May 14, 1999, Issue VII, Number 18

In this Issue... 

 

  • USDA HONOR AWARDS ANNOUNCED
  • SELECTION PROCESS ANNOUNCED
  • LAWMAKERS WRAP UP SUPPLEMENTAL BILL
  • HOUSE PANEL APPROVES AG SPENDING BILL
  • US PREPARES RETALIATION ON BEEF
  • SENATE ACTS ON PROPANE RULE
  • WTO AGENDA PREPARED
  • LISTENING SESSION SITES UPDATED
  • LUGAR CALLS FOR RISK MANAGEMENT EDUCATION
  • FSA REVISES GUARANTEED LOAN PROGRAM
  • SEN. GRASSLEY WORKS TO INCREASE LOANS
  • ON THE HILL
  • PESTICIDE BRIEFS
  • SENATE DISCUSSES GUESTWORKERS
  • ENVIRONMENT BRIEFS
  • HOUSING FOR FARM WORKERS
  • State News--GLICKMAN AWARDS $500,000 TO HELP IMPROVE MARKETS FOR US AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS
  • State News--JOHNSON NAMES PLANT SERVICES PROGRAM MANAGER

    For more information about any of the stories in this newsletter, please contact the author who is listed at the end of each story. NASDA's phone number is 202-296-9680; fax number 202-296-9686; address--1156 15th Street, N.W., Suite 1020, Washington, D.C. 20005

    USDA HONOR AWARDS ANNOUNCED

            Lane Jolliffe, administrator of the Division of Agricultural Inspections for the Idaho State Department of Agriculture, and Kimberly Putens, former NASDA employee and, currently, project manager with PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, have been awarded 1999 USDA Honor Awards. Jolliffe was honored for "service above and beyond his job description to his fellow employees, to Idaho's citizens, and to consumers." Putens earned recognition through her work with the European Union Certification Team for "creativity in developing a certification procedure for dairy products exported to the European Union."
            Jolliffe has worked for the state agriculture department for 27 years. Pat Takasugi, director of the Idaho Department of Agriculture, nominated him because "[he] sets the example of effectiveness and efficiency. By flattening the management hierarchy, he has encouraged the leadership potential of all those who report to him. By automating, consolidating, and conserving resources, his division, while being the largest in the department [800-1000 employees] has also become the leanest; and without any reduction in customer service or quality." (Contact: Rick Kirchhoff)

    SELECTION PROCESS ANNOUNCED

            Chairman Steve Mangan of the Governor Bill Graves' Advisory Board on Agriculture has announced the application process for candidates for Kansas Secretary of Agriculture. Resumes will be accepted through June 4. Candidates for the position should send a cover letter and a current resume to Board Vice Chairman Ann Peuser, Clinton Parkway Nursery and Garden Store, 1405 East. 1050 Road, Lawrence, Kansas 66047.
            A subcommittee of the board will evaluate qualifications of the applicants and notify those individuals of a time when interviews will be conducted. According to Kansas law, the board will select three candidates to be presented to the governor for his final selection. The Kansas Senate will then confirm that person as secretary of agriculture.
            Graves announced last week that current Kansas Secretary of Agriculture Allie Devine will leave his cabinet at the end of May to spend more time with her family. (Contact: Rick Kirchhoff)

