NASDA News - December 22, 2009

USDA ROLLS OUT DELAP PROGRAM, ANNOUNCES CHEESE PURCHASES
Published: December 22, 2009

With great anticipation, USDA released information regarding the Dairy Economic Loss Assistance

Payment Program (DELAP), funding allocated for dairy farmers through the FY 2010 Agriculture Appropriations bill.  The $290 million will be distributed based on produced milk any time from Feb. 2009 through Jul. 2009.  Producers are encouraged to apply quickly for the payments, as the deadline is Jan. 19, 2010.  Altogether, eligible producers are expected to receive $0.32/cwt.  For more information, especially regarding eligibility requirements, visit the FSA DELAP website. 

To complete the allocation of emergency dairy funding, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack also announced the cheese purchase provided through the FY 2010 Agriculture Appropriations bill.  The purchase of $60 million in cheese and cheese products will be orchestrated by the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC), and then distributed to domestic food assistance programs.  A large purchase of cheese for domestic food assistance programs was a key part of NASDA’s Meat the Need proposal. (Contact: David Hickey)

CHESAPEAKE BAY COMMENT PERIOD ENDS IN EARLY 2010
Published: December 22, 2009

Comments on EPA's draft strategy for the Chesapeake Bay are due Jan 8. EPA has proposed a framework to guide federal and state pollution control programs, and expand regulatory tools to reduce pollution from concentrated animal feeding operations and urban and suburban runoff.  USDA will intensively target voluntary conservation incentives at high priority areas. (Contact: Nathan Bowen)

LEGISLATION TO INCREASE FRUITS AND VEGETABLES IN SCHOOL MEALS INTRODUCED
Published: December 22, 2009

Representatives Sam Farr, D-Cali., and Adam Putnam, R-Fla., have introduced the Children’s Fruits and Vegetables Act of 2009 (H.R. 4333), with the purpose of improving health and limiting obesity among America's schoolchildren through increased the amounts of fruits and vegetables in school breakfasts and lunches. The bill currently has 15 co-sponsors. 

The bill requires USDA to implement a plan to increase the amount of fruits and vegetables purchased for school feeding programs and it provides $10 million/year for two years to USDA to work with schools to encourage the use of salad bars in school cafeterias.    The legislation also provides a one-time payment of $100 million to improve overall cafeteria quality and feeding infrastructure.  

In addition, the bill would amend Section 10603 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 to provide for an increase in fruit and vegetable commodity purchases for domestic nutrition programs, as opposed to other agricultural commodities, by 5 percent in FY 2010, 10 percent in FY2011, 15 percent in FY2012, 20 percent in FY2013, and by 25 percent in FY2014.

A key provision of the bill is a robust competitive grant program to promote farm-to-school projects and provides for the spending of $10 million/year for two years to promote farm-to-school programs.   USDA would provide competitive matching and technical assistance grants to schools and institutions to carry out a farm-to-school program.  The types of grants provided would include implementation grants that support the cost of conducting a farm-to-school program; training and technical assistance grants for the training, operational support, information and access to resources necessary for carrying out the program and planning grants to support the cost of conducting research, identifying resources and developing partnerships to ensure a successful program.  (Contact: Amy Mann)

USDA SEEKS STATE INPUT TO IMPROVE DOMESTIC AND INTERNATIONAL MARKETING
Published: December 22, 2009

USDA encouraged state departments of agriculture, state agricultural experiment states, along with other state agencies, to join in an initiative to improve the marketing, transportation, and distribution of U.S.-produced food domestically and abroad.  Through the Federal-State Marketing Improvement Program (FSMIP), a matching grant program administered by the USDA’s Agriculture Marketing Service, USDA has requested proposals that involve collaboration of multiple stakeholders, including states, academia, and producers.

In a released statement, USDA Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan explains the importance of FSMIP.  "This program is a great way for state agencies to tackle some of the distribution and market issues our farmers are facing.  We hope to see many proposals that reflect USDA's 'Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food' initiative, projects that will help create wealth in rural communities through the development of local and regional food systems and value-added agriculture, and that develop direct marketing opportunities for producers or producer groups."

