NASDA News - January 19, 2010

THIS WEEK IN WASHINGTON: MASS. SENATE RACE, HEALTH CARE, DEBT LIMIT
Published: January 19, 2010

The Senate returns following its holiday recess to debate legislation to raise the debt ceiling.  Amendments will likely include the establishment of a deficit reduction commission and a permanent “pay/go” proposal.   Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) is expected to offer a controversial climate change amendment that would temporarily bar the EPA from taking further regulatory actions on greenhouse gas emissions under the Clean Air Act.  The House is set to consider several minor water provisions and name a number of post offices.

Today’s closer-than-expected special election to fill the Senate seat of the late Ted Kennedy (D-MA) could dramatically alter the political landscape in Washington.  A win by Republican Scott Brown over Democrat Martha Coakley would deprive Democrats of their 60 vote filibuster-proof majority in the Senate and significantly impact debate over a final health care bill, as well as a number of measures that could impact agriculture.

With health care and financial system reform on Senate Democratic leaders’ must-pass list, there is likely time on the Senate calendar for only one more major issue.  That has left Sens. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and John Kerry (D-MA) jostling to get their pet projects on the front burner.  Schumer is pressing for immigration reform while Kerry wants the chamber to take up climate change legislation.

Meanwhile, the White House has announced that President Obama’s annual State of the Union address to Congress will take place on January 27 at 9 p.m. EST.  The White House will also reveal its fiscal year 2011 budget request on February 1.  Last year’s presidential budget targeted a number of agriculture-related programs for funding cuts.  With pressure building to focus on deficit reduction, the administration is likely once again to propose funding cuts that could impact agriculture.  (Contact: Farm Policy Staff)

THIS WEEK IN WASHINGTON: STATE OF THE UNION DISCRETIONARY SPENDING FREEZE
Published: January 26, 2010

President Obama will deliver his State of the Union address to Congress Wednesday night in which he is expected to outline a proposal to freeze domestic discretionary spending for three years.  Early reports on the president’s proposal indicate the plan would save approximately $15 billion a year and could result in significant cuts for some programs, while others would see increased funding.  

The Senate will continue to consider legislation that would increase the statutory debt limit to $14.294 trillion.  Senators are also expected this week to vote on an amendment that would create a deficit reduction commission.  The House will vote on a number of minor bills this week and will end its work for the week prior to the president’s address to Congress.  Congressional Democrats continue to strategize a path forward on potential job-creation legislation, as well as healthcare.  (Contact: Farm Policy Staff)

NEW LEGISLATIVE EFFORTS SEEK TO HALT EPA CLIMATE CHANGE EFFORTS
Published: January 26, 2010

On January 21 Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) introduced a resolution of disapproval to stop the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from continuing their efforts to regulate greenhouse gases under the Clean Air Act. With nearly all Republican Senators signing on as cosponsors, Sen. Murkowski also found three critical Democrats to join on the resolution. Senate Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee Chairman Blanche Lincoln (D-AR), who is currently engulfed in a tough reelection campaign, Sen. Ben Nelson (D-NE) and Sen. Mary Landrieu (D-LA) are the Democratic Senators to sign on. With the resolution of disapproval ultimately having to be signed by the President, the realities of it becoming law are extremely slim. Nevertheless, President Barack Obama has said he supported attacking climate change through the legislative process, not through regulation. Similar efforts to prohibit further action by the EPA are underway in the House of Representatives, as Rep. Earl Pomeroy (D-ND) introduced the Save Our Energy Jobs Act (H.R. 4396) earlier this year. 

 Meanwhile, following the findings of a report produced by Informa Economics, the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) is now officially opposed to the climate change legislation passed by the House of Representatives last year. Prior to last week’s announcement, the NCGA has been ‘neutral’ on the bill. (Contact: David Hickey)

KY: BEEKEEPING SCHOOLS OFFERED ACROSS KENTUCKY
Published: January 26, 2010

The Kentucky Department of Agriculture, the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service and Kentucky State University are teaming up to offer beekeeping schools throughout the state.

