NASDA News - March 9, 2010

NASDA TELLS EPA TO TRY AGAIN ON SPRAY DRIFT RULES
Published: March 09, 2010

In comments submitted to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) last week, NASDA urged the agency to revisit provisions of its recently released draft guidance for spray drift.  For a number of years state regulators have worked with EPA to improve labeling statements to address off-target pesticide drift.  State regulators have emphasized their need and desire for clear and enforceable labels.  NASDA and a wide range of other agricultural organizations, however, have expressed serious concerns with the proposal from EPA. 

NASDA’s comments to EPA emphasized that the agency’s proposal would require vague language on pesticide labels such as “could cause harm.”  Instead of providing clarity, EPA’s directives in the draft guidance could further muddle the waters and lead to significant litigation against state regulators and pesticide users. 

NASDA’s comments also centered on the concerns state departments of agriculture have on the impacts the draft guidance would have on the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA).  Specifically, the guidance would erode the well established risk-benefit standard EPA uses to evaluate pesticide products, and replace it with a standard by which pesticides would be regulated on the basis of whether the products could cause harm.     

“We are very concerned that EPA’s guidance represents a radical policy shift on pesticide regulation and could pose significant problems for state regulators and pesticide applicators,” said NASDA Executive Director Stephen Haterius.  “EPA should go back to the drawing board and work closely with state regulators, pesticide users, and the registrant community to develop a proposal that provides clarity and enforceability without undermining FIFRA.”     

NASDA members in nearly every state are the state lead agencies with primacy for administering, implementing and enforcing the laws regulating the production, labeling, distribution, sale, use and disposal of pesticides under FIFRA.  (Contact: Nathan Bowen)

KEY SENATE DEMOCRAT OFFERS BILL TO DELAY EPA CLIMATE EFFORTS
Published: March 09, 2010

Last week, Sen. Jay Rockefeller (D-W.Va) introduced legislation, the Stationary Source Regulations Delay Act, to impose a two year moratorium on the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) efforts to regulate greenhouse gases (GHG) from stationary sources.  This bill would still allow for the agency to move forward with their GHG-related efforts with motor vehicle emissions.  Rep. Nick Rahall (D-W.Va) has since introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives.  By suspending further actions by the EPA on stationary sources, proponents believe there will be sufficient time for Congress to adequately address the issue. 

In related news, House Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin Peterson (D-Minn.) and House Armed Services Committee Chairman Ike Skelton (D-Mo.) introduced legislation to halt the EPA’s GHG efforts, similar to the resolution of disapproval introduced by Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) earlier this year.  In prepared remarks to the National Press Club yesterday, EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson reacted to these recent legislative efforts, “Most drastically, we are seeing efforts to further delay EPA action to reduce greenhouse gases. This is happening despite the overwhelming science on the dangers of climate change…despite the Supreme Court’s 2007 decision that EPA must use the Clean Air Act to reduce the proven threat of greenhouse gases…and despite the fact that leaving this problem for our children to solve is an act of breathtaking negligence.” (Contact: David Hickey)

BRAZIL ANNOUNCES RETALIATORY TARIFFS ON 102 U.S. PRODUCTS
Published: March 09, 2010

On Monday, Brazil announced its intention to impose tariffs on 102 U.S. products. The import duty on raw cotton is raised from 6 percent to 100 percent.  Grapes, cherries, potatoes, wheat and tomato products are also among the products listed.  The U.S. grape, cherry and potato industries have already been severely impacted by the Mexican tariffs imposed after Congress eliminated the NAFTA Mexican Trucking Program.