    LAWMAKERS WRAP UP SUPPLEMENTAL BILL

            House and Senate negotiators held marathon sessions this week to complete work on the FY1999 supplemental appropriations bill (H.R.1141) which includes assistance for farmers, funding for military operations in Kosovo, and humanitarian relief for Central America. Both chambers are expected to vote on the final package early next week.
            House Speaker Dennis Hastert (R-Ill.) and Majority Leader Trent Lott (R-Miss.) directed the appropriators to pare back the growing spending levels as members pressed for more money on a wide range of programs from agriculture to school safety. At the same time, the leaders requested $372 million for tornado disaster assistance in Oklahoma and Kansas. The final measure could cost up to $14 billion.
            In the agriculture provisions of the bill, negotiators agreed to a total of $566 million in assistance to farmers, a significant increase from the $152 million originally proposed by the House. Appropriators also added about $150 million for international food assistance programs. The only money requested by USDA under the supplemental bill was $143 million for additional farm loan guarantees and Farm Service Agency (FSA) staff. Sen. Tom Harkin (D-Iowa) led an effort to provide an additional $4.3 billion in agriculture spending, including $1.5 billion in additional disaster aid and $2.8 billion in income support through Agricultural Marketing Transition Assistance (AMTA) payments. His proposal also included additional types of assistance including dairy income assistance, cotton marketing assistance, and assistance to pork and other livestock producers. Sen. Conrad Burns (R-Mont.) was the only Republican to support Harkin's amendment, which was rejected on a 14-14 tie vote.
            Congressional leaders also urged conferees to drop numerous, controversial policy riders which have prompted veto threats from the White House. Sen. Pete Domenici (R-N.M.) withdrew his amendment dealing with endangered species and critical habitat. Negotiators dropped a proposal by Sen. Murkowski (R-Alaska) to block the Interior Department from restricting commercial fishing in Glacier Bay National Park. Lawmakers retained an amendment by Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Texas) that would allow states to control all funds won in the $246 billion settlement with tobacco companies. Also remaining in the bill is a moratorium on stricter environmental standards for mining operations on federal lands and a similar prohibition on collection of higher oil and gas royalties. (Contact: Charlie Ingram)

    HOUSE PANEL APPROVES AG SPENDING BILL

            The House Appropriations Agriculture Subcommittee this week approved a $60.8 billion FY2000 spending bill for agriculture and nutrition programs. The unnumbered bill would provide $13.9 billion in discretionary funding, $253 million above FY1999 levels, and $47.1 billion in mandatory spending for nutrition programs.
            The subcommittee's action was faulted by some Democrats because budget allocations for discretionary spending have not yet been made. Ranking Minority member Marcy Kaptur (D-Ohio) said she felt uncomfortable moving too quickly and was unsure what the bill contained. The panel considered almost thirty amendments. Some of the amendments adopted include:
            * An amendment by Rep. Henry Bonilla (R-Texas) to transfer $12.9 million from Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service competitive research grants to the boll weevil eradication program, bringing funding for the program to $16.1 million;
            * An compromise amendment by Jo Ann Emerson (R-Mo.) to block spending USDA funds on implementing the Kyoto climate change treaty;
            * An amendment from Chairman Joe Skeen (R-N.M.) to earmark approximately $2 million in existing Agricultural Research Service grants;
            * An amendment from James Walsh (R-N.Y.) to direct the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to cooperate more closely with the US Customs Service in inspections of imported food;
            * An amendment by Tom Latham (R-Iowa) to increase by $1 million spending for the AgrAbility program, which provides assistance to disabled farmers to help purchase modified equipment;
            * An amendment by Rep. Jack Kingston (R-Ga.) to increase spending on the National Poultry Improvement Program from $250,000 to $750,000; and
            * An amendment by Jo Ann Emerson (R-Mo.) to increase loan guarantees to rural telecommunications cooperatives from $2 billion to $3 billion.
            During markup of the bill, Rep. Kaptur (D-Ohio) offered, then withdrew, an amendment to set aside an additional $109 million for farm loan guarantees and $500 million in authority for USDA to purchase surplus commodities. Kaptur anticipates that USDA will request these funds from Congress later this year and urged members to consider the amendment during full committee debate. The full Appropriations Committee may begin work on the bill next week.
    (Contact: Charlie Ingram)

    US PREPARES RETALIATION ON BEEF

            The United States will formally notify the World Trade Organization(WTO) Dispute Settlement Body of its intention to exercise its WTO rights to suspend trade concessions to the European Union (EU) with regard to certain products. The United States will invoke WTO procedures for exercising its right to suspend trade concessions in the amount of $202 million. The final list of products that will receive a 100 percent duty will be published in the Federal Register after WTO authorization. A list of targeted products can be found in the March 25, 1999, Federal Register. US retaliation against the European Union for its continued reluctance to act on a WTO ruling against its ban on US hormone treated beef was almost certain as the deadline for removal of the ban expired on May 13. European Union scientists released a report on May 3 which claimed evidence suggesting that 17-beta estradiol, one of six hormones used in the beef industry, could cause cancer and should be considered a carcinogen. US Trade Representative Charlene Barshefsky and Agriculture Secretary Dan Glickman issued a joint statement declaring the latest European Commission's report to justify its ban on US hormone treated beef merely repeats unsubstantiated arguments that have already been rejected by the WTO. (Contact: Patrick Atagi)