Whether you are a veteran beekeeper or a beginner eager to get started, these day-long educational workshops, held on Saturdays, offer sessions on everything from where to buy equipment to tips on harvesting your first batch of honey.

 “Honey bees play an extremely important role in Kentucky agriculture as crop pollinators,” Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer said. “Up to one-third of the food we consume depends in some way on honey bees. That’s why the Kentucky Department of Agriculture is proud to support these beekeeping schools and see their numbers grow.”

There has been a steady increase in the number of beekeeping schools in the state and the number of Kentuckians attending them. Kentucky State Apiarist Phil Craft estimated that 800 people attended the schools last year.

The series of beekeeping schools kicks off Jan. 23 with the Eastern Kentucky Beekeeping School in Hazard, followed by the Allen County Beekeeping School Feb. 6 in Scottsville, the Southeast Beekeeping School Feb. 20 in Whitley City, the inaugural Northeast Kentucky Beekeeping School Feb. 27 in Morehead and the Audubon Beekeeping School March 6 in Henderson.

The largest event will be the Bluegrass Beekeeping School March 13 at Kentucky State University in Frankfort. The featured speaker will be Dr. Dave Tarpy, entomology professor at North Carolina State University. Kentucky State University Apiculture Extension Specialist Dr. Tom Webster will teach beginning beekeeping sessions. Nearly 400 beekeepers and six vendors attended the 2009 Bluegrass Beekeeping School.

For more information on each school, visit www.kyagr.com/statevet/bees/index.htm. (Contact: Bill Clary, 502-564-1137)

DOE ANNOUNCES MAJOR INVESTMENT FOR FUTURE OF US BIOFUELS
Published: January 19, 2010

To boost the development of domestic biofuels, Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Steven Chu announced nearly $80 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (the Stimulus) for advanced biofuels research and fueling infrastructure.  In order to further study the commercialization of algae-based and other advanced biofuels, DOE selected the National Alliance for Advanced Biofuels and Bioproducts (NAABB) and the National Advance Biofuels Consortium (NABC).  Secretary Chu also announced several infrastructure projects to receive up to $1.6 million in support, primarily to expand the capacity for ethanol blends at existing retail fueling locations.  For more information on the selected recipients, please visit the DOE website. (Contact: David Hickey)

EPA TO INITIATE RULEMAKING ON CHESAPEAKe BAY CAFOs
Published: January 19, 2010

The Environmental Protection Agency will initiate rulemaking on concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFO) to reduce water pollution in the Chesapeake Bay watershed.  EPA will propose regulations for CAFOs to achieve the objectives of the TMDL for the Chesapeake Bay. The rulemaking will consider expanding the universe of CAFOs and requiring more stringent permit standards to control nutrients. Options for streamlining the designation process and improving off-site manure management may also be considered for the Chesapeake Bay or nationally.  PA intends to propose its rule in 2012 and to take final action by late 2013.  (Contact: Nathan Bowen)

CFTC PROPOSES NEW POSITION LIMITS
Published: January 19, 2010

To avoid the adverse consequences from excessive speculation, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) has proposed setting position limits for futures and option contracts in the major energy markets.  Similar to position limits the CFTC currently sets for certain agriculture markets, these new limits would cover Henry Hub natural gas, light sweet crude oil (such as West Texas Intermediate of WTI), New York Harbor No. 2 heating oil, and New York Harbor gasoline blendstock.  The CFTC has since commenced a 90-day comment period.  For more information on the proposed position limits, please visit the CFTC website. (Contact: David Hickey)

RESIGNATION LEAVES ANOTHER SENIOR USDA TRADE JOB UNFILLED
Published: January 19, 2010

USDA announced the resignation of Deputy Undersecretary for Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services Burnham (Bud) Philbrook who is leaving to care for his son.  This resignation follows Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack’s reassignment of Foreign Agricultural Service Administrator Michael Michener to the embassy to the United Nation's food agencies in Rome.  Following Philbrook’s departure, USDA will not have political leadership on trade issues below Jim Miller, Undersecretary for Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services.  (Contact: Amy Mann)

NASDA WELCOMES WINTER/SPRING INTERNS
Published: January 19, 2010

Two interns from Texas A&M University joined the NASDA office on January 19 for the winter/spring semester. Julie Adams and Brett Schubert will work with NASDA until early May.

