NASDA News - November 1, 2011

NASDA Presses Congress on Farm Bill Priorities as Ag Committee Leaders Finalize Proposal
Published: November 01, 2011

As the Chairs and Ranking Members of the House and Senate Agriculture Committees reportedly finalize a Farm Bill reauthorization proposal to submit to the Super Committee this week--and trim $23 billion from Farm Bill programs in the process--NASDA President Bill Northey articulated NASDA's Farm Bill priorities in a letter sent to Agriculture Committee leaders last week. 

Among the priorities articulated in NASDA's letter are: maintaining the Specialty Crop Block Grant program, funding and enhanced coordination for invasive species programs, investments in locally driven and flexible conservation programs, and funding for the Market Access Program (MAP). (Contact: Nathan Bowen)
 

Senate Misses Deadline, 6th Circuit Pesticide Permit Ruling Goes into Effect
Published: November 01, 2011

EPA published its final NPDES permit for aquatic pesticide applications yesterday as the 6th Circuit's ruling in National Cotton Council v. EPA took effect.  In releasing the permit, EPA announced that "while the permit requirements must be met as of October 31st, Operators will be covered automatically under the PGP without submitting a Notice of Intent (NOI) for any discharges before January 12, 2012."  Even though EPA has announced it will delay enforcement of the NOI requirements until January in the jurisdictions for which it will issue permits, this may not necessarily apply to all states with delegated permit authority.  Meanwhile, the Senate was unable to pass either a two year moratorium or the permanent fix, H.R. 872, which cleared the House earlier this year on a bipartisan vote. 
 

Veneman Joins National 4-H Council Board of Trustees
Published: November 01, 2011

The National 4-H Council announced the addition of Ann Veneman, former Secretary of Agriculture and former NASDA Member, to its Board of Trustees.  While Secretary at USDA from 2001 to 2005, Veneman advanced an expanded trade agenda, food protection, progressive farm policy, rural development, responsible forest policy, and stronger nutrition programs. 

From 1986 to 1993, she served in various positions in the USDA, including Deputy Secretary, Deputy Undersecretary for International Affairs, and Associate Administrator of the Foreign Agricultural Service.  Veneman served as Secretary of the California Department of Food and Agriculture from 1995 to 1999, overseeing the state agency responsible for nation's largest agricultural producing region.  In 2009 she was named to the Forbes 100 Most Powerful Women list, ranking 46th.

"It is an honor to serve on the board of such a widely respected organization that does so much to advance youth leadership and citizenship," said Veneman.  "As a 4-H member growing up in California I understand the importance of youth development programs."  For more information, click here.
 

New Jersey: Joining Forces to Provide Fresh Foods for Others
Published: November 01, 2011

The New Jersey Department of Agriculture and Department of Community Affairs (DCA) announced they are joining forces to provide fresh produce for five major food banks in the state. The two departments are pushing the 'Jersey Fresh' fruits and vegetables with more than $147,000 in federal funding. The funding is made available through the DCA Division of Housing and Community Resources' administration of the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG), a federal, anti-poverty block grant which funds the operations of a state-administered network of local agencies.

"Our partnership with the Department of Community Affairs helps to fulfill the mission of the Department of Agriculture to feed the hungry of our state with wholesome, nutritious foods," said the Department of Agriculture Secretary Fisher. "Every citizen deserves to have access to Jersey Fresh fruits and vegetables and the CSBG funding will increase the availability of these products, grown locally by New Jersey farmers, at the 793 food pantries, soup kitchens and homeless shelters around the state."  For more information, click here.
 

Oregon: Gypsy Moth Numbers Decline
Published: November 01, 2011

Gypsy moths wreak havoc on tree populations throughout the forests nationwide, but the Oregon Department of Agriculture's Insect Pest Prevention and Management Program said that its numbers are down. Oregon uses a trapping method to observe the population of moths so the management can properly control the pest. After years of work treating infested areas, the program released their findings for this year: zero gypsy moths.

"Gypsy moth is still an important invasive species we have to control and, in the western states, eradicate when we find it because of the impact this species has on our natural resources," says Helmuth Rogg, manager of the Oregon Department of Agriculture's Insect Pest Prevention and Management Program. "It's great news that we didn't find any this year, but gypsy moth is still worth fighting against and keeping out of Oregon."  For more information, click here.
 

Washington: Department of Agriculture Assists in Increasing Export Sales
Published: November 01, 2011

Washington State reported record Fiscal Year 2011 sales of $241.3 million from state export assistance, the Washington State Department of Agriculture(WSDA)  and Department of Commerce announced. Both agencies are encouraging more businesses to consider export strategies.

"Agriculture exports have remained a bright spot in Washington's economy for the last several years," said Washington Director of Agriculture Dan Newhouse. "The value of crops and livestock produced, food processing employment and exports of farm products have all been strong. Innovative Washington growers will continue to feed the world and with WSDA's help, more farms and food businesses will join the ranks of our successful exporters."  For more information, click here.