    SENATE ACTS ON PROPANE RULE

            The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee approved a bill (S.880) this week to prevent the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from regulating propane under Risk Management Plans (RMPs). Regulations are scheduled to go into effect June 21, 1999, which may require farmers who use propane gas to file reports with the agency.
            The legislation, introduced by Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), would remove propane and other flammable fuels from EPA's list of 100 toxic and hazardous substances that are subject to RMP reporting under the Clean Air Act. For farmers, propane gas is the most likely to be stored in large enough quantities to be covered by the rule. Inhofe pointed out that propane safety is already regulated by states mandates and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). He said the bill would provide greatly needed regulatory relief to farmers and other small businesses that depend on propane.
            Inhofe hopes the bill can be approved by the Senate and signed into law before the June 21 reporting deadline. In the House, Rep. Roy Blount (R-Mo.) has introduced companion legislation (H.R.1301) and the Commerce Committee is expected to consider the measure next week. The administration opposes the fuels exemption in the legislation because it says risks are posed by large quantities of stored flammable fuels. EPA Administrator Carol Browner recently announced that the agency plans to exempt farms and other small propane users from the risk management rule. The directive would increase the reporting threshold from 10,000 pounds to 67,000 pounds, which is about eighty-eight percent of an 18,000 gallon tank. EPA believes the 67,000 limit will be sufficient to distinguish between fuel users and dealers.
            Meanwhile, the US Court of Appeals has issued a stay of the overall EPA regulation and said the agency should not impose the requirements on any propane facilities pending further court review. The court will establish a briefing schedule by June 1 and make a final ruling in the fall. (Contact: Charlie Ingram)

    WTO AGENDA PREPARED

            Trade ministers from the United States, Japan, the European Union, and Canada met on May 12 in Tokyo to discuss trade issues and the upcoming World Trade Organization (WTO) ministerial meeting in Seattle this fall. A brief outline for discussion during the WTO rounds was released by the four countries, who represent more than sixty-five percent of the world's economy. The agenda in Seattle will cover China's accession into the WTO, an agreement to conclude the WTO round within three years, and discussion of non tariff trade barriers as well as industrial tariffs. The four countries, also known as the Quad, agreed to accelerate negotiations on China in upcoming meetings to facilitate the accession of China into the WTO. The final decision on China will be decided by WTO members. (Contact: Patrick Atagi)

    LISTENING SESSION SITES UPDATED

            In an effort to solicit comments prior to the 1999 World Trade Organization (WTO) rounds in Seattle this fall, the administration is soliciting comments from interested agricultural groups and individuals from around the country. The following is an updated list of locations, dates, and contacts for the listening sessions; Winter Haven, Florida - June 4 (contact: Will Bussey, Florida Department of Food and Agriculture 850-488-3022); St. Paul, Minnesota - June 7 (contact: Darla Riley, Minnesota Department of Agriculture 651-282-5140); Memphis, Tennessee - June 16 (contact: Joe Gaines, Tennessee Department of Agriculture 615-837-5160); Indianapolis, Indiana - June 24 (contact: Julia Wickard, Indianapolis Department of Agriculture 317-232-8778); Sacramento, California - June 29 (contact: Marjorie Beazer, California Department of Agriculture 916-654-0462); Pullman, Washington - June 30 (contact: Lisa Schumaker, Washington Department of Agriculture 360-902-1926); Austin, Texas - July 8 (contact: Dawn DeBerry, Texas Department of Agriculture 512-475-1615); Des Moines, Iowa - July 12 (contact: Joan Kiernan, Iowa Department of Agriculture 512-475-1615); Burlington, Vermont - July 19 (contact: Theresa Doyle 802-828-2430); Bozeman, Montana - July 23 (contact: Montana Department of Agriculture 406-444-3144) and Newark Delaware - July 23 (contact: Brenda Minor, Delaware Department of Agriculture 302-739-4811). Further details can be found at the foreign agricultural service, USDA website at http://www.fas.usda.gov/itp/wto/sessions.html.