Julie Adams of Houston, Texas is currently pursuing a master’s degree in agricultural economics at Texas A&M University. Her emphasis of study lies mainly in the areas of risk management and futures and options markets. She also earned a bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M in agricultural economics focusing on finance and real estate. During her time at Texas A&M, Julie was involved in a variety of activities including agricultural organizations such as Alpha Zeta and participating as a pianist for a local nonprofit organization. While working at NASDA, she hopes to gain a deeper understanding of current agricultural issues, particularly those involving agricultural finance and risk management.

Brett Schubert is from Woodsboro, Texas where he graduated from Woodsboro High School in 2007. Brett is currently a junior at Texas A&M University seeking a degree in Agricultural Business Management and planning to obtain a master’s in Agricultural Business as well. He has been involved in agriculture since the age of five when he began participating in livestock shows and still remains working in the beef industry managing a small cow calf operation of his own. Brett is very interested in agricultural and food policy and extremely excited about the opportunity to work with a great organization such as NASDA and hopes to further his knowledge in agricultural policy.  (Contact: Charlie Ingram)

OK: PROGRAM OFFERS MANUAL, ONLINE TOOLS FOR SCHOOLS AND PRODUCERS
Published: January 26, 2010

Oklahoma’s Farm to School (FTS) program is distributing a new publication with tips and tools for producers and school service programs to help increase locally grown foods in schools.  The manual is also available online with several produce and cost calculators as well as food safety logs for producers.

Chris Kirby, Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry FTS coordinator, said the manual is intended to help increase participation in the program not only in Oklahoma but throughout the nation.

“Farm to School is expanding all over the country and we’re excited that Oklahoma is one of the nation’s leaders in increasing local food consumption in our school systems,” she said.  “This “how-to” manual helps show what people can do to get local foods into their schools.”

The manual was made possible through funds provided by USDA-Federal State Marketing Improvement Program, she said.  Oklahoma State University, the Kerr Center for Sustainable Agriculture, and the Oklahoma State Department of Education assisted the state agriculture department by providing expertise and co-authoring the manual. (Contact: Chris Kirby, chris.kirby@oda.state.ok.us)

GA: AMERICAN FARM BUREAU HONORS IRVIN WITH DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD
Published: January 19, 2010

The American Farm Bureau Federation honored Georgia Commissioner of Agriculture Tommy Irvin with its Distinguished Service Award in its closing session yesterday in Seattle, Wash.

Recipients are nominated by their home state Farm Bureaus in an extensive application documenting accomplishments and contributions to American agriculture on international, national, state and local levels.  Former recipients include former Senators Sam Nunn and Bob Dole and Senator Mitch McConnell and other national agriculture leaders.

“It is an honor to have been nominated by the president of my state’s Farm Bureau and to be accepted into the distinguished company of those chosen before me,” Irvin said.

The nomination application detailed many of the commissioner’s efforts to improve Georgia agriculture which led to changes on the regional and national levels and impacted world opinion of U.S. agriculture.  Irvin initiated an agriculture international trade division in the Georgia Department of Agriculture, an effort that has put Georgia products on menus throughout the world.  In addition to the expansion of markets for Georgia’s agricultural products, Irvin’s aggressive programs to eradicate and control animal diseases and plant pests helped to stabilize the economic climate and establish a quality benchmark for the state’s products.

Irvin has given more than 54 years in public service, more than 41 as the state’s agriculture commissioner.  He plans to retire at the end of this term at the beginning of 2011.