In a statement released yesterday afternoon, U.S. Trade Representative spokeswoman Nefeterius McPherson said, "We are disappointed to learn that Brazil's authorities have decided to proceed with countermeasures against U.S. trade in the WTO Cotton dispute.  [The] USTR is working to reach a solution to the issues in this dispute without Brazil resorting to countermeasures and we continue to prefer a negotiated solution."  (Contact: Amy Mann)

NEASDA MEMBERS SEEK USDA ATTENTION TO FARM LOAN NEEDS
Published: March 09, 2010

In a letter to Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, members of the Northeast Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NEASDA), a regional association of NASDA members from Northeastern states, encouraged aggressive action to provide critical access to credit for farmers in 2010, especially in the form of loan guarantees and direct loans.  Even though the members are confident farmers will be served by the Farm Credit associations, commercial banks and other lenders, it is highly likely their difficult financial positions will lead them to rely on the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) for loan guarantees and direct loans. 

NEASDA members also expressed concern over certain FSA ownership eligibility requirements that are subsequently limiting program usage.  According to the letter:

 “It is our understanding that farms that are organized with both and operating Limited Liability Company (LLC) and an ownership LLC are not eligible for FSA loan guarantees.  Similar restrictions apply for operations that are owned by a family trust.  There are many reasons for differing farm ownership structures, including facilitating transfer of the farm from one generation to the next.  These types of FSA restrictions can reduce overall program effectiveness and USDA’s ability to support individual farm operations.  We urge USDA to make eligible all farm operations for FSA loan programs regardless of business structure.”

NEASDA members represent the following Northeastern states: Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Vermont.  (Contact: David Hickey)

USDA PREPARES UNDERSERVED YOUTH FOR GREEN ECONOMY
Published: March 09, 2010

USDAs Forest Service Job Corps Civilian Conservation Centers (CCCs) are taking a new direction to train students to work in a greener economy. The CCC offers opportunities for underserved youth to acquire training to compete for jobs in industries such as carpentry, natural resources, health care, and culinary arts. By incorporating green aspects into these fields, graduates will be better equipped to contend for jobs in the changing economy.

Though healthier lifestyles and a cleaner environment are key factors in expanding the green economy, there is also economic concern that the US is lagging behind other countries’ development of green industries. Countries such as China, India, and Germany have already launched a number of green initiatives that are changing the face of their economies. “Green jobs are an extremely important part of rebuilding the American economy,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. Because of the new direction, “generations of Job Corps graduates will make our nation healthier, more energy-independent and our public lands more resilient to the effects of climate change.” With these green initiatives come new jobs, and the need for deeper understanding of this new venue. 

The Forest Service CCC’s has provided underserved youth vocational training for 45 years. USDA operates 28 programs across 18 states with a capacity of 6,200 students. Six additional agencies support this new effort of the USDA. “This training program will prepare students to contribute to the green economy by building energy-efficient homes, renewable energy plants, and enhancing our natural resources,” stated Harris Sherman, Under Secretary for National Resources and Environment at USDA. “Job Corps graduates can do these jobs and revitalize local economies in rural communities across America.” (By: Julie Adams, Contact: David Hickey)

LEGISLATIVE AND REGULATORY BRIEFS
Published: March 09, 2010

Federal FY2011 Budget: United behind Chairman Collin Peterson (D-Minn.) and Ranking Member Frank Lucas (R-Okla.), the House Agriculture Committee rejected many of the fiscal year 2011 budget recommendations by President Barack Obama.  The panel sent a letter, as directed by law, to the House Budget Committee encouraging Budget Committee members to maintain funding at current levels and to not open up the farm bill.  The letter to the House Budget Committee is available online.  (Contact: Farm Policy)

Crop insurance deadline approaching: According to USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA), the closing date for producers to sign up for crop insurance is next Monday, Mar. 15.  Now more than ever, crop insurance is critical as it is required to be eligible for USDA disaster assistance programs, including the Supplemental Revenue Assistance Program (SURE).  For a complete list of crops covered under this deadline, please visit the RMA’s website.  Additional information on crop insurance options and disaster assistance programs, including the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP), please visit FSA’s website or contact your local FSA office. (Contact: David Hickey)