    LUGAR CALLS FOR RISK MANAGEMENT EDUCATION

            Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Richard Lugar (R-Ind.) this week said an aggressive campaign needs to be undertaken to educate farmers about available risk management tools. Chairman Lugar made the remarks during a committee hearing to examine the Commodity Futures Trading Commission's (CFTC) pilot program on agricultural trade options.
            The CFTC program was initiated a year ago to help farmers manage risk; but, no one has signed up to participate. Several witnesses testified on reasons why there has been no participation in the program including excessive regulatory requirements and lack of education about the program. Lugar said it is important that all farmers are provided with the resources needed to make sound marketing decisions. USDA's Risk Management Agency (RMA) Administrator Ken Ackerman and David Rempe, Kansas State University, testified about current educational programs for farmers. Kansas State University has established the Kansas Risk Management Club Program which provides educational seminars and resources to more than 600 farmers in Kansas. Ackerman testified that RMA has provided funds to 17 similar programs. (Contact: Charlie Ingram)

    FSA REVISES GUARANTEED LOAN PROGRAM

            The Farm Service Agency (FSA) of USDA announced new guidelines which expand eligibility for farm credit lenders to participate in the agency's new Preferred Lender Program (PLP). The new administrative guidelines reduce the minimum number of farm loans made by the lender required for eligibility. Previously, lenders had to have made thirty loans in the past three years to be considered for participation. Under the new requirement, lenders that have made twenty farm loans in the past five years may participate.
            The PLP simplifies the procedures for farm credit lenders to obtain guarantees. It is designed for experienced lenders with high volume and low losses. Lenders inform FSA about their credit management systems. After FSA approval, lenders are able to use their normal operating procedures and submit a one page application with a loan narrative to the agency and any additional items contained in the PLP lender agreement. If the agency does not respond to the guarantee reques within fourteen days, approval is automatic, subject to funding. Supplemental funding for the program is now before Congress. FSA currently guarantees repayment on approximately 65,000 farm loans to 40,000 farmers and ranchers. (Contact: Patrick Atagi)

    SEN. GRASSLEY WORKS TO INCREASE LOANS

            Senator Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) introduced legislation last week that would allow expansion of a program that helps new farmers get started. With the average age of farmers increasing, Senator Grassley is encouraging the next generation of farmers to stay on the farm. The Agricultural Bond Enhancement Act would increase access to a low-interest lending program for beginning farmers. The loan program uses federal tax-exempt "aggie" bonds to finance low-interest loans made available through private lenders participating in the program. These aggie bonds are subject to the volume cap for industrial revenue bonds and must compete with industrial projects for bond allocation. The bill introduced by Senator Grassley would remove aggie bonds from under the private activity bond cap and, in turn, free lending authorities to extend a greater number of aggie bond loans. (Contact: Patrick Atagi)

    ON THE HILL

    ~~ Senate Approves CEQ Nomination--The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee this week approved the nomination of George Frampton as chairman of the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ). Frampton has been acting as chairman since Kathleen McGinty's resignation in November. He has faced criticism in recent hearing about CEQ's role in the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), grazing rights, and superfund site cleanups. One of CEQ's responsibilities is to oversee NEPA, which provides guidelines for agencies to judge environmental, social, and economic impacts for implementing environmental laws. The nomination was approved on a 13-5 vote. Senators who voted against Frampton's appointment were Bob Smith (R-N.H.), Craig Thomas (R-Wyo.), George Voinovich (R-Ohio), Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), and Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Texas). Sen. Thomas (R-Wyo.) said Frampton had shown little interest in correcting problems at CEQ, such as the need to change NEPA. He has introduced legislation (S.352) that would expand the role of state and local governments under NEPA by putting them on equal footing with federal agencies.

    ~~ Transportation Bill Introduced to Help Producers--Sen. Sam Brownback (R-Kan.) has introduced farm-friendly legislation (S.1032) that would exempt ships carrying bulk cargo, including agricultural products, from certain federal restrictions that prohibit waterway transportation between US ports. The bill is designed to help transport bulk commodities by more means to reduce the costs of transportation. Specifically, the measure would exempt ships carrying bulk cargo, forest products, and livestock from the requirement that the ship be built in the United States.