The Georgia Farm Bureau paid tribute to Irvin at its December annual meeting with a video about his career and life highlighting many of his agricultural accomplishments.  (Contact: Jackie Sosby, 404-656-3689)

MD: HORTICULTURE SURVEY RESULTS RELEASED FOR MARYLAND
Published: January 19, 2010

The results of the most comprehensive survey of the Maryland horticulture industry to date reveal an industry with nearly $2 billion in gross receipts occupying 20,900 acres, including 19 million square feet of greenhouse space, and employing more than 18,500 people with wages totaling $451 million.  Supporting the movement toward “buying locally,” the survey also indicated a shift toward the purchase of plants from Maryland nurseries rather than importation of plant material from other states and countries.  The statistical profile and economic survey, which queried 1,140 licensed nursery operations for 2007 business information with a 72 percent response rate, was officially released on January 6 at the Mid-Atlantic Nursery Trade Show in Baltimore.  The last industry survey was conducted in 2003.

“The results of this survey show that horticulture is a strong, dynamic and growing agricultural industry with a long history in Maryland that continues to be very important to our State’s economy, employment and land base,” said Agriculture Secretary Buddy Hance.  “Those making policy, lending, land use and other business choices can use this information to make informed decisions that ensure a smart, green and growing future for Maryland.

On Wednesday, I visited the MANTS show in Baltimore with Deputy Secretary Mary Ellen Setting. Nursery growers told us how they were adapting to changes in the economy and how important buying locally is to their bottom line.  This survey showed that in 2007 they were ahead of the current movement.”

"I believe these results underscore the importance of Maryland's collective allied horticulture businesses and what they mean to the State," said Vanessa Finney, Executive Director of the Maryland Nursery and Landscape Association.

While Central Maryland led the State in the value of horticulture sales and services ($740.5 million), the horticulture industry is important to all geographic regions.  Regionally, Southern Maryland ($196.7 million), the Upper Eastern Shore ($120.2 million), Lower Eastern Shore ($42.9 million) and Western Maryland ($8.9 million) followed in value of sales and services.

The 2007 survey identified a shift by Maryland horticulture businesses toward sourcing locally-grown plant material rather than importing from other states or countries, creating greater economic impact and a smaller environmental footprint by the industry.  About 33 percent of the Maryland nursery crop was grown from start to finish and sold directly from the farm.  Approximately 37 percent of the crop was purchased directly from another Maryland nursery, an increase of 72 percent from the 2003 survey. Further supporting this shift, the 306 nurseries that reported shipping plant material said most was shipped within the state with the remainder being sent primarily to the Eastern or Southern United States.

Regarding tenure of nursery operations, the survey found that close to 75 percent of the nursery operations are family owned and operated. The average Maryland nursery has been in business for more than 25 years with the oldest family operation being 150 years old. 

The survey, which was conducted by the Maryland office of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service for the Maryland Nursery and Landscape Association, is the first survey of the industry since 2003. Both the 2003 and the 2007 reports are available online at www.mnlaonline.com/home.html.  (Contact: Sue duPont, 410-841-5889)

WI: CARRYING OUT NEW DOG PROTECTION LAW IS TOPIC FOR COMMITTEE NOW FORMING
Published: January 19, 2010

Groups that work with dogs can now nominate members to an advisory committee that will recommend rules to carry out a new law regulating dog breeders and animal shelters in Wisconsin.

The Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection received the regulatory authority under a law passed and signed late last year. The 12-member advisory committee will recommend provisions for administrative rules that will actually put the law into practice, including standards of care for dogs and facility standards.

Members must be nominated by an organization involved in working with dogs; individuals who nominate themselves will not be considered. Members must be people who will be licensed under the new law, but must speak for their organization as a whole rather than their individual interests.

The advisory committee membership will include retail dog sellers, breeders who sell dogs either wholesale or retail, sporting groups, humane societies, animal control facilities and breed rescue groups.

The Department has mailed letters to dog clubs, animal shelters, sporting groups, breed organizations and others that would be eligible to nominate members. Groups that have not been contacted can call 608-224-4872 or email DATCPanimals@wi.govto receive nomination materials. Nominations are due by Feb. 10.

“This group will meet about once a month from March through December, and we need members who can commit to be at all of those meetings.  We’ll take the committee’s recommendations under advisement as we draft our rules,” said Dr. Yvonne Bellay, the Department’s veterinarian for humane issues. “We need to emphasize that this is not an opportunity to debate the law itself, or to recommend changes to the law’s provisions. All we are discussing at this stage is specific standards that breeders and facilities will need to meet in order to get and keep licenses.”

