|
A publication of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture SPECIALTY CROP BILL SIGNED BY PRESIDENT FOREST SERVICE PUBLISHES NEW PLANNING RULE U.S. WINS WTO CASE AGAINST EU OVER FOOD NAMES USDA INVITES STATE PARTICIPATION IN MARKET IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM VENEMAN APPOINTS NEW MEMBERS TO EMERGING MARKETS COMMITTEE NEW REPORT ISSUED ON RURAL AMERICA USDA LAUNCHES NEW WEBSITE ON NUTRITION FOOD ALLERGY TRAINING GUIDE AVAILABLE State News--ROBERT BLOXOM APPOINTED VIRGINIA'S FIRST SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE & FORESTRY State News--WITT JOINS TDA AS NEW GENERAL COUNSEL Job Opportunity--GS-401-AGRICULTURE SPECIALIST _________________________________________________________Past Issues What's New on the NASDA Website
Committee Minutes, etc., from NASDA 2004 NASDA Comments on BSE proposed regulation NASDA's Specialty Crop website with final report The Agricultural Jobs, Opportunity, Benefits, and Security (AgJOBS) Act of 2003
|
SPECIALTY CROP BILL SIGNED BY PRESIDENT Last week, President George W. Bush signed the "Specialty Crop Competitiveness Act," which is considered landmark legislation for the nation's specialty crop industry. The bill authorizes $54 million annually for five years to enhance the competitiveness, both domestically and internationally, of each state's fresh produce crops, mostly through block grants to the state departments of agriculture. The block grant is authorized annually at $44.5 million with each state authorized to receive a minimum grant of $100,000. "The signing of this bill is a significant victory for growers and consumers alike," said Western Growers Association President Tom Nassif. "As a model for federal agricultural funding, none of the millions of dollars earmarked for the produce industry will come in the form of direct subsidies. Instead, the funding will be an investment in the produce industry to enhance exports through technical assistance, specialized research programs, conservation, education, promotion, improved food inspection facilities and similar initiatives." Western Growers, its members, and other industry partners, including NASDA, worked for nearly three years to win congressional approval for the legislation. The coauthors of the bill are Reps. Doug Ose and Cal Dooley, both of California. The bill was approved by the House of Representatives in October 2004, and the Senate earlier this month. The bill was cosponsored by 122 members of Congress representing farmers across the nation who grow more than 250 fresh produce crops ranging from lettuce in California to melons in Arizona to blueberries in Maine. Some of the features of the Act include: the enhancement of fresh produce quality; new crop protection tools and pest management systems; and research on the impact of foreign pest and disease invasions and effective solutions. In addition, technical assistance for specialty crops to help enhance exports will be increased and plant inspection programs will also be bolstered. Western Growers Association is an agricultural trade association whose 3,000 members grow, pack, and ship 90 percent of the fresh vegetables and nearly 70 percent of the fresh fruit and nuts grown in Arizona and California, about one-half of the nation's fresh produce. (Contact: Jennifer Yezak) FOREST SERVICE PUBLISHES NEW PLANNING RULE USDA's Forest Service has released a final rule that provides the framework for individual forest management plans governing the 155 national forests and 20 grasslands. For the first time, an Environmental Management System (EMS) will be used during the planning process to improve performance and accountability. The new rule will make forest planning more timely and cost effective. Currently, the forest planning process generally takes five to seven years to revise a 15-year management plan. Under the new rule, forest plan revisions will take approximately two to three years, with a comprehensive evaluation of the plan to be completed every five years to ensure it is meeting goals and objectives. Desired land conditions will be outlined in each management plan, and local managers will be held accountable for their efforts to achieve them. This will make planning more relevant to on-the-ground practices and outcomes. The new rule directs forest managers to take into account the best available science to protect air, water, wildlife, and other important natural resources at a landscape-level. Under the new rule, local experts will be able to more effectively comply with environmental laws, like the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the Endangered Species Act. Because information gathered and analyzed at the local level will be current and constantly updated, the Forest Service will have a better basis for evaluating the environmental effects of projects. The new rule neither promotes nor discourages any particular forest use, such as recreation, grazing, timber harvest, or mineral development. Decisions regarding such uses will be made on a forest-by-forest basis and will be informed by local conditions, science and public input. Guidelines on activities, such as timber harvesting, will be placed in the directives. Detailed information about the new rule can be found at http://www.fs.fed.us/emc/nfma. (Contact: Charlie Ingram) U.S. WINS WTO CASE AGAINST EU OVER FOOD NAMES United States Trade Representative Robert B. Zoellick announced last week that the United States had prevailed in its WTO case against the European Union regarding geographic food names known as "geographical indications." Geographical