    ~~ EPA Administrator Testifies on Budget--Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Carol Browner recently testified before the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on VA, HUD, and Independent Agencies. In her testimony, Browner discussed polluted runoff as one of the most serious problems facing the nation's waterways and outlined the agency's plans for funding nonpoint source programs. Subcommittee Chairman Christopher "Kit" Bond (R-Mo.) criticized EPA's proposed $550 million reduction in the Clean Water Act (CWA) state revolving loan fund program. He said the program should be maintained at its FY1999 funding level of $1.3 billion. Bond advised EPA to "get back to the basics" to perform its mission of safeguarding clean air, water, and land. Browner defended the proposed reductions and said the program would be full funded at its $2 billion per year level by 2002 instead of 2005. (Contact: Charlie Ingram)

    PESTICIDE BRIEFS

    ~~ Study Analyzes Pesticide Ban Under FQPA--A new study released this week says a US ban on two groups of insecticides, the organophophates (OPs) and carbamates, would result in more food imports from foreign nations, higher food prices for consumers, lower crop yields, and increased production costs for farmers. The report, sponsored by the American Farm Bureau Federation, was conducted by Texas A&M Univerisity's Agricultural and Food Policy Center and Auburn University. Under the 1996 Food Quality Protection Act (FQPA), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is currently reassessing organophosphates and carbamates based on more stringent standards. NASDA, the Farm Bureau, and a coalition of agricultural groups have expressed concerns that EPA is relying on incomplete science, inflated pesticide use rates, and unsupported risk assessment methods. The study discusses regional impacts and commodity reports as well as the economic impact FQPA implementation on family farms. Copies of the study are available at cost by contacting Texas A&M at 409/845-5913. A summary report is available from the Internet at http://www.afpc1.tamu.edu/pesticides.htm.

    ~~ EPA Extends Review for Fumigants--EPA's Office of Pesticide Programs has extended its schedule for completing the ongoing reregistration review of the fumigants, Aluminum and Magnesium Phosphide. According to the agency, the extension will allow more time for stakeholder involvement, public input, and complete consideration of alternative ways to reduce risks from these important pesticides. Under the new schedule, EPA plans to consider comments receive so far and attend fumigant demonstration in May-July, 1999; issue a revised set of proposed risk mitigation measures in August 1999; and hold stakeholder meetings in several cities in October and November 1999; and issue final risk mitigation measures in late 1999 or early 2000. (Contact: Charlie Ingram)

    SENATE DISCUSSES GUESTWORKERS

            On May 12, Senator Spenceer Abraham (R-Mich.) held a hearing of the Judiciary Committee Subcommittee on Immigration to discuss the farm worker needs of American agriculture. During the hearing, witnesses representing agricultural interests testified about serious concerns within industry that agriculture is facing a shrinking pool of acceptable agricultural workers. Senator Gordon Smith (R-Ore.) testified that legislative reform of the current H2-A guestworker program is needed to ensure a legal reliable workforce
            The Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 created the current H2-A program under which employers may bring workers into the country on a temporary basis nonimmigrant basis. Under the program, agricultural employers who anticipate a shortage of domestic workers can request nonimmigrant foreign workers. Certification that a labor shortage exists and that American workers would not be adversely affected by the H2-A workers must first be issued by the Department Labor before the application is certified by the Department of Justice. The Department of State then issues the non-immigrant visa.
            The H2-A program has received criticism for being a non-user friendly program. The Government Accounting Office (GAO) estimates that there are 600,000 illegal aliens currently employed in US agriculture. A US Department of Labor survey shows that more than 70 percent (or about 1 million) of those new to the United States and hired to work on farms are here illegally. However, a recent GAO report cites that a farm labor shortage requiring the importation of large numbers of foreign workers is unlikely to occur in the near future, and only spot shortages for specific crops may occur. (Contact: Patrick Atagi)

    ENVIRONMENT BRIEFS

    ~~ EPA and Corps Issue Wetlands Rule--The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and US Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) have issued a final rule amending Clean Water Act (CWA) section 404 regulations that define the term "discharge of dredged material." This action conforms that definition to the outcome of a recent district court ruling on the so-called Tulloch Rule. That rule regulated "incidental fallback" of activity such as landclearing, ditching, channelization, and other excavation. The court ruled that the agencies had exceeded their authority under the CWA by asserting jurisdiction over any redesposit of dredged material including incidental fallback. Information on the final rule can be found on the Corp's website at http://www.usace.army.mil/inet/functions/cw/cecwo/reg/district. Information about project-specific activities can be obtained from Corps district offices by calling the National Wetlands Hotline at 1-800-832-7828.