Interested states may submit proposals to the FSMIP Staff Officer at USDA-AMS.   For more information on FSMIP, including program guidelines, application forms and other related information, please visit the AMS FSMIP website.  (Contact: Dewitt Ashby)

FIRST STIMULUS FUNDING AWARDEES ANNNOUNCED FOR BROADBAND PROJECTS
Published: December 22, 2009

Last week, Vice President Joe Biden announced the first awardees of the $7.2 billion in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (the Stimulus) funding for broadband grant and loan programs.  These initial awards will total $183 million in eighteen broadband projects in seventeen states, which has been matched by more than $46 million in public and private sector capital.  According to a USDA news release, $2 billion of these awards will be announced over the next 75 days. (Contact: David Hickey)

FAS TO CELEBRATE AGRICULTURE PARTNERSHIP WITH JAPAN
Published: December 22, 2009

Next spring, the USDA’s Foreign Agriculture Service (FAS) will be conducting several events to commemorate the long-time U.S.-Japan trade relationship.  Known as “Partners in Agriculture,” FAS plans to hold a series of events from Mar. through May 2010.  According to the FAS, since 1946, more than $250 billion in U.S. agricultural products have been exported to Japan.  For more information, please contact Michael Conlon, Director of the U.S. Agricultural Trade Office in Tokyo. (Contact: Dewitt Ashby)

PA: Governor Rendell Hails Senate Confirmation of Russell C. Redding as Agriculture Secretary
Published: December 22, 2009

Adams County Native Becomes 24^th Agriculture Secretary

Harrisburg - Russell C. Redding of Adams County was confirmed by the Pennsylvania Senate as the state's 24^th secretary of agriculture, Governor Edward G. Rendell announced today.

The Governor nominated Redding on Sept. 12. Since then, he has served as acting secretary.

"Russell is the right person to lead our state's agriculture industry," said Governor Rendell. "His commitment to this state and the agriculture industry is unrivaled, and his proven leadership at the local, state and federal levels will serve the commonwealth well. Russell is an outstanding advocate for Pennsylvania agriculture and I thank the Senate for confirming him as secretary."

As secretary, Redding oversees the department responsible for encouraging, promoting and protecting the state's leading economic industry, agriculture, and its related industries. The department also has regulatory authority over food safety, animal health and the state's dog law, as well as inspection of weight and measurement devices and amusement rides.

"For the past 15 years I have had the pleasure of working each day with some of the best public servants, both elected and appointed, this state has known," said Redding. "My experiences during this period have confirmed for me that the achievements of the Pennsylvania agriculture industry are a reflection of the great work done by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture staff, as well as the more than 63,000 farms and thousands of related agricultural businesses that we serve.

"The Department of Agriculture has set a number of objectives for the coming months, which will help guide our efforts to keep Pennsylvania growing," added Redding. "Our work touches the lives of every citizen in Pennsylvania, giving us a sense of urgency and perspective with all of our actions."

Redding said that he will focus on ensuring that the department is open and accessible to preserve strong relationships with consumers and businesses; enhancing food safety in Pennsylvania by meeting the statutory mandate and through collaborative efforts such as the Governor's Food Safety Council; expanding environmental stewardship efforts through continued leadership on farmland preservation; making full use of the authority from the Farm Bill for conservation by balancing the needs of farmers and the public with the need for clean water in the Chesapeake Bay; supporting Pennsylvanians who are at-risk for hunger; redoubling efforts of existing programs and initiatives to benefit future generations of producers and consumers; and strengthening the department's connection to its sister agencies and related state and local partners.

Pennsylvania is widely recognized as one of the leading agricultural states in the nation, ranking in the top five in the production of many fruits and vegetables, livestock and commodities. The state's diverse agriculture industry includes more than 63,000 farms and 7.75 million acres of farmland.

Agriculture contributes more than $45 billion in total economic impact to Pennsylvania, supplying one in seven jobs across the state.