indications, or "GIs", are geographic names that have a particular association with a product, such as Idaho potatoes or Florida oranges. In its report, the WTO panel agreed with the United States that Europe's regulation discriminates against U.S. products and producers and is therefore contrary to WTO rules. The panel also agreed with the United States that Europe could not, consistent with WTO rules, deny U.S. trademark owners their rights. The panel emphasized that any exceptions to trademark rights for the use of registered GIs were narrow, and limited to the actual GI name as registered. "This is a big win for American farmers and food processors. We brought this case because we believed that, under WTO rules, U.S. farmers, ranchers, and other food producers should have the same access to protection for "geographical indications" as European food producers. Europe clearly failed to provide this access," said Zoellick. "We also welcome the panel's findings that protecting GIs need not and should not harm the rights of trademark owners. These findings are important to the rights of U.S. companies protecting their trademarks in Europe." Zoellick noted the interest in this case by the House Agriculture Chairman Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.) and worked closely with him and his staff on this issue. Under WTO rules, both parties will have an opportunity to appeal the panel report to the WTO Appellate Body after the report is circulated to the WTO membership and the public, probably sometime in the next few months. The full press release and additional background material can be located on the Internet at http://www.ustr.gov/Document_Library/Press_Releases/2004/December/Section_Index.html. (Contact: Jennifer Yezak) USDA INVITES STATE PARTICIPATION IN MARKET IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM USDA is inviting state departments of agriculture and other appropriate state agencies to submit proposals for matching grant funds under the Federal-State Marketing Improvement Program (FSMIP). For FY05, USDA anticipates that approximately $1.3 million will be available for FSMIP grants. USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) administers this program. FSMIP funds may be requested for a wide range of marketing research or projects aimed at exploring new market opportunities for agricultural products or improving the efficiency and performance of food marketing systems. Federal funds awarded to any project must be equally matched by non-Federal funds or in-kind resources. AMS is particularly interested in proposals that reflect a collaborative approach among the states, academia, and the farm sector. States are also urged to consider developing proposals that have regional or national significance, and that address challenges and opportunities in following areas: market analysis; transportation and distribution; competitiveness and new markets; and food quality and variety. FSMIP funds will be allocated on the basis of one round of competition. The deadline for submitting FY05 FSMIP applications is February 11, 2005. States interested in applying for the funds may submit proposals to FSMIP Staff, USDA, Agricultural Marketing Service, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Room 4009-South, Washington, D.C. 20250, or call 202/720-2704. Program guidelines, application forms, and other related information are posted on the Internet at http://www.ams.usda.gov/tmd/fsmip.htm. Applicants have the option of submitting their applications through the federal grants website: http://www.grants.gov. (Contact: Jennifer Yezak) VENEMAN APPOINTS NEW MEMBERS TO EMERGING MARKETS COMMITTEE Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman announced last week the appointment of 15 new members to serve on the USDA's Advisory Committee on Emerging Markets. "We appreciate the contribution that these individuals are making to serve on this committee," Veneman said. "Their expertise and advice is invaluable in helping develop market economies for American producers, processors and exporters." Among the members are former Delaware Agriculture Secretary Jack Tarburton of Dover, Del., Russell Redding of the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture and Bob Craig of the Michigan Department of Agriculture. Other appointed members are: Julie Adams, Modesto, Calif.; Robert Bignami, Orland, Calif.; Carol Chandler, Selma, Calif.; Janice Cooper, Walnut Grove, Calif.; Howard Gochberg, White Bear Lake, Minn.; Edgar Hicks, West Des Moines, Iowa; Edwin Jewett, Jr., Baton Rouge, La.; Mark Kuechler, Spotsylvania, Va.; David Lyons, Washington, D.C.; Jenifer McBeath, Fairbanks, Alaska; George Obernagel, Waterloo, Ill.; Alex Sou, Kapolei, Hawaii; and Bonnie Wolfe, Potomac Falls, Va. The 15 newly appointed members will serve until the end of 2006. They will join other members who were appointed to 2-year terms in May 2003: Gail Carlson, Arlington, Va.; Geralyn Contini, Baton Rouge, La.; Harriett Paul, Tallahassee, Fla.; and James Willrett, Malta, Ill. The committee reviews funding proposals under the Emerging Markets Program, which is administered by USDA's Foreign Agricultural Service. The program supports private and governmental projects to promote U.S. agricultural exports in emerging economies. Congress reauthorized the program in the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002. The committee also advises USDA on private sector efforts to enhance food and rural business systems in developing countries. Committee members have expertise in international agriculture, trade