    ~~ USDA Examines Impact of Climate Treaty--A new USDA analysis of the Kyoto Climate Change Treaty concludes that the economic impact on agriculture would be "relatively modest." The report says commodity prices would be about two cents higher per bushel for corn and a penny per bushel higher for wheat and soybeans than the price USDA predicts for these commodities in 2010 without implementation of the treaty. The report also said that implementing the treaty would have only slight effects on the international competitiveness of US farmers. The Kyoto Climate Change Treaty calls for the US to reduce six greenhouse gasses to seven percent below 1990 levels by 2008-2012. This could impact farmers because carbon dioxide is released from use of fossil fuels and conventional land plowing, methane is emitted from livestock waste holding ponds and rice cultivation, and nitrous oxide is released through application of some fertilizers.

    ~~ EPA Proposes Monitoring for Drinking Water Pollutants--EPA is seeking comments on thirty unregulated contaminants that large drinking water suppliers (those serving more than 10,000 people) and small drinking water systems would monitor. These systems would be required to begin monitoring in 2001 to determine whether or not the contaminants are present at levels which would warrant consideration for regulation. The 1996 Safe Drinking Water Act requires EPA to determine whether or not a contaminant not currently regulated is showing up in drinking water supplies. Additional information can be found on EPA's website at http://www.epa.gov/safewater.

    ~~ Panel Urges New Approach to Environmental Protection--EPA's Science Advisory Board (SAB) has released a draft final report calling for the agency to adopt an integrated approach to environmental protection. The SAB document says EPA should move away from a chemical-by-chemical and pollutant-by-pollutant approach and look at the real-world scenario where environmental risks are more integrated. The group outlined ten recommendations including a proposal for EPA to develop a system of report cards to assess the effectiveness of the agency's decisions. The report is available on the SAB website at http://www.epa.gov/sab.

    ~~ EPA Seeks Ground Water Funding Proposals--EPA is soliciting proposals to fund projects that support local ground water and source water protection efforts for small, rural, or economically disadvantaged communities in priority watersheds. Proposals may support source water assessment and protection activities related to stormwater, nonpoint source, or wet weather management. A total of $1.6 million is available to fund one or more projects in each EPA region. Each region will determine how many projects to fund and at what level to fund them. The announcement was issued in the May 6 Federal Register and proposals must be received by EPA regional offices no later than thirty days from that date.

    ~~ Manual Released for Volunteer Stream Monitoring--EPA has released the third series of guidance materials entitled Volunteer Stream Monitoring: A Methods Manual. The guide describes the role of volunteer monitoring in state programs and discusses how managers can best organize, implement, and maintain volunteer programs. Copies of the document can be obtained from EPA's Office of Water website at http://www.epa.gov./owow/monitoring/volunteer/streams.

    ~~ Environmental Groups Target Perfume Industry--The Environmental Health Network has submitted a petition to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to declare Calvin Klein's Eternity perfume misbranded. Misbranding would require a warning label on this product. The group said fragrances are not harmless and that there are safety concerns about toxic chemicals found in many perfumes. (Contact: Charlie Ingram)

    HOUSING FOR FARM WORKERS

            USDA announced on May 10 that $25 million in loans and grants are available to finance construction of 500 new units of rental housing for domestic farm laborers, an increase of $10.3 million from last year's budget. Funds will be awarded to projects serving the greatest need versus on a first-come, first-serve basis as in previous years. This year, limited partnerships will also have access to the funds. Applicants must submit loan applications to their USDA Rural Development state of agriculture by 5:00 p.m., July 15, 1999. For further information about the program, please contact your local rural development office, or call 202/720-4323 to be connected to your state office. You can also check USDA's website at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov. (Contact: Patrick Atagi)

    State News

    GLICKMAN AWARDS $500,000 TO HELP IMPROVE MARKETS FOR US AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS

            Agriculture Secretary Dan Glickman this week awarded $500,000 to nine states to improve markets for American agricultural products. "These grants will help small agricultural enterprises develop the innovative marketing techniques they need to compete effectively in the 21st century by building strong, mutually beneficial partnerships between farmers and consumers," said Glickman. The USDA grants, which will be matched by the states receiving them, include:

    ~~ California--$50,000 for the California Department of Food and Agriculture, in concert with the California Salmon Council, to identify alternative market opportunities for wild salmon and to develop innovative marketing strategies for small, independent fishermen and dockside seafood buyers.