Pennsylvania ranks among the top five states in organic product sales and is third in the nation for direct sales to consumers. The state's dairy sector is the largest segment of agriculture, and Pennsylvania ranks fifth nationally in milk production. Other notable products produced here include mushrooms, hardwood lumber, apples, pumpkins, eggs, Christmas trees and trout.

For more information, visit www.agriculture.state.pa.us.  

WI: STATE JOINS MULTISTATE COMPACT IN BATTLE AGAINST PLANT PESTS AND INVASIVE SPECIES
Published: December 22, 2009

Wisconsin is the newest member of a multistate compact formed to assist in the battle against plant pests such as diseases, insects or weeds.

The Interstate Pest Control Compact (IPCC) is an organization supported by nearly 40 states.  The compact provides financial support when states may not have the necessary resources to combat outbreaks or infestations of plant diseases that threaten a state’s agricultural or natural resources.

 “The IPCC is something like an insurance policy.  The member states pay into the fund, much like an insurance premium,” explained Brian Kuhn, plant industry bureau director with the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection.  “If a state is faced with an outbreak of a plant disease or an invasive pest is found, the compact can be a source of financial support especially if there are gaps in state or federal funding or if emergency funding is needed to address the problem.”

Since the compact began in 1968, more than $1 million has gone to member-states to support projects such as pest surveys to determine the range or spread of an invasive pest; eradication activities or control efforts targeted to a specific insect, weed or plant disease outbreak.

One request funded by the compact can quickly regain the cost of a state’s premium. For example, in 2007, Michigan received $75,000 to combat Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (HWA), an insect from Asia that can kill hemlock trees in 4-10 years. The loss of hemlock was a threat to Michigan’s timber industry and their forest ecosystem, and it also threatened hemlock trees in adjoining states. When Michigan first identified HWA, there was no state or federal money available to take action. With letters of support from adjoining states including Wisconsin, the IPCC was able to fill that gap. Using IPCC funds, Michigan conducted a survey to determine the extent of the infestation and then worked to eradicate this invasive plant pest.

 “The IPCC gives us some additional peace of mind in our fight against plant pests that can threaten our crops or forests,” Kuhn said. “Member states can request funding for other states since plant pests don’t stop at the border and a plant disease or insect issue in a neighboring state can easily become our problem if it is not addressed quickly.”  (Contact: Brian Kuhn, 608-224-4590)

NC: Food safety workshop for small food producers, seafood processors is Jan. 26 in Morehead City
Published: December 22, 2009

RALEIGH -- Seafood processors, licensed meat handlers, food entrepreneurs and others interested in preventing food recalls are encouraged to attend a Jan. 26 workshop, “Preventing a Recall -- Protecting Your Food Business.”

The workshop will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Center for Marine Sciences and Technology in Morehead City. It is sponsored by the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, N.C. Sea Grant, N.C. Cooperative Extension and CMAST.

The workshop is designed for small food entrepreneurs and food producers who sell directly to the public, seafood processors and retailers, meat handlers producing and selling meat products, individuals interested in developing food recall plans to protect their businesses, and those who want to expand market outreach and are required to obtain liability insurance to enter new markets.

Topics to be covered include the economics of food recalls, lessons learned from the peanut products recall, and procedures for issuing a recall.

Following lunch, there will be a tabletop exercise where instructors will walk participants through the scenario of a Class I food recall.

The workshop is limited to 30 participants and the deadline to register is Jan. 19. Cost is $30 and includes breakfast and lunch. Checks should be made to N.C. Ag Promotions Inc. For more information, contact Annette Dunlap, agribusiness developer, at (919) 733-7887 or go to www.ncagr.gov/markets/agbizmarketing.htm.

IA: Northey encourages congress to pass extension of biodiesel tax credit
Published: December 22, 2009

Iowa Sec. of Agriculture Bill Northey today issued the following statement requesting the U.S. Senate consider and pass an extension of the federal biodiesel blender’s tax credit that expires on December 31^st.  Recent reports have said that the U.S. Senate is unlikely to consider an extension of the tax credit this year.

According to the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association, Iowa has 15 biodiesel refineries that are capable of producing 320 million gallons of biodiesel annually.