Public hearings on the proposed rules will be held in the spring of 2011, and the law will take effect June 1, 2011.

The new law requires licensing and inspection for breeders, retailers, shelters and pounds that sell or transfer at least 25 dogs a year. Breeders are exempt if they sell dogs from three or fewer litters in a year. The law also requires that puppies be at least 7 weeks old and certified by a veterinarian before sale. The rules are to set standards for housing, feeding, watering and exercise for the dogs in these facilities. License fees range from $125 to $1,000 a year, depending on the type of operation. Fees will pay for inspectors, compliance, veterinary, and clerical employees to run the program.  (Contact: Donna Gilson, 608-224-5130)

VA: VIRGINIA SPECIALTY FOOD EDUCATION CONFERENCE UPCOMING
Published: January 19, 2010

In this day of inter-connectedness, farmers and food producers are no exception. They Tweet, Digg, Link, post, browse and purchase online like everyone else. On March 22 - 23, they will have a chance to hone their digital as well as their food-producing skills at the 2010 Virginia Specialty Food Educational Conference. 

The conference, which takes place at the Omni Richmond, will feature several key workshops to help Virginia entrepreneurs not only grow their business but also capitalize on marketing in a virtual world. “We have produced a Specialty Food Educational Conference for years,” said Todd P. Haymore, Commissioner of the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS), “but this is our most ambitious foray yet into the virtual world. Sessions range from updates on food safety to trends in specialty marketing. One session I don’t want to miss is Brain Food – set in a Speed Dating atmosphere where new companies will each have five minutes to grill the veterans. When the buzzer rings, they move on to the next seat for a different series of questions.”

The conference begins with a networking breakfast at 8 a.m. March 22. Monday’s keynote speaker is Barbara Lang, once described as a mix between Betty Crocker and Bette Midler with a Master’s Degree in Food Marketing. Lang, whose resume includes restaurant and specialty food consultant, restaurant co-owner, culinary director for a Napa Valley winery and a 17-year career as a lecturer at Cornell’s School of Hotel Administration, is a popular public speaker who believes in the power of telling a compelling story and fulfilling the needs of a targeted audience. Other conference topics include:  trends in specialty food retailing with buyers from major retailers, food safety, social media and social networking, using global positioning system so buyers can find you, pricing your product, distribution 101, how to expand into the government market, and a critical review of the state of Virginia’s specialty food industry.

For more information and to register, visit http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/vafinest/highlights.shtml.  (Contact: Elaine J. Lidholm, 804-786-7686)

WI: NILSESTUEN APPOINTS PANEL TO CONSIDER RAW MILK ISSUE
Published: January 19, 2010

Secretary Rod Nilsestuen announced today that he is convening a raw milk working group to consider legal and regulatory perspectives pertaining to the sale of unpasteurized milk directly to consumers, and consider what conditions would be required to protect public health.

 “In recent months, raw milk sales have been an increasingly contentious issue in Wisconsin and other states.  There is a clear demand among some consumers and a clear desire on the part of some producers to open this market.

But we also have a clear duty in the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection to protect public health, and the reputation of our vital dairy industry,” Nilsestuen said. “My goal in appointing this group is to recognize the many and varied interests within the milk production, manufacturing, and distribution system.”

Richard Barrows, a widely respected agricultural economist and retired Associate Dean of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at the University of Wisconsin – Madison, will chair the group. The committee also includes: large, mid-size and small dairy farmers, both organic and conventional; large and small cheese makers and dairy processors; dairy veterinarians; consumers; and food safety and public health professionals. (See attached list.)

Nilsestuen charged the group with conducting an open-minded review and discussion to decide whether raw milk sales should be allowed in Wisconsin, and if so, under what conditions. The Legislature will be advised of the committee’s recommendation. The group is expected to meet for the first time in the second half of February.