    ~~ Kentucky--$90,000 for the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, in cooperation with the University of Kentucky and Partners for Family Farms, to research and establish new meat processing and marketing systems geared to family farms.

    ~~ Massachusetts--$45,500 for the Massachusetts Department of Food and Agriculture, working with the University of Massachusetts, to devise data collection methods and market performance measures to improve market planning among small New England farms. An additional $20,250 grant the state's Department of Food and Agriculture will use in cooperation with Friends of the Public Market, to assess consumer demand for locally produced foods and specialty products through development of an indoor farmers market in Boston.

    ~~ New Hampshire--$34,375 grant to the New Hampshire Department of Agriculture, Markets and Food, in cooperation with the Vermont Department of Agriculture and the Great River Market Cooperative, to explore and develop buyer-producer connections in the Connecticut River Valley, building on its designation as an American Heritage Riverway.

    ~~ New York--$42,500 grant to the New York Department of Agriculture and Markets, which will partner with the Center for Agricultural Development and Entrepreneurship to assist small farms in Central New York in marketing specialty meat and poultry products, including the establishment of a producers' marketing association.

    ~~ Pennsylvania--$75,000 for the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, in conjunction with the Maryland Department of Agriculture and the Dairy Network Partnership, to demonstrate and evaluate market potential for non-regulatory, consumer-funded incentives for farmers to offset the cost of adopting or continuing the use of environmentally-sensitive production practices.

    ~~ Tennessee--$75,000 for the Tennessee Department of Agriculture, in cooperation with the University of Tennessee's Agricultural Development Center, to prepare case studies, conduct market research, and assist limited resource farmers and agribusinesses in marketing value-added agricultural products.

    ~~ Vermont--$28,000 for the Vermont Department of Agriculture, Food and Markets, in cooperation with other Northeast States and organizations, to develop an infrastructure for collecting and marketing high quality genetics for sheep and goats in domestic and international markets.

    ~~ Washington--$39,000 for the Washington Department of Agriculture to assist the Washington State Farmers Market Association in expanding services to the growing number of markets in the state and to the farmers who supply them. A second round of Federal-State Marketing Improvement Program grants will be announced in August. Information on applying for FSMIP grants can be obtained on the Internet at http://www.ams.usda.gov/tmd/fsmip.htm or by contacting Larry V. Summers at (202) 720-2704.

    JOHNSON NAMES PLANT SERVICES PROGRAM MANAGER

            North Dakota Commissioner of Agriculture Roger Johnson has appointed Jeffrey M. Olson of Bismarck, North Dakota, as the plant services program manager in the North Dakota Department of Agriculture (NDDA). "The plant services program manager must have solid scientific and technical background to deal with increasingly complex agricultural issues, such as
    pesticide regulation, yet understand how these issues affect producers," Johnson said. "Jeff's experience as a farmer, together with his impressive academic and scientific accomplishments, make him an ideal candidate for this job."
            In his new position, Olson will supervise NDDA's pesticide, plant protection, noxious weed, chemical and feed registration, apiary and Waterbank programs. Olson farmed for ten years near Angus, Minnesota, raising wheat, corn, barley and soybeans. A graduate of North Dakota State University, he later earned a graduate degree in soil physics. In 1991, he joined the North Dakota State Water Commission as a hydrologist.
            Olson's duties at the Water Commission included reviewing drainage permit applications, serving as technical advisor to county water boards and resolving wetlands issues. He also has considerable experience with the interpretation and implementation of federal regulations. Olson assumes his new position May 17. He succeeds Barry Coleman, who resigned to become executive director of the Northern Canola Growers.
            Johnson also thanked Dave Nelson, the state entomologist, who has been the acting program manager. "Dave did an outstanding job in dealing with the tremendous number of requests for pesticide exemptions, especially at a time when the program was short-handed," Johnson said. (Roger Johnson, 701/328-2231)


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