Northey’s statement follows here:

“With the Senate schedule to be in session through at least Christmas Eve, I would strongly encourage them to take the time to consider and pass an extension of the biodiesel tax credit.  Biodiesel producers have faced a very difficult time over the last few years, and I worry that many of the current owners would not be able to overcome an expiration of the current tax credit.

“I think it is important that Congress understand that without this extension Iowa biodiesel plants will close and employees will be laid off.

“At a time of high unemployment and discussions of the need for ‘green jobs,’ it is expected than an extension of this credit would save more than a hundred Iowa jobs in the renewable energy sector.”

LA: Strain, LDAF donate food to Baton Rouge food drive
Published: December 22, 2009

Louisiana Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain, D.V.M., and the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry collected and donated several cases of fresh Louisiana sweet potatoes, citrus, mirlitons, pecans, rice and other state food favorites  to the 2009 Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church- St. Vincent de Paul Conference Christmas Basket Drive.

“Louisiana is known for its food and we wanted to help the church and those in need,” Strain said. “Food insecurity is not just somewhere in the United States; it’s right here in Baton Rouge, in Walker, in Lake Charles and across the state. People have been affected by the economic crunch and are having trouble putting food on the table. We’re glad to help.”

Among the items donated were Louisiana-raised beef from Opelousas’ Rolling R Ranch, rice from the Louisiana Rice Growers Association, citrus, pecans and dry good products from Tony Chachere’s, Blue Runner, Bruce Foods, Louisiana Fish Fry and Manda Meats.

Strain said Donald and Karen Becnel of St. James Parish collected a variety of fresh vegetables and fruit from backyard growers in the parish. Included in the produce was cauliflower, lemons, kumquats, satsumas, oranges, grapefruit, sweet potatoes, pecans and Plantation Mix beignet and coffee mixes.

Donald Becnel said the food collection in Vacherie evolved into a small community activity for the town.

“Nearly all of the items were donated by people in Vacherie, from their yards, from their trees and from their gardens,” Becnel said. “It became a real community event for us.”

Paul Burton, the co-coordinator of the Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church- St. Vincent de Paul Christmas Basket Drive said the church had identified 100 families within the parish that required food assistance this holiday season.

Burton said in addition to the dry goods food items, each food basket will include a frozen turkey.

“Each family will receive a turkey and get two boxes of food stocked with canned goods and fresh produce,” Burton said. “Volunteers will deliver the food on Dec. 23.”

Carroll Benedetto, the president of the Our Lady of Mercy- St. Vincent de Paul Conference said she was grateful for the LDAF’s food donation.

“We all could have been born into a family that would need assistance,” Benedetto said. “We’re glad because we get to help people, not only at Christmas, but all year. The people we help have a great faith because they know that God’s going to come through.” 

Burton said Our Lady of Mercy Church Parish is bounded by Airline Highway, Greenwell Springs Road and North Foster Drive. The LDAF Baton Rouge office building falls within the boundaries of the Our Lady of Mercy parish.

Burton said the church and St. Vincent de Paul need cash and food donations year round.

Burton said to donate specifically for Our Lady of Mercy parish, call 225-926-1883. To donate to St. Vincent de Paul, givers should call 225-383-7837.

The list of donors to the Christmas basket food drive included Donald and Karen Becnel (fresh produce), Fred Rodosta of Rolling R Ranch (Louisiana beef), an anonymous farmer from Evangeline Parish (120 pounds of sweet potatoes), La. Rice Growers Association and Jimmy Hoppe Farms (40 pounds of rice) and Manda Meats.

NY: Food Stamp Summit for Farm Direct Marketers
Published: December 22, 2009

With the economy still causing double digit unemployment, the food stamp program has seen record level usage. In New York State, food stamp enrollment has risen 19% over the last year. This means that 1.3 million households all across New York, in September 2009, are using the food stamp program to supplement their income to purchase their family’s food.

The need is widespread. It is across every county, and it is across every demographic. From consumers with low wage jobs to those who once had high paying careers, consumers all across the state are finding that food stamp assistance is now helping them bridge their needs until they can get back on their feet.