Direct and Counter-cyclical Payments:  Producers with upland cotton and peanut base acres enrolled in USDA's Direct and Counter-cyclical Payment (DCP) program will be receiving partial 2009-crop counter-cyclical payments, according to a USDA press release.  After 180 days of the marketing year, certain producers may be eligible to receive an amount up to 40 percent of the projected counter-cyclical rate, which is an amount equal to the difference between the target price, as determined by the 2008 Farm Bill, and the effective price, calculated by the average market price plus the direct payment rate. USDA also announced that they will not issue final 2008-crop counter-cyclical payments for long grain rice and short and medium grain rice. For additional information on the DCP program, including details regarding the prices and rates, please visit the FSA DCP website, or visit your local FSA office. (Contact: David Hickey)

MD: MDA RAMPS UP EMERALD ASH BORER SURVEY ACTIVITIES WITH 4,000 SURVEY TRAPS
Published: March 09, 2010

As part of a national survey for the emerald ash borer (EAB), the Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) will begin hanging 4,000 14" x 24" triangular purple insect traps in ash trees statewide, up from 2,500 last year. Surveys, which are continuous and ongoing, are crucial to understanding the emerald ash borer’s impact in Maryland and determining the best course of action.  This year, the battle to stop the spread of the emerald ash borer will include more intensive surveys in Western Maryland and on the Eastern Shore. Additionally, MDA will use systemic insecticides to treat selected trees in and around the known infested area and release three biocontrol agents (beneficial wasps) at selected sites. 

The highest density of purple traps will be in the area where emerald ash borer has been found between the Washington beltway and Route 4 in Prince George’s County and Routes 6 and 225 in Charles County. Surveyors will place at least one trap per 1.5 square miles across the rest of Maryland targeting high risk areas such as campgrounds and urban areas. The purple traps, which are sticky and baited with a compound that simulates a distressed ash tree, are designed to attract the destructive emerald ash borer, should it be present. Residents should not be concerned if they see the traps and should not disturb them.  MDA will place some traps on private property. All traps should be in the trees through August and will be checked every two weeks.

“Our challenge is to keep the emerald ash borer from spreading so we hope we don’t find any in these traps. As new tools have become available, we are modifying our strategy,” said Agriculture Buddy Hance.  “Since the insect can travel easily on firewood that might be moved from Prince George’s or Charles counties and other states where it has been introduced – including Pennsylvania and West Virginia – we are trapping along travel routes. In addition we are encouraging campers, hunters, anglers and other outdoor enthusiasts to buy their firewood at their destination rather than take it with them.”

MDA and its partners will continue to resurvey the ash free zone to ensure that all ash has been removed.  If ash trees are found they will be removed or treated. This includes the areas added in 2008, most notably the area that spans Prince George’s and Charles counties.

The emerald ash borer was transported to Prince George’s County, Maryland on an illegal shipment of ash trees from Michigan in 2003.  Thousands of ash trees have been destroyed in Prince George’s and Charles counties to eradicate the problem. The insect, an exotic pest from Asia, feeds on and kills ash trees in one to three years after infestation.

The presence of the emerald ash borer typically goes undetected until the trees show symptoms of being infested – usually the upper third of a tree will thin and then die back. This is usually followed by a large number of shoots or branches arising below the dead portions of the trunk. Other symptoms of infestation include: D-shaped exit holes in the bark where adults emerge, vertical splits in the bark, and distinct serpentine-shaped tunnels beneath the bark in the cambium, where larvae effectively stop food and water movement in the tree, starving it to death.  The only way to eliminate the emerald ash borer is to cut down its food source - ash trees, but chemical and biological control tools, and public awareness, can help to stop its spread. (Contact: Sue duPont, 410-841-5889)

VA: VIRGINIA BREAKS RECORD FOR AGRICULTURAL EXPORTS IN 2009
Published: March 09, 2010

Governor Bob McDonnell announced today a continued increase in agricultural exports from Virginia. The Governor made the announcement during his remarks at the 2nd International Virginia Agricultural Trade Conference in Norfolk. The Commonwealth exported a record $2.3 billion in agricultural products in 2009, a five percent increase from 2008, and a 28% increase over the last two years.  This increase comes despite distressed economic conditions worldwide and in the midst of an overall national decrease in agricultural exports.

