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A publication of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture NASDA PRESIDENT APPOINTS CO-CHAIRS TO GRAIN WAREHOUSE TASK FORCE NATIONAL ORGANIC STANDARDS NOW IN EFFECT; SEVERAL STATES ARE ACCREDITED CERTIFYING AGENTS PORT SECURITY BILL ADVANCES SECRETARY VENEMAN NAMES NEW DIRECTOR OF USDA’S INTERGOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS OFFICE USDA ANNOUNCES RURAL DEVELOPMENT GRANTS FOOD SAFETY BRIEFS TRADE BRIEFS USDA NEWS State News--N.Y. STATE INTRODUCES NEW HORSE HEALTH ASSURANCE PROGRAM State News--DELAWARE COMMISSION OFFERS 3/4 MILLION DOLLARS FOR NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT PRACTICES State News--INTERNATIONAL LABOR TO BE DISCUSSED AT KENTUCKY SUMMIT Past Issues
What's New on the NASDA Website
Biosecurity and Farm Bill Implementation Guides Tri-National Accord Working Group Meeting Documents House Ag Committee Recommendations Concerning the Transfer of APHIS Testimony concerning the proposed transfer of APHIS to the Department of Homeland Security NASDA Comments on EPA Budget Priorities Letter to Congress urging permanent authorization of the specialty crop block grant program Preliminary Specialty Crop Report
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NASDA PRESIDENT APPOINTS CO-CHAIRS TO GRAIN WAREHOUSE TASK FORCE NASDA President Sheldon R. Jones has appointed Illinois Agriculture Director Joe Hampton and Montana Agriculture Director Ralph Peck to serve as co-chairs of NASDA’s Grain Warehouse Task Force. During NASDA’s annual meeting, a policy amendment was approved by the membership endorsing the formation of a task force to resolve issues while USDA observes a 90-day moratorium on issuance of new federal warehouse licenses, except in regards to peanuts. The task force is being established because states are very concerned about the final rules to the U.S. Warehouse Act of 2000 which were published in the Federal Register by USDA on August 5, 2002. The new rules have created a significant void in the regulation of grain dealer, merchandising, and warehousing activities that will adversely affect agricultural producers. Shortly after NASDA members approved the policy amendment, USDA’s Under Secretary for Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services J.B. Penn issued a statement about the task force. He said, “USDA will cooperate with NASDA, as well as farm and industry representatives, to explore ways to improve warehouse regulations in order to protect the interests of producers and other depositors and ensure the integrity of the federal and state warehouse systems. We look forward to working with NASDA, representatives of farm and commodity groups as well as warehouse and other industry groups to develop a consensus plan of action that is in the best interest of farmers and ranchers across the nation.” In a letter to Congress signed by 12 agricultural organizations, including NASDA, several ramifications of the rules promulgated by USDA were identified. Among them were: (1) allowing warehouses and grain merchants the option to not collect farmer contributions or, themselves avoid contributions to state indemnity funds designed to protect grain producers from warehouse/grain merchant bankruptcies; (2) the complete lack of federal regulation of grain merchandising activities; (3) preempting states from regulating grain merchandising enterprises, contrary to the plain language of the act and to case law in this area; (4) identifying that federal warehouse licenses have minimal physical plant or financial requirements; and (5) eliminating states’ ability to audit business and inventory transactions. The co-chairs will be meeting with Under Secretary Penn early next week to discuss the scope of work for the task force, options in finding resolution to the problems, and identification of those organizations that will be represented on the task force. It is anticipated that members will include a cross section of NASDA members to represent the various regions of the country, the Association of American Warehouse Control Officials, agricultural and financial organizations, such as National Grain and Feed Association, American Farm Bureau Federation, National Farmers Union and the National Grain Trade Council. (Contact: Jennifer Yezak Molen) NATIONAL ORGANIC STANDARDS NOW IN EFFECT; SEVERAL STATES ARE ACCREDITED CERTIFYING AGENTS USDA launched the implementation of national standards for labeling organically produced agricultural products this week. The new “USDA Organic” seal indicates organic standards have been met in the production, processing, and packaging of a product. The standards were developed from extensive industry input and hundreds of thousands of public comments over the course of several years. Any organic agricultural product must meet the standards in order to use the “USDA Organic” seal. The program comes at a time when U.S. organic farmland has increased from approximately 1.4 to 2.4 million acres based on a report from the Economic Research Service. The organic industry is growing between 20 and 25 percent annually, and U.S. retail sales of organic foods reached approximately $7.8 billion in 2000, with global sales topping $17.5 billion. The seal signals consumers that the product is at least 95 percent organic. Products with 70 to 95 percent organic ingredients can say so on the label (made with organic fruit, for example), but they cannot display the seal. The National Organic Program (NOP) requires that producers and handlers must be