and marketing, especially as they relate to emerging market economies. They serve without compensation. Information on the advisory committee and the Emerging Markets Program is also available on the Web at http://www.fas.usda.gov/mos/em-markets/em-markets.html. (Contact: Jennifer Yezak) NEW REPORT ISSUED ON RURAL AMERICA The Southern Rural Development Center (SRDC) released a special report earlier this month which examines important relationships between rural schools and communities in America. "The Role of Education: Promoting the Economic and Social Vitality of Rural America" is a 72-page full-color publication resulting from more than three years of research conducted in partnership by the SRDC, the USDA Economic Research Service (ERS), and the Rural School and Community Trust. The report provides information in three areas: education, human capital and the local economy; links between rural schools and communities; and creating successful rural schools and students. Fifteen authors representing nine institutions of higher learning contributed. The report is available online and in January 2005 in a print format. To view the report, go to the following address on the SRDC website: http://srdc.msstate.edu/publications/ruraleducation.pdf. For a printed copy write to publications@srdc.msstate.edu or call 662/325-3207. (Contact: Jennifer Yezak) USDA LAUNCHES NEW WEBSITE ON NUTRITION USDA recently announced the launch of a new nutrition website designed to help people find answers to nutrition and food related questions. The site, http://www.nutrition.gov, is a comprehensive source of information on nutrition and dietary guidance from multiple government agencies. The nutrition.gov site is maintained by a team of Registered Dietitians and nutrition information specialists at the Food and Nutrition Information Center of USDA's National Agricultural Library (NAL). The team works in cooperation with scientists and professionals at USDA's Agricultural Research Service, USDA Food and Nutrition Service, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and other Federal partners. The website also links to information on the Food Guide Pyramid, the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, dietary supplements, fitness, and how to keep food safe. (Contact: Charlie Ingram) FOOD ALLERGY TRAINING GUIDE AVAILABLE The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is making a CD-ROM available to states entitled "Food Allergy Training Guide for Restaurants and Food Services." This comprehensive program, developed in cooperation with the National Restaurant Association and its members, provides the tools to train food service staff to safely prepare and serve food to guests who have food allergies. The CDs are being mailed to state agriculture officials, state health officials, state food service program directors, and local health units. If additional copies or information is needed, please contact Carl I. Vassar at FDA's Division of Federal-State Relations by email at cvassar@ora.fda.gov. (Contact: Charlie Ingram) STATE NEWS ROBERT BLOXOM APPOINTED VIRGINIA'S FIRST SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE & FORESTRY Virginia Governor Mark R. Warner has appointed former Delegate Robert S. Bloxom of Accomack to serve in the newly created Cabinet position of Virginia Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry. The secretary will be responsible for the Virginia Department of Forestry, the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, the Virginia Agricultural Council, and the Virginia Marine Products Board, agencies that previously reported to the Secretary of Commerce and Trade. Bloxom served in the Virginia House of Delegates from 1978 until his retirement at the end of 2003. He served on the Agriculture, Labor and Commerce, and Chesapeake and its Tributaries committees, and also served a term as chairman of the multi-state Chesapeake Bay Commission. A 1959 graduate of the University of Richmond, Bloxom currently serves as president of Bloxom Auto Supply Co., Inc., in Mappsville on the Eastern Shore. "When I campaigned for this job four years ago, I made a commitment to support and expand our agriculture and forestry industries and to make sure these very important sectors of Virginia's economy received a seat at my Cabinet table," Warner said. "Bob Bloxom's experience with the issues facing Virginia's rural areas and agricultural and forestry industries make him a perfect fit for this position." The combination of agriculture and forestry is Virginia's number one industry, contributing more than $47 billion to the state economy annually and representing more than 15% of total employment. Until now, Virginia was one of only five states that did not have an executive level position for agriculture and forestry, reporting directly to the governor. The 2004 General Assembly supported creation of the secretariat through Senate Bill 543, sponsored by Senator Charles Hawkins, and House Bill 1212, sponsored by Delegate Steve Landes. "I believe strengthening and promoting the forestry and agriculture industries can play an enormous role in Governor Warner's efforts to revitalize Virginia's rural economy," Bloxom said. "About 80 percent of the vegetables grown in Virginia are produced in my former legislative district on the Eastern Shore. I have spent years promoting the growth and viability of these two key industries, and I certainly look forward to this opportunity to serve the Commonwealth again." (Contact: Elaine Lidholm, 804/786-2373) WITT JOINS TDA AS NEW GENERAL COUNSEL Texas Agriculture