principal responsibilities of the Deputy Commissioner include coordinating policy development and implementation, oversee the management of the Department’s divisions, and assisting the Commissioner in achieving the Department goals.

“Colorado’s agricultural community is the foundation of this great state; I firmly believe that success for our farmers, ranchers, and processors translate to a better quality of life for us all,” said Miller.

Miller, 59, has been employed by CDA over 20 years and has served in a number of positions including Director of Policy and Initiatives and Public Information Specialist.  He has also been CDA’s principal liaison with farm and ranch organizations, as well as with other governmental agencies and organizations with an interest in the programs and activities of the department.

Miller is a graduate of Colorado State University with bachelor's and master's degrees in political science. His experience in matters relating to agriculture and environmental protection date back to 1973 when he served as a legislative liaison for farm organizations in Denver and Washington, D.C.  Miller grew up on a dairy and cattle farm near Broomfield.  (Contact: Christi.lightcap@ag.state.co.us)

OK: NOMINATIONS SOUGHT FOR 2010 OKLAHOMA AGRICULTURE HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE
Published: December 15, 2009

Nominations are being accepted for the coming year’s recipient of the Governor’s Outstanding Achievement Award in Agriculture. The person selected will become the 2010 member of the Oklahoma Agricultural Hall of Fame.

Nominations will be accepted until close of business February 5th, 2010.

The Oklahoma Department of Agriculture distributes nomination forms and accepts the completed applications. An independent selection committee comprised of leaders from various agricultural organizations chooses each year’s inductee.

Nomination forms are available from the ODA by calling Jason Harvey, (405) 522-5563, at the agency web page at www.oda.state.ok.us, or by writing Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Ag Hall of Fame, 2800 N. Lincoln Blvd., Oklahoma City, OK 73105.

Any living person who derives the bulk of their income, or has retired from an agricultural enterprise, is eligible for nomination. Candidates for consideration are agricultural leaders who have exemplified personal values, excelled in production and performance and who have provided a strong role model for the state’s youth.

 “Without question this is the most prestigious award in Oklahoma agriculture and honors the finest people who make up our state’s farming and ranching industries,” said Oklahoma Secretary of Agriculture, Terry Peach.  “The contributions to our state’s economy, character and leadership provided by our top agriculturists cannot be overstated.”

Last year’s inductee into the Oklahoma Agriculture Hall of Fame was Elmore Bathurst, Blackwell, OK farmer and rancher.  (Contact: Jack Carson, (405) 522-4575)

MT: HAIL BOARD APPROVES REFUNDS
Published: December 15, 2009

Montana farmers who bought state hail insurance this year will receive a refund of 30 percent of the premiums they paid. The state Board of Hail Insurance approved the refunds after reviewing an actuarial report at its annual meeting.

The Montana Department of Agriculture issued 1,996 hail insurance policies covering 1,620,543 acres during 2009. That's below the record of 2,058,886 acres in 2007 primarily due to poor weather in the spring, said Ron de Yong, department director.

"An independent actuary report showed that the program continues to be financially strong and able to once again provide refunds to policyholders," said Montana Insurance Commissioner Monica Lindeen, a member of the board. "Agricultural producers are fortunate to have this innovative program."

At its Dec. 3 meeting, the board decided premiums for the 2010 crop year will remain the same as those charged this year, said board Chairman Gary Gollehon of Brady.

Serving with de Yong, Lindeen and Gollehon on the board are producers Trudy Laas Skari of Chester and Jim Schillinger of Baker. For more information about state hail insurance, contact the Montana Department of Agriculture's hail specialist at (406) 444-2402 or by email at agr@mt.gov.  (Contact: Contact: Lee Boyer, (406) 444-2402)

MN: SEARCH THE MINNESOTA GROWN DIRECTORY FOR GREAT HOLIDAY GIFT IDEAS
Published: December 15, 2009

It’s just a couple of weeks before Christmas but it’s not too late to purchase unique holiday gifts for those on your shopping list.  The Minnesota Grown Directory is any easy way to find great products for your family members and friends.   Here are a few ideas:

• Poinsettias – They come in a wide variety of colors and make a great gift for a host or hostess of a holiday party! 
• Wines – Minnesota boasts more than 30 wineries and many of them are listed in the Minnesota Grown Directory.  Stop in and find not only great wines and gift baskets but lots of other wine-related gifts.
• Meats and Cheeses – Who wouldn’t love a basket filled with wonderful meats, such as beef and bison, as well as great artisan cheeses made here in Minnesota.  The directory lists many farms that make up meat and cheese gift baskets you can order by phone.  Wild Rice – Nothing makes a better side dish for a holiday meal than delectable Minnesota grown wild rice.
• Apple Baskets – A gift basket full of Haralson or Honeycrisp apples will be sure to please the apple lover on your list!
• Other Minnesota Grown Gift Ideas – There are plenty of other gift ideas for the food-lovers on your list, such as Minnesota Grown maple syrup, jellies, jams, and honey.  Throw in some homemade pancake mix or a loaf of homemade bread and you’re sure to make someone happy this holiday season.  

Search the Minnesota Grown Directory for your holiday gift ideas at www.minnesotagrown.com.  (Contact: Margaret.hart@state.mn.us)