NASDA News - January 31, 2012

House Ag Committee Approves Financial Regulatory Legislation
Published: January 31, 2012

The House Ag Committee reported out of Committee six pieces of legislation last week that will ultimately allow end-users, such as agricultural producers and co-ops, to avoid overregulation. Namely, the bills will ensure that end-users can continue to use instruments such as derivatives and inter-affiliate transactions without being classified as swap dealers and without the imposition of costly margin requirements. (Staff Contact: Brad McKinney)
 

MFRPS Training Course and Manufactured Food Regulatory Program Alliance
Published: January 31, 2012

The Association of Food & Drug Officials (AFDO) and U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) are pleased to announce the inaugural training course for the Manufactured Food Regulatory Program Standards (MFRPS) and the Manufactured Food Regulatory Program Alliance to be held March 27-29, 2012 in Kansas City, MO. Both state food safety program managers for manufactured foods and FDA food safety officials have been invited to this special training course dedicated solely to the MFRPS and building a national integrated food safety system.

The FDA will provide funding for two officials per state agency. State food program managers who have not yet registered for this course can register here. (Staff contact: Bob Ehart)

USDA to Issue New Planning Rule for National Forest System
Published: January 31, 2012

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack released a Final Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (PEIS) for the National Forest System Land Management Planning Rule.  The planning rule will create a new design for managing national forest lands in the future.  The new rule will be the fourth attempt since 2000 to update the forest planning guidelines in place since 1982.  USDA's preferred alternative would require the use of the best scientific information, while pushing for greater collaboration through public involvement and dialogue when developing new plans for land and resource development.  Some groups have expressed concerns that the new rule will weaken protections for wildlife and create an undue burden on states to meet the requirements.  More about this found here.  (By: Kenton Kirkpatrick, Staff Contact: Nathan Bowen)
 

NASDA Welcomes Spring 2012 Interns
Published: January 31, 2012

Three interns from Texas A&M University joined the NASDA staff on January 12, for the spring semester.

Carly Borel, of Lake Jackson, Texas, is a December 2011 graduate with a bachelor's degree in animal science. During her time at Texas A&M, Carly led a research study within the Department of Animal Science and was an ambassador for study abroad programs. Carly was also an agricultural exchange student in Brazil for six months, where she took classes in animal science and agricultural economics. She is excited to gain a broader knowledge of policy making and how it affects food production and trade. Upon the completion of her internship, Carly hopes to have found a job that will utilize her passion for agriculture and travel. 

Kenton Kirkpatrick, of Bryan, Texas, is a December 2011 graduate with bachelor's degrees in nutritional sciences and animal science and a minor in business. While at Texas A&M he was a member of the livestock judging team, wool judging team, and served as the co-chair of the Liaison to the Dean Committee for the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Student Council. Kenton is hoping to gain further insight into agricultural public policy this fall while working for NASDA. After his internship, he plans to pursue a career with an agriculture related agency in either Washington, D.C. or Texas.

Jacaselon Pickens, of Houston, Texas, is a December 2011 graduate with a bachelor's degree in agricultural communications and journalism. During her time at Texas A&M she has been a Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo intern, and a member of Young Women of Distinction and Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow. She has worked for the Texas A&M Public Policy Research Institute, which kindled her interest in law and public policy. While at NASDA, Jacaselon is looking forward to obtaining firsthand experience in agricultural public policy. After her internship, she plans to pursue a career within agricultural public relations.
 

APHIS Employees to Get New Phone Numbers
Published: January 31, 2012

APHIS headquarters employees in Washington, D.C. and Riverdale, MD, will have new phone numbers starting next month as the agency switches from traditional landline phone service to Voiceover Internet Protocol (VoIP).  The change is part of an effort to cut costs and maximize resources. The agency expects to save approximately $750,000 per year.  The new phone numbers will be listed in employee signature blocks or can be found in the "Contact Us" link on the APHIS homepage, which will have updated numbers for programs and specific units.  The USDA will make an updated phone directory available in March.  (Written by: Kenton Kirkpatrick; Staff contact: Amy Hendrickson)
 

Massachusetts: State Agriculture Officials Award Funds to Promote Local Agriculture
Published: January 31, 2012

Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (DAR) Commissioner Scott J. Soares today announced $200,000 in grants to three agricultural organizations for projects to enhance regional Buy Local efforts in Western, Central, Northeastern and Southeastern Massachusetts.  Buy Local groups are organizations that connect farmers to their surrounding communities using innovative marketing and educational programs to promote agriculture. Buy Local groups help generate consumer awareness and demand for locally grown food products, while improving access to these important food sources, and are committed to the idea that knowing where your food comes from is healthy and makes good sense for local economies.

"Massachusetts' Buy Local groups serve an important role in support of our state's efforts to promote local agriculture," said DAR Commissioner Scott J. Soares. "These groups are in tune with specific regional challenges and opportunities making these grants an important tool of our joint efforts to bring farm products to tables across Massachusetts."  For more information, click here.
 

Missouri: Department of Agriculture, USDA-NRCS Launch New High Tunnel Program
Published: January 31, 2012

Missouri farmers interested in growing fresh vegetables, fruits, herbs and other produce during winter months may receive support from the new Seasonal High Tunnel Program.  The program, a partnership between federal and state agencies, assists producers in expanding their produce-growing season through high tunnels.  Missouri Director of Agriculture Jon Hagler was joined by a host of others this morning to make the announcement.

Through the new High Tunnel Loan Program, the Missouri Agriculture and Small Business Development Authority provides loans for the initial purchase of high tunnels, which typically range from $4,000 to $6,000.  Producers may combine the loan with participation in an existing Natural Resource Conservation Service program that reimburses them for the purchase and construction of a high tunnel that replaces or expands an existing plot.  For more information, click here.
 

North Dakota: EPA Accepts ND Plan for Endangered Species Protection
Published: January 31, 2012

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has accepted North Dakota's plan for protecting endangered species from harmful exposure to pesticides.  Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring said he was informed of the decision in a letter from EPA's environmental fate and effects division.

"We set out to develop a plan that protects North Dakota listed species and is reasonable for pesticide users," said Goehring. "EPA's acceptance of the North Dakota Endangered Species Protection Plan for Pesticides provides a platform for exchanging information between the North Dakota Department of Agriculture (NDDA) and EPA and provides that EPA decisions on pesticide use will be based on the latest and best-documented data."  For more information, click here.
 

Tennessee: Governor Haslam Extends Recently Suspended Truck Rules to Help Farmers
Published: January 31, 2012

Gov. Bill Haslam recently extended an executive order to allow haulers of hay to carry larger loads in their trucks as long as they observe safety requirements. The order is in response to drought and extreme weathers conditions in Texas and across the Southeast, which has left some farmers without access to hay for livestock.

"Last year was a tough year for farmers across the Southeast, and we want to be responsive to their needs," Haslam said. "This order will continue to ensure that much needed hay can be shipped safely and without delay through Tennessee and along our major interstate corridors."

"The governor's order will continue to help farmers in our own state who may need hay, and it will ensure that market supply and demand is met," said Agriculture Commissioner Julius Johnson. "I applaud the governor for recognizing that farming is a tough but important business in our state and across the region."  For more information, click here.