Commissioner Susan Combs recently announced that Ellen Witt has joined the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) as the agency's new general counsel. Before joining TDA, Witt was an attorney with the law firm of Vinson & Elkins in Austin, where she practiced health law and corporate law. While at V&E, she advised health-related entities on regulatory compliance and represented developing companies in capital-raising and corporate governance. "In her position as TDA's general counsel, Ellen's broad legal background and expertise will be tremendous assets to this agency and the state's agricultural industry," Combs said. Witt graduated from The University of Texas School of Law and is a native of Houston. Witt replaces Kathryn Reed, who will retire Dec. 31 after almost 29 years of service to the state. Since 1999, she has represented agriculture and rural interests while working at TDA. (Contact: Beverly Boyd, 512/463-7664) JOB OPPORTUNITY GS-401-AGRICULTURE SPECIALIST-5/7/9 Vacancy Announcement Open from December 23, 2004 through January 15, 2005 Pre-employment Requirements consist of a thorough background investigation and drug test. If your background includes past or present arrests, convictions, dismissals from previous jobs, debts, and financial issues, excessive use of alcohol, use of illegal drugs, and/or the sale and distribution of illegal drugs, you most probably will be rated unsuitable for this position. Training: New hires must successfully complete eight to twelve weeks of paid training at the Professional Development Center located in Frederick, Maryland. Job Requirements: Agriculture Specialists must wear a uniform; work overtime and/or shift work (sometimes under arduous conditions); and be subject to random drug testing. Qualifications refer to the vacancy announcement for more specifics on qualifying experience and education. However, here are the basic qualifications. * Must be a U.S. citizen to apply and must possess a valid state driver's license at the time of appointment. * To qualify for a GS-5 level position, you must have 1. Earned a bachelor's or higher degree with a major field of study in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry or a closely related field such as botany or entomology. or 2. A combination of experience and education that includes twenty-four semester hours in the disciplines listed above and job experience in areas such as pest control, pesticide application, inspecting aircraft or passengers, x-ray or environmental monitoring, or farm management related to disease control, insect detection/eradication or pest control. To qualify for a GS-7 level position, you must meet the basic entry qualification requirements for the GS-5 plus have superior academic achievement, or one year of graduate level education in a field of study outlined in paragraph one above, or one full year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-5 level. Examples of qualifying experience include inspecting vessels, vehicles, aircraft, and baggage for the presence of restricted plant material, pests or diseases; and reviewing/analyzing passenger and/or commodity documents to assess the agricultural risk of their entry into the United States. To qualify for a GS-9 level position, you must meet the basic qualification requirements and have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-7 level, as described above, or a master's degree or two years of graduate education in a field of study outlined in paragraph one above. Do you want to put your scientific expertise to use in the protection of America? As an Agriculture Specialist, you would play a critical role in the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). As such, you would be part of the frontline officer team charged with carrying out the agency's priority mission, which is to prevent terrorists and instruments of terrorism from entering the U.S. while expediting the flow of legitimate trade and travel. You would be trained to serve as an expert and technical consultant in the areas of inspection, intelligence, analysis, examination, and law enforcement activities related to the importation of agricultural/commercial commodities and conveyances at the various ports of entry. The mission is critical and the duties varied. You would apply a wide range of federal, state, and local laws and agency regulations when determining the admissibility of agriculture commodities while preventing the introduction of harmful pests, diseases, and potential agro-terrorism into the United States. Therefore, you could be participating in special enforcement, targeting, or analysis teams charged with collecting and analyzing information and identifying high-risk targets; or you could be conducting visual and physical inspections of cargo, conveyances, or passenger baggage. You could also plan, conduct, and supervise remedial actions such as treating, disinfecting, and decontaminating prohibited commodities, conveyances, contaminants, or agricultural materials. Benefits and Salary * CBP offers a generous benefits package including personal leave days for vacation, illness, and family care, a wide choice of health insurance programs, life insurance, long-term care insurance, flexible spending accounts for out-of-pocket medical or dependent care expenses, a fully portable retirement program that includes a Thrift Savings Plan (similar to a 401k), and a uniform allowance. In addition, some locations have access to fitness facilities, related health and wellness programs, and on-site childcare facilities. * These are full-