NASDA News - January 24, 2012

NASDA Files Comments on Controversial CAFO Rule
Published: January 24, 2012

NASDA filed comments last week with EPA on its proposed Confined Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO) Reporting Rule.  The proposed rule stems from a settlement agreement between EPA and environmental groups, and would require CAFOs, regardless of whether the facilities discharge, to report information to EPA.  In its comments, NASDA took issue with the rule, citing biosecurity concerns and concerns that EPA was overstepping its authority under the Clean Water Act.  A copy of NASDA's comments is available here.  (Staff Contact: Nathan Bowen)
 

New Nutrition Standards for Meals Served in American Schools
Published: January 24, 2012

First Lady Michelle Obama will be joined tomorrow by Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, at a Virginia elementary school to announce the United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) new nutrition standards for school lunches. USDA is making the first considerable changes in school meals in over 15 years, which is a product of the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids act that President Obama approved last year. The new standards include ensuring kids are consuming more fruits and vegetables every day, increasing the availability of foods enriched with whole-grains, supplying cafeterias with low-calorie milk options and making sure kids are receiving correct portion sizes. For more information, click here. (By: Jacaselon Pickens; Staff Contact: Brad McKinney)
 

FDA's Food Safety Modernization Act
Published: January 24, 2012

As a result of the passage of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), the FDA has been focused on getting the foundational rules needed for the program published. The FDA has five foundational rules in the queue to be published. The rules will go through the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review, which is a routine part of the rule approval process.

The FSMA rules include a preventative control rule for human food facilities and animal feed facilities; a produce safety rule, which would set standards for growing practices on the farm; a foreign supplier verification proposed rule, which would ensure that foods offered for import are being produced under same standards; and a rule to establish an accredited third-party certification process.

Michael Taylor, the Deputy Commissioner for Food Programs at FDA, noted that FSMA recognizes the importance of the institutional issues between the states and FDA. He also mentioned that FSMA recognizes the need to define and support state capacity, so FDA can leverage state resources. He recognizes that an ongoing challenge will be the procurement of additional resources. For more information, click here. (Staff Contact: Bob Ehart)
 

FSIS Proposes Changes to Meat and Poultry Inspection Requirements to Allow for Electronic Export Certification
Published: January 24, 2012

The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is proposing to amend the meat and poultry inspection regulations to provide for an electronic export application and certification system.  The system will be a component of the agency's Public Health Information System (PHIS) and will serve as an alternative to the paper-based application and certification process.  Users of the proposed system will be charged for the service. The fee will be published in the Federal Register on an annual basis. 

In addition, FSIS is proposing to provide flexibility in the requirements for official export inspection marks, devices and certificates, and is also proposing to amend the egg product export regulations that parallel the meat and poultry product export regulations. Comments will be accepted on or before March 23, 2012. For more information, click here.  (Staff Contact: Bob Ehart)
 

Florida: Commissioner Putnam Outlines Recommendations for Florida Energy Policy
Published: January 24, 2012

Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam outlined today his recommendations for the House Subcommittee on Energy and Utilities to consider for this session's energy package, which included tax incentives, direction for the Public Service Commission (PSC) and efforts to streamline processes on renewable energy businesses.

"The objective of Florida's energy policy should be to secure a stable, reliable and diverse supply of energy," said Commissioner Putnam. "We must create a climate that encourages new industry, encourages job creation and encourages the expansion of existing industries and existing technologies. My recommendations are designed to 1) increase diversity in Florida's energy portfolio, 2) advance renewable energy production, 3) encourage the development of home-grown technologies and 4) promote energy efficiency." For more information, click here.
 

Georgia: Department of Agriculture to Highlight Poultry Production and Exports
Published: January 24, 2012

The Georgia Department of Agriculture will be an exhibitor at the upcoming International Poultry Expo in Atlanta. With food and fiber production serving as a key component of Georgia's economy, poultry is a vital part of the state's success in agriculture. In 2011, U.S poultry exports jumped 19 percent and Georgia ports shipped out more poultry than any other state in the nation.

"This Expo event is an opportunity for Georgia to showcase one of our top agricultural products," said Agriculture Commissioner Gary W. Black. "Broilers make up the No. 1 commodity in our state, with a farm gate value of more than $4 billion. This growth illustrates the importance and the strength of our poultry farmers here in Georgia. It also shows that our state is a vital component to our nation's exports." For more information, click here.
 

North Dakota: Listening Sessions Slated on Specialty Crop Grants
Published: January 24, 2012

Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring has scheduled two listening sessions to gather public comment on priorities for the 2012 USDA Specialty Crop Grant Program and to provide information about the program's application process. Goehring said grant projects may include education on the nutritional qualities of specialty crops, assistance in the development of good agricultural practices, specialty crop research, development of new seed varieties, and pest and disease control. Multi-state projects will also be considered.

"The purpose of the specialty crop block grants is to give fruit, vegetable and other specialty crop producers a competitive edge in today's marketplace," Goehring said. "We want to hear from those producers and consumers on how we can best allocate these funds and to tell them how they can apply for a specialty crop grant." For more information, click here.