certified by a USDA-accredited certifying agent to sell, label, or represent their products as "100 percent organic," "organic," or "made with organic (specified ingredients or food group(s)." Based on information from the NOP website at http://www.ams.usda.gov/nop, ten state departments of agriculture have received their accreditation as certifying agents. They include Idaho, Iowa, Maryland, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, Texas, Utah, Virginia, and Washington. About eight other state departments of agriculture are seeking certification. USDA is administering a $5-million, national cost-share program to help defray the costs of certification incurred by organic producers and handlers in all 50 states, the U.S. territories, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. The new organic standards grew out of the Organic Food Production Act of 1990, part of the 1990 Farm Bill. The act authorized the Secretary of Agriculture to appoint a 15 member National Organic Standards Board to assist the Secretary in developing and implementing the organic standards. A website at the Foreign Agricultural Service, http://www.fas.usda.gov/agx/organics/organics, has information and resources for organic food and beverage exporters. (Contact: Jennifer Yezak Molen) PORT SECURITY BILL ADVANCES Congress is expected to approve a comprehensive port security bill when lawmakers return for a lame duck session after the November elections. The legislation (S. 1214) has been stalled for months over disagreements on cargo user fees. The bill establishes a coordinated policy to protect the nation's seaports from threats of crime and terrorism that could effect national and maritime commerce. Specifically, the bill would require the creation of national and local seaport security committees to evaluate, plan, and implement security measures, and to coordinate federal, state, and local law enforcement with respect to criminal and terrorist threats at 50 most economic and strategic seaports. In addition, the measure would provide grants and loans to seaports to upgrade security equipment and infrastructure. A House-Senate conference committee is working during the election recess to finalize details on the bill. (Contact: Charlie Ingram) SECRETARY VENEMAN NAMES NEW DIRECTOR OF USDA’S INTERGOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS OFFICE Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman announced this week the selection of James D. Richards as director of Intergovernmental Affairs at USDA. In making the announcement, Veneman said that his management experience, understanding of agriculture, and experience in the legislative and regulatory process will be valuable assets in this new assignment.” As director of Intergovernmental Affairs, Richards will work closely with multiple levels of government to ensure USDA programs, policies, and procedures are communicated to appropriate agencies, including Congress. The position is part of the USDA Office of Congressional Relations. He begins work at USDA on November 12. Prior to his appointment, Richards served as appropriations associate for U.S. Congressman Henry Bonilla of Texas, chairman of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration and Related Agencies. His areas of responsibility included all appropriations and legislation pertaining to the Department of Agriculture, as well as six other agencies. Before that he served in the same capacity for U.S. Congressman Joe Skeen of New Mexico. New Mexico Agriculture Secretary/Director Frank Dubois said, "Jim has been an effective advocate for agriculture in his two previous positions, and I look forward to working with him in his new assignment.” This is a position that NASDA members will look to in strengthening state and federal relations in order that producers, rural communities, consumers, and agricultural businesses are well served by USDA and the state departments of agriculture. Richards’ service to his country also included the position of sergeant in the U.S. Army. He is a Gulf War veteran and performed operations in Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, Turkey, Pakistan and the continental United States. (Contact: Jennifer Yezak Molen) USDA ANNOUNCES RURAL DEVELOPMENT GRANTS USDA Secretary Ann M. Veneman this week announced more than $75 million for economic development, energy, and infrastructure projects designed to help spur investment and create new jobs in rural communities throughout the country. The initiatives will be administered through three agencies: Rural Housing Service, Rural Business-Cooperative Service, and Rural Utilities Service. The Rural Business-Cooperative Service Value-Added Agricultural Product Market Development grants will fund a variety of agricultural ventures such as renewable energy, agri-marketing, high-value products from major crops, and commodities. These 231 grants in 43 states total over $37 million. Recipients are required to obtain matching funds which will double the impact of the USDA grants. Information on applying for 2003 value-added grants is available at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/coops/vadg.htm. The Rural Utilities Service Distance Learning and Telemedicine grants will fund 71 recipients totaling more than $27 million for education and medical service in 33 states. These grants will bring to rural communities' access to better, faster and more modern health care, and students in rural areas will receive better equipment and learning tools and access to courses that would