Last year’s figures top the previous record of $2.2 billion in exports set in 2008.  The 2008 figures were an increase from 2007’s $1.8 billion in exports. 

Speaking about today’s announcement, Governor McDonnell remarked, “Agriculture is Virginia’s number one industry and absolutely critical to our economic vitality.  Increased exports mean more jobs and economic growth in Virginia.  In two years, during the worst economic conditions in decades, Virginia’s agricultural exports grew by half a billion dollars.  As Virginia’s overseas markets continue to grow, our farmers and agribusinesses will continue to create new jobs and retain existing ones.  In today’s economy, that is absolutely crucial.”

Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Haymore commented, “Today’s news is a testament to our hard working farmers and producers who are producing some of the world’s finest products.  It’s also a tribute to our outstanding processors and manufacturers, our strategic mid-Atlantic location, and our world-class port system, which allows for our agricultural products to move quickly and efficiently into the global marketplace.”

Virginia’s success breaks with national export trends.  While overall agricultural exports from the United States are down 14 percent, Virginia agricultural exports grew by $100 million in 2009.  Virginia’s growth put the Commonwealth in the top ten nationally of agricultural exporting states, ranking the state ninth in 2009, up from 11th in 2008.

The International Agricultural Trade Conference was hosted by the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation, Virginia Port Authority, Virginia Tech, and the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.   The conference was designed to explore the challenges and opportunities for expanded exports of local, regional, and national agricultural goods. (Contact: Elaine Lidholm, Elaine.Lidholm@VDACS.Virginia.Gov)

PA: AG SECRETARY OFFERS TIPS TO HELP CONSUMERS ‘GET WHAT THEY PAY FOR’
Published: March 09, 2010

Agriculture Secretary Russell C. Redding today offered tips to help Pennsylvania consumers get full value for their dollar whenever they purchase items sold by weight or volume.

“Nearly all of the products we buy are sold according to weight, volume, length, count or measure,” Redding said. “To ensure fairness in the marketplace, state and local weights and measures officials work to help consumers, businesses and manufacturers get exactly what they pay for. Understanding what to look for when purchasing goods can help you to save money.”

Redding suggested the following tips for consumers:

• Always look for an up-to-date inspection approval seal on measuring devices, including fuel pumps and scales.
• Check that the device is set to zero before measuring anything.
• Pay only for the measured amount of product, not the packaging.
• Check your receipt to ensure the amount billed is the amount received.

Redding also suggested consumers download the “Getting What You Pay For” guide by visiting www.agriculture.state.pa.us, clicking “Publications” and selecting that publication name from the drop-down menu.

The commonwealth inspects scales that weigh everything from small-retail purchases to large-capacity trucks, truck-mounted fuel oil meters, liquid-petroleum gas meters, retail fuel pumps, and scanning systems in 49 counties, while 18 counties inspect their own devices. (Contact: Nicole L. C. Bucher, 717-787-5085)

NY: COMMISSIONER ASKS USDA TO CONSIDER CLASS I FLOOR FOR MILK PRICES
Published: March 09, 2010

New York State Agriculture Commissioner Patrick Hooker recently wrote to USDA Secretary Thomas Vilsack encouraging him to consider the benefits of establishing a national floor for the Class I prices.   By doing so, Class I prices for fluid milk would ultimately be de-coupled from manufactured classes of milk, which are typically lower and drive down the price farmers receive for their product as a whole. 

“I am writing to add our voice to those you heard in New England in saying our current system is outdated,” the Commissioner said.  “In fact, the current system devalues fresh, locally produced milk by directly connecting its price to the value of manufactured products, which primarily compete in a national and international market.”