The group’s assignment will be to:

• Review the department’s statutory mission
• Examine current laws regulating dairy farms, milk and other dairy products, retail food sales, dairy product labeling, and the prohibition on selling raw milk to consumers
• Examine the current system of enforcing dairy regulations and consider public health needs
• Evaluate other states’ raw milk regulations
• Analyze ways that Wisconsin might allow sale of raw milk
• Recommend policy, program and/or regulatory recommendations related to retail sales of raw milk

 “We need farms of all sizes and shapes in Wisconsin. I strongly support opportunities for dairy producers to diversify and increase their income, and I strongly support consumer freedom of choice – but they must be informed consumers, and they must be informed producers,” Nilsestuen said.

Wisconsin law has required since 1957 that milk sold to consumers be pasteurized. Milk must go from farms to licensed dairy plants, and must meet strict quality standards even before pasteurization. Regardless of any action Wisconsin were to take, federal law would prohibit interstate sales of unpasteurized milk.

Pasteurization is a heating process that destroys potentially disease-causing organisms in milk, including E. coli 0157:H7, Campylobacter, Listeria monocytogenes, and Salmonella. Effects from these bacteria range from nausea and diarrhea to kidney failure, miscarriage and other serious health impacts.  (Contact: Donna Gilson 608-224-5130)

OK: CONFERENCE TO FOCUS ON PLASTICULTURE PRODUCTION, SMALL FARMERS
Published: January 19, 2010

A conference for small farmers interested in growing produce for farmers markets, local school lunch programs and direct marketing will be held February 13 in Oklahoma City.  Hosted by the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry, the conference will cover a variety of topics.

“Food safety and marketing will be featured as will production practices such as soil building and irrigation,” said Micah Anderson, ODAFF plasticulture coordinator.  “This is an excellent opportunity for producers to learn how to maximize their production and network with resource people and other producers.”

The food safety portion of the program will be important to producers who hope to market their commodities to local schools.  Anderson said coordinators from the agriculture department’s Farm to School program, Market News Service and the Plasticulture program are working together on the conference.

Registration by January 29 is $15 per person or $25 per couple.  After that, registration cost will increase to $25 per person and $45 per couple. Registration includes lunch and will be limited to 200 participants.

The conference will be held at the Bricktown Hotel and Convention Center at 2001 East Reno Ave. in Oklahoma City.  To register, call (405) 522-4330.  The full conference agenda will be posted on the Farm to School website next week at www.okfarmtoschool.com.  (Contact: Jack Carson, 405-522-4575)

KY: NEW FARMERS’ MARKET MANUAL NOW AVAILABLE
Published: January 19, 2010

The 2010 Kentucky Farmers’ Market Manual has new and updated information to help markets and vendors make the most of their farmers’ market experience.

“Farmers’ markets give consumers a place to buy farm-fresh produce, locally raised meat and many other items while providing producers a way to make more money on the farm,” Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer said. “Shoppers can meet the people who produce their food and develop a relationship with them. And they can keep their food dollars in their local communities.”

The new manual provides updated and more detailed information about the Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) program, which provides training for growing, transporting and handling produce to help producers offer consumers the safest, most wholesome produce possible. GAP is a partnership of the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture and the state Department for Public Health.

The manual also contains updated contact information for some services and other improvements in addition to features from the 2008-2009 manual. The manual provides information about the GAP and home processing programs, food sampling and cooking demonstration guidelines, recommendations on market rules, resources, and many other aspects of selling at a market or running a market.

To get the new farmers’ market manual, go to www.kyagr.com , click on Programs and click on Farmers’ Markets.

Kentucky had 137 farmers’ markets and some 2,000 vendors in 2009.

The rains that helped crop farmers enjoy maximum yields in 2009 led to a poor year for many market farmers, according to Deborah Lucas Angel, president of the Kentucky Farmers’ Market Association. Rain, cool temperatures and lack of sunshine through much of the growing season delayed ripening of tomatoes. Excess rainfall caused tomatoes to burst and kept growers out of their fields, Angel said. “For many of our farmers, this was a devastating year that was quick on the heels of a year of drought and another year of unseasonably cold temperatures early in the season,” Angel wrote in a letter to Commissioner Farmer late last year.  (Contact: Bill Clary, 502-564-1137)