otherwise be unavailable. The Rural Housing Service Community Facilities Program’s Rural Community Development Initiative will fund 41 proposals in 22 states totaling nearly $12 million. Grants will help private and nonprofit community-based development organizations and low-income communities improve their ability to develop rural housing and community facilities. These projects will help create jobs and economic investment in rural areas through direct investment and housing availability. For information on 2003 funding availability and applications please visit http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rhs/rcdi/index.htm. (Contact: Charlie Ingram) FOOD SAFETY BRIEFS ~~APHIS Issues Rule on Irradiation Phytosanitary Treatments~~USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is establishing regulations providing for the use of irradiation as a phytosanitary treatment for fruits and vegetables imported into the United States. The irradiation treatment is to control species of fruit flies and the mango seed weevil in imported fruits and vegetables. Irradiation will provide an alternative to current control methods, such as fumigation and cold and heat treatments. The final rule will also require additional inspection and monitoring of foreign irradiation facilities. ~~FSIS Issues Directive on Meat and Poultry Products~~USDA’s Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS) has published a draft directive, Retained Water in Raw Meat and Poultry Products. The directive provides inspection personnel with instructions on the procedures dealing with retained water in raw meat and poultry products. Comments are due October 22. The draft directive is available on the FSIS website at http://www.fsis.usda.gov/OPPDE/rdad/Issuances.htm. ~~Guidance Documents Issued on Ingredients and Sources of Radiation~~Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS) has issued guidance documents pertaining to the approval of ingredients and sources of radiation used in the production of meat and poultry products and when used to reduce microorganisms on carcasses, ground beef and beef trimmings. The documents are available at http://www.fsis.usda.gov/OPPDE/larc/Ingredients.htm. ~~USDA Launches Portable Nutrition Database~~A portable version of USDA’s National Nutrient Database listing more than 6,000 food items is now available for download free of charge onto handheld PDAs. This user-friendly searchable nutrient database program will soon be available for download onto personal computers as well. The searchable software program and database-in-one provides information on about 30 nutrients for each food listed in a highly portable and easy-to-access format. Owners of PDAs running the Palm OS operating system can download the searchable database by going to: http://www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/foodcomp. (Contact: Charlie Ingram) TRADE BRIEFS ~~Mexico President Vicente Fox Criticizes American Farm Subsidies~~This week, Mexico President Vicente Fox announced that he will approach President Bush during the Asian-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meetings in Mexico this weekend about making terms of free trade agreements less painful for Mexican farmers. Fox called for more American attention to Mexico's affairs and vowed to push Bush on an immigration agreement that was halted by the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. Mexico believes that the farm subsidies will have a negative impact on Mexican communities and producers, and will encourage more migration to the U.S. by Mexico citizens. It is estimated that hundreds of thousands of Mexicans head north to look for work in the U.S. each year. Fox said the U.S. agriculture subsidies will hurt Mexican farmers and must be phased out under the North American Free Trade Agreement, which covers Mexico, the United States and Canada. He was quoted in a recent news article, "I hope we can come out of (APEC) with a great enthusiasm for open markets and for the eradication of subsidies," he said. ~~U.S. and Peru Establish Consultative Committee on Agriculture~~This week, USDA Under Secretary for Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services J.B. Penn signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ministry of Agriculture of Peru establishing a bilateral Consultative Committee on Agriculture (CCA). The purpose of CCA is to provide a high-level forum to strengthen bilateral relationships in agriculture, resolve trade issues, and increase cooperation in a number of areas, including trade, biotechnology, food safety, research and technical assistance. The first meeting was also held this week in Lima, Peru, and it included discussions on a broad range of agricultural issues. Following the CCA meeting, which took place in the Presidential Palace, Penn met with Peruvian President Alejandro Toledo, who expressed his support for open markets and expanded trade. The CCA will meet at least annually, co-chaired by senior officials of USDA and Peru’s Ministry of Agriculture. The CCA will also facilitate contacts and cooperation between universities, research centers, and other institutions of the two countries. Last year, the United States exported $212 million in agricultural products to Peru including wheat, cotton, corn, soybean oil and meal, and processed grocery products. U.S. imports of agricultural products from Peru totaled $206 million including fresh vegetables, fresh fruit, coffee and sugar. ~~GAO Report Recommends Updating Trade Advisory Committee~~In a Government