If implemented immediately and at the suggested level of $18.50, establishing a Class I floor could help ensure farmers a reasonable and more stable milk price that more fairly reflects the higher costs of production and distribution of fluid milk.  In New York, that could mean an extra $15.5 million per month for dairy farmers and the potential of $465 million annually for the upstate economy when one includes the economic multiplier effect of milk production in New York State. 

The Commissioner added, “While it may be challenging to sift through the many options and diverse opinions from the dairy industry, the fact remains that doing nothing is in fact a choice – and one that will have potentially disastrous consequences on the nation’s dairy farmers.  I ask you to consider establishing a floor for the price of fluid milk immediately in order to ensure a fresh local food supply for our consumers at home, and appropriately compensate those farmers who produce it.”

Class I fluid milk is the most perishable of all dairy products and one that is usually consumed within a couple hundred miles of where it was produced and within several days of when it was processed.  As an essential staple for most households, it is one of the least price sensitive dairy products on the market and offers the greatest potential for a stable pricing base for milk. 

New York belongs to a region that produces more than 20 percent of the nation’s total milk supply.  The northeast, consisting of New England, New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania, also has the highest Class I utilization by volume and, outside of the southeast region of the country, the highest rate of Class I utilization.  This means northeast farmers are subject to greater production, balancing and transportation costs to fulfill urban fluid markets than farmers in other parts of the country whose milk primarily goes directly to manufacturing plants.

 The dairy price collapse of 2009 was one of the worst in decades, resulting in unprecedented losses for producers.  In New York, the average blend price for the year was $12.26 per hundredweight, down from $17.87 in 2008, and well below the cost of production.  As a result, many dairy farmers incurred losses of around $5.50 per hundredweight which translates into about $100 per cow per month.  For an average size dairy farm in New York, approximately 100 cows, the monthly loss was $10,000 per month. 

Based on our analysis for the January – September 2009 period, flooring the Class I mover at $18.50 per hundredweight, would have resulted in a blend price of about $14.91.  This would have increased the price paid to producers $3.34 per hundredweight during this period.  While not enough to break even, it would have dramatically lessened the impact of the overall milk price decline and consumers would have avoided price fluctuations experienced at the marketplace.

The economic impact of New York’s dairy industry is over $10 billion in New York State, and $50 billion regionally.  New York has 6,200 dairy farmers with an average herd size of about 100 cows.  Studies have shown that one dairy cow generates around $15,000 in economic activity that is typically spent locally benefiting feed suppliers, equipment dealers, and small businesses in upstate, rural communities. (Contact: Jessica Chittenden Ziehm, 518-457-3136)   

WI: MORE THAN 200,000 ACRES PROPOSED FOR AGRICULTURAL ENTERPRISE AREA
Published: March 09, 2010

Groups of farmers and local governments have proposed that more than 200,000 acres be considered for designation as Agricultural Enterprise Areas (AEA), contiguous blocks of mainly agricultural land that are targeted for agricultural preservation and agricultural development by the local community.

“Agricultural Enterprise Areas are part of Wisconsin’s Working Lands Initiative and provide a unique way to identify areas that will remain in agriculture which in turn slows the loss of farmland,” said Secretary Rod Nilsestuen, Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection. “An AEA designation can encourage future agricultural development in areas that have support from the local community which can lead to economic development.”

In response to the first-ever call for petitions, the department received twelve requests for designation totaling 222,000 acres. More than 150 landowners, 25 city and town governments and 11 county governments signed the petitions submitted for consideration. The 12 petitions were received from Bayfield, Chippewa, Dane, Dodge, Jefferson, Langlade, Polk, Rock, St. Croix, Shawano and Waukesha counties.

“The petition process required landowners to talk with one another and to work with their local government to discuss plans and future goals for their area. We’ve heard from several farmers that was a valuable part of the process,” Nilsestuen said.

Nilsestuen further explained that some of the petitions would incorporate some twists on traditional agriculture.