For direct marketing farmers, the food stamp program represents an opportunity. By accepting food stamp benefits at your operation you can be a part of the solution, helping your neighbors in need, while adding income to your farm.

On January 27^th, the NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets and the Farmers Market Federation of NY, in cooperation with the NYS Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, will host a Food Stamp Summit for Farm Direct Marketers. The Summit, presented at the NYS Fruit and Vegetable Expo at the OnCenter in Syracuse, from 9am – 2:30pm, will give an overview of the food stamp program. Speakers for the NYS Office for Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) and The USDA Food and Nutrition Service will discuss the food stamp program – what is the food stamp program, who are food stamp consumers and what are the benefits to farms for being a food stamp retailer. This will be a information packed session that will inform, enlighten and encourage farm marketers to become a part of the food stamp program.

Finally, a wireless solution for farms that lack electricity and telephones to participate as a traditional food stamp retailer will be presented. This project, sponsored by the OTDA and the NYS Department of

Agriculture, in cooperation with the Farmers Market Federation of NY will offer wireless terminals and support services for the 2010 farm season to help farm marketers get started in the food stamp program, aid in outreach to food stamp consumers in their community and demonstrate the benefits of participating in the food stamp program for their farm. Details of the program, along with opportunities for participation, will be given out at the summit.

The Food Stamp Summit for Farm Direct Marketers runs concurrently with the NYS Fruit and Vegetable Expo. Registration is required. For more information on the Expo, contact Jeff and Lindy Kubecka, NYS Vegetable Growers Association, at 315-687-5734 or email nysvga@twcny.rr.com.

To pre-register for the Expo, download the registration form at http://www.nysaes.cornell.edu/hort/expo/pdf/2010-Expo-Pre-Registration.pdf.

For more information on the Food Stamp Summit for Farm Direct Marketers, contact Diane Eggert, Farmers Market Federation of NY, at 315-637-4690 or diane.eggert@verizon.net, or Jonathan Thomson at 518-457-7076 or jonathan.thomson@agmkt.state.ny.us.

MN: MDA trapping program finds record number of gypsy moths in Minnesota
Published: December 22, 2009

ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) has announced its gypsy moth monitoring program caught almost 28,000 moths this year – more than twice the previous high of 12,000 moths caught in 2008.  Nearly 99 percent of the moths collected were in traps in northeastern Minnesota’s St. Louis, Lake and Cook Counties.

According to MDA Plant Protection Division Director Geir Friisoe, the reason for the increase in moth numbers remains unclear. 

“We’re probably seeing a combination of natural spread and accidental introduction by people moving infested materials in from states to the east or from Canada,” Friisoe said.  “We’ve conducted several gypsy moth treatments in northeastern Minnesota in recent years, and the evidence shows we’ve had success controlling the population in the areas we’ve treated.  Unfortunately, the moths keep coming.”

Gypsy moths are among the most destructive tree pests in North America, and they are well established from the East Coast to central Wisconsin.  Gypsy moth caterpillars can defoliate large sections of forest, with oak, poplar, birch and willow among their preferred hosts.  MDA monitors for the pests each year by attaching thousands of cardboard box traps to trees or poles around the state.  In early fall, workers remove the traps and count the moths inside.  MDA set 23,693 traps this year, and caught 27,870 moths. 

When MDA finds a large number of moths in an area, it conducts treatments to eliminate the infestation or slow its establishment.  Over the years, MDA has eradicated dozens of infestations on thousands of acres across the state.  Friisoe noted that trapping data indicate the May 2009 eradication treatments in Minnetonka and Richfield were successful in eliminating the populations.  The department also conducted population control treatments in Lake, Cook, Winona and Houston counties to slow the establishment of the pest there.  Those areas are being evaluated to determine the effectiveness of the treatments, with results expected in 2010.

MDA will work with federal, state and local partners to develop treatment plans in response to the latest monitoring results.  As always, residents of affected areas and other interested parties will have the opportunity to review and comment on draft treatment plans before they are finalized.  More information about gypsy moths and MDA’s control efforts can be found online at www.mda.state.mn.us.