Accounting Office (GAO) report issued this week, GAO recommended that the trade advisory committee system established by Congress should be updated to reflect changes in the U.S. economy and trade policy. The report, titled Advisory Committee System Should be Updated to Better Serve U.S. Policy Needs, was requested by Sen. Charles Grassley (R-Iowa), ranking member of the Senate Finance Committee. The private sector trade advisory committee system was mandated by Congress in 1974. GAO surveyed more than 500 committee members. The report stated, "While our survey of committee members found high levels of satisfaction with many aspects of committee operations and effectiveness, more than a quarter of respondents indicated that the system had not realized its potential to contribute to U.S. trade policy." GAO said that consultations were not always timely and that tight meeting agendas hampered formulation of committee advice. Also, committee members are of the view that the consultation process needs greater accountability to make sure that views are considered, the report said. The U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), in comments submitted on the draft report, said that it is in the process of developing internal guidelines clarifying procedures for consultations. GAO also urged that USTR, with the secretaries of Agriculture, Commerce, Labor, and the EPA administrator, assess the entire trade advisory system and update it in light of current trade policy demands. Senator Grassley may introduce legislation during the 108th Congress to implement some of GAO’s recommendations. The report, GAO-02-876, may be accessed on GAO's Internet site at http://www.gao.gov. (Contact: Jennifer Yezak Molen) USDA NEWS ~~USDA Plans Catfish Study~~USDA’s Centers for Epidemiology and Animal Health have announced they will conduct a Catfish 2003 study through their National Animal Health Monitoring System. CEAH is a part of veterinary services in USDA'S Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. The catfish study, scheduled to start in early 2003, is the second national study of the U.S. catfish industry. The first, Catfish 1997, described and evaluated the general health and management practices of the foodsize fish component of the industry. This second study will focus on: (1) foodsize and fingerling production practices; (2) prevalence of disease problems in foodsize fish and fingerlings as reported by producers; (3) disease control; (4) treatment practices and (5) risk factors associated with contracting these diseases. Data for the study will be collected through a survey of catfish farmers, conducted by the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service, in January and February 2003. ~~Registration Extended for Farm Bill Conference~~The National Conference on Farm Bill Conservation Opportunities is fast approaching. The reservation deadline has been extended through November 5. The conference will be held November 13 to 14, 2002, at the Hilton St. Louis Airport in St. Louis, Missouri. NASDA and a partnership of agricultural and conservation organizations are sponsoring the conference. One goal of the meeting is to provide detailed information to farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural stakeholders about the new farm bill conservation programs and opportunities. The conference is also designed to help agricultural and conservation organizations develop action plans to provide key information to landowners on farm bill conservation programs. For additional information or questions, please contact Charlie Ingram at NASDA by phone at 202/296-9680 or by email at charlie@nasda.org. (Contact: Charlie Ingram) STATE NEWS N.Y. STATE INTRODUCES NEW HORSE HEALTH ASSURANCE PROGRAM --Voluntary Certification Program Helps Safeguard Equine Health in New York New York State Agriculture Commissioner Nathan L. Rudgers has announced the certification of the first equine operation to complete the New York State Horse Health Assurance Program (NYSHHAP), which is a new certification program that acknowledges exceptionally well-managed equine farms. The announcement took place at Springwood Stable in Lafayette, a horse boarding operation that successfully completed the pilot program and is now certified under NYSHHAP. "The Horse Health Assurance Program represents the first systematic approach to addressing equine health issues in New York State," the Commissioner said. "The program's voluntary, hands-on approach to managing health risks has been very popular among pilot participants and its success at these equine operations will be valuable to individual stables and the betterment of the equine industry as a whole." "I encourage horse operations, large and small, to consider participating in NYSHHAP and congratulate our pilot farms on being the first to complete this innovative new program that will ensure healthier horses and equine environments in New York State." After completing the initial pilot stage of the program, NYSHHAP was found to be successful in providing the framework for horse owners to consider health risks commonly associated with equine operations and to establish best management practices to address those risks. Recent animal health issues in the equine industry such as Mare Reproductive Loss Syndrome, Rockingham Fever, and West Nile Virus, have emphasized the need to create an on-farm, systems approach to equine health. NYSHHAP addresses these diverse and sometimes undetermined health risks by utilizing an integrated system of barriers designed to reduce the likelihood of the introduction of a disease agent, minimize the transmission within the facility or operation, and prevent the dissemination of the agent to other susceptible populations. All New York State equine operations are eligible to apply. The initial implementation phase of NYSHHAP began in May 2002, where six pilot equine operations from across the state were used as a means of evaluating the program. As part of NYSHHAP, a Standards and Certification Manual was developed to incorporate management and facility standards that are consistent with the promotion of equine health and welfare. To become a certified NYSHHAP operation, one must request an application and Standards and Certification Manual from the department, complete a "self-study" form and schedule a premise visit with the department, which will validate consistency with the facility and operational standards. Approved horse operations that participate in NYSHHAP, will receive a metal New York State Horse Health Assurance Program Member sign from the Department in addition to a certificate recognizing their exceptional commitment to horse health management. Certified farms will also receive a notebook filled with articles addressing various management areas outlined in the manual, as well as a "biosecurity sign" and medical waste container, which are both required as part of the program. NYSHHAP follows a similar model that the state created in 1998 for cattle called the New York State Cattle Health Assurance Program (NYSCHAP). Currently, nearly 700 livestock farms across New York State participate in NYSCHAP, which addresses whole farm biosecurity and provides management tools to help food animal producers address issues on the farm pertaining to product quality, animal health, food safety, environmental stewardship and public health. This program has not only been popular with producers, but processors and consumers alike in helping to safeguard our food supply. New York State currently has nearly 170,000 horses of all types in New York State, valued at $1.7 billion. The equine industry as a whole, including land, fences, barns, equipment, feed and tack, was valued at $6.15 billion in 2000. For more information on how to become involved in NYSHHAP, horse owners can contact Dr. Lyda Denney with the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets at 315/829-4282 or by email at lyda.denney@agmkt.state.ny.us. (Contact: Jessica Chittenden, 518/457-3136) DELAWARE COMMISSION OFFERS 3/4 MILLION DOLLARS FOR NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT PRACTICES The Delaware Nutrient Management Commission is currently offering funds for nutrient planning and manure relocation. Despite budget hardships and program cuts, more than $400,000 is now available for farmers to assist in contractual costs for a nutrient management plan developed by a private nutrient consultant. According to Bill Rohrer, Delaware Nutrient Management Program administrator, there are more than 50 private nutrient consultants certified to develop plans funded by the commission. A list of the consultants can be obtained by calling or visiting the Delaware Nutrient Management Section office, at the Delaware Department of Agriculture, 2320 South DuPont Highway, Dover, Delaware. Copies may also be obtained from the local conservation districts. These funds are based on analytical and development costs of a plan and are based on $5 per acre for three years of nutrient planning. Rohrer said, “We have committed to paying for this cost as farmers and others are phased into required nutrient management.” Additionally, more than $350,000 is available for transportation costs associated with relocating excess poultry litter to farms demonstrating the demand as indicated by a current nutrient management plan. Rates are capped at $18 per ton and range from $.15 to $.20 per ton-mile depending on the distance and nutrient content. Rohrer said, “Some farms will be limited to the amount of litter they can properly utilize and their excess litter is valuable to other farms and alternative use projects. Anyone can participate in relocating litter and those interested should call Steve Hollenbeck at 302/698-4500.” (Contact: Anne Fitzgerald, 302/698-4520) INTERNATIONAL LABOR TO BE DISCUSSED AT KENTUCKY SUMMIT An “Employer Summit on International Labor” is scheduled for Nov. 12 at the Executive Inn East in Louisville. The summit will provide information on international and migrant labor, including recruitment, education and training, employee health, communication, and housing. Participants will hear state and national experts address issues pertinent to employers who hire international or migrant labor. The summit’s lead sponsors are the Cabinet for Workforce Development, the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, and the Kentucky Farm Bureau. A $25 registration fee covers lunch and refreshments. Registration forms are available at http://www.kycwd.org or by calling Susan Goddard at 502/564-6606, ext. 138. The deadline for registering is Nov. 5. Speakers include Allen D. Rose, secretary of the Cabinet for Workforce Development; Dr. James Holt, a Washington, D.C., labor economist; Abdon Ibarra of Lexington Urban County Government and Migrant Network Coalition; and Ron Crouch, director, Kentucky State Data Center. A panel discussion will include an immigration attorney and representatives from the Immigration and Naturalization Service, Attorney General’s Office and Justice Cabinet. |
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