“Several of the petitions include a focus on renewable energy or energy conservation while other petitions are making a connection to local foods with community supported agriculture and organic production,” Nilsestuen said. “Another petition is looking to increase vegetable production to support the local food processing industry.”

Once an area is officially designated as an AEA, eligible farmers owning land within the AEA may enter into a farmland preservation agreement with the state. This enables the landowners to receive tax credits in exchange for agreeing to keep their farm in agricultural use for at least 15 years.

“A team will spend the next few months evaluating the petitions and the AEAs selected for designation will be announced by June 11, 2010,” Nilsestuen said.

The state may designate a maximum of 15 AEAs or 200,000 acres by January 1, 2012 and one million acres statewide after January 1, 2012. 

After the successful petitions are chosen the area must be officially designated through Wisconsin’s rulemaking process. DATCP is authorized to follow an expedited process so the designation will go into effect January 1 of the following year. 

“Wisconsin agriculture is made of many types and sizes of farms and the petitions reflect some of that diversity,” Nilsestuen said. “With the AEAs in place, the landowners can feel secure knowing that the surrounding land will remain in agriculture and ag-related businesses can more confidently locate near their clients.” (Contact: Jane Larson, 608-224-5005)

MN: MDA GRANT PROGRAM PROMOTES SUSTAINABLE FARMING IDEAS AND INNOVATIONS
Published: March 09, 2010

Minnesota farmers have an unexpected opportunity to apply for funds that will help them research and demonstrate ways to improve resource efficiencies on their farms.  The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) Sustainable Agriculture Demonstration Grant Program is announcing a second call for grant proposals that target soil fertility, conservation tillage and energy. 

“Farmers are full of good ideas they want to try.  From grazing livestock to extending the fruit and vegetable growing season, many Minnesota farmers and researchers have turned their ideas into viable production practices with the help of this grant program over the past 20 years,” said Agriculture Commissioner Gene Hugoson.

Up to $30,000 is available for projects that promote environmental stewardship and conservation of resources as well as improve profitability and quality of life on farms and in rural areas. Three year grant proposals requesting $8,000 or less will receive top consideration.  The grant review panel requested MDA issue this second call for proposals to encourage more applications that pertain to cropping systems and soil and energy issues. (Contact: Margaret Hart, margaret.hart@state.mn.us)

LA: AG OUTREACH 2010 IN FULL SWING
Published: March 09, 2010

Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain, D.V.M., says he has hosted two open houses in north Louisiana and is very pleased with the turnout.

“We’ve had Ag Outreach sessions in Monroe and Haughton and the response has been great,” Strain said. “The public is interested in the mission of the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF) and we welcome their questions and input.”

Strain said the open houses, dubbed Ag Outreach 2010, are designed to educate the public and decision makers on the needs of agriculture and rural economic development and how the LDAF can play a role in addressing those needs.

 “Louisiana agriculture and forestry combined is a $30 billion a year business and considered one of the largest industries in the state,” Strain said. “We must be poised to take advantage of the demand for food and fiber that could double in the next 30 years. Louisiana has the resources in land and water to be at the forefront of the upcoming agricultural boom.”

Visual displays from each of the LDAF offices are set up at the meeting places and experts from each division are on hand to answer the public’s questions, Strain said.

“The LDAF is charged not only with protecting the state’s agricultural and forestry sector, but also a whole slate of consumer interests,” Strain said. “We have 34 weights and measures inspectors that check every one of the 64,000 retail gas pumps to make sure consumers are getting what they pay for.”

“We also check the accuracy of every commercial scale and grocery scanner in our supermarkets that add up your food bill. We regulate the pesticide and structural pest control industries.”

At the Ag Outreach session in Haughton, Skip Grillot, a logger from Springhill, asked Strain about improving marketing in the forestry sector.

“Right now, wood products are being looked at for use in the bio-fuels market,” Strain said. “We’re a green state. We’re producing agricultural and forestry products throughout the year and it will be extremely important to pursue economic development for our timber landowners and loggers in the renewable energy field.”

Leigh Lepinski, a quarterhorse and thoroughbred breeder from Shreveport was inquiring about fertilizing her equine pastures and received the information she needed at the open house.

Strain took the opportunity to recognize Daniel McFarland, an 11th grader from Caddo Parish Magnet High School.

McFarland, 17, was the recipient of the 2009 USA Rice Federation Scholarship grand prize. McFarland, of Keithville, earned a $4,000 scholarship for his “Rice… Anytime, Anyone, Anywhere” project. (Contact: Contact: Sam Irwin, 225-922-1256)

NC: NCDA&CS OFFERING COST-SHARE GRANTS FOR ON-FARM FOOD SAFETY EFFORTS
Published: March 09, 2010

Fruit and vegetable farmers can now apply for two cost-share grants offered through the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to assist with the costs of water analysis and independent certification of an operation’s good agricultural practices.

“Food safety remains a top priority for growers and consumers, and these grants will help food safety efforts on the farm,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “Farmers can apply for both grants, which will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.”

This is the second year for the Water Analysis Cost Share grant program, which will reimburse growers up to $200 for certified laboratory analysis of irrigation and packing house wash water for the presence of generic E.coli bacteria. Growers can be reimbursed for one water test or multiple tests throughout the year.

The department also offers the Good Agricultural Practices Certification Assistance Program, which covers up to $600 for independent audits of a farm’s GAP or good handling practices.

To be eligible, growers must have a third-party audit in 2010 from an approved government agency or company that verifies GAP or GHP efforts, and the grower must submit an application to participate in the program prior to the audit. The audit can be for farm review, field harvest and field packing activities, packing house facility, storage and transportation, and traceback.

 “GAP certification is becoming more and more important for marketing produce,” Troxler said. “Buyers are demanding assurances from growers that their produce is safe. It’s going to become more difficult for farmers to market their fruits and vegetables if they don’t have a program in place to make sure their produce is free of contamination.”(Contact: Scott Bissette, 919-733-7887)

DE: HEALTHIER KIDS, MORE SUCCESSFUL FARMERS – A HEALTHY ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP
Published: March 09, 2010

In one of his major policy initiatives to simultaneously promote healthy eating and help Delaware agriculture, Governor Jack Markell formalized a partnership among three agencies to connect Delaware farmers and its agricultural industry to Delaware schools and facilities.

Three agencies signed a Memorandum of Agreement: the Delaware Department of Agriculture, Department of Education and Department of Health and Social Services, confirmed a partnership to encourage healthy eating, healthy lifestyles, health education, consumption of local food products, and nutrition education.  The agreement will also lead to the establishment of school gardens and improve the nutritional value of food products consumed in public schools and facilities.

By incorporating locally grown food into purchasing, Delaware can connect the agriculture industry to 123,000 children that attend Delaware’s public schools.  That’s 22 million meals served over the 180-day school year.  Thirty-six percent of children and youth in Delaware are either overweight or at risk of being overweight.

By connecting the agricultural community to the state’s largest agency, DHSS, agriculture connects to residents of four long-term care facilities, the Delaware Psychiatric Center and other food programs and services.  

“This is one of those win-wins we are always striving for: creating business opportunities for our farm community while making it easier for kids in our schools and persons in our public facilities and food programs to access locally grown and healthy foods,” said Markell.  “My administration is focused on finding ways to help our industries thrive, keep people employed and employ even more Delawareans.”

Delaware has 2500 farmers and 200-300 of them are in the vegetable and fruit business.   Partnership opportunities exist in fresh, frozen, canned, and pickled products.

“I am more than pleased with today’s signing.  Our children will benefit and our farmers will benefit,” said Delaware Agriculture Secretary Ed Kee.  “I look at this as the first step.  We want to extend the program to all of our state facilities.  I also plan to work with our vegetable processors such as Vlasic, Pictsweet, Hanover, and the poultry processors to have them become part of the program in the future.” (Contact: Brian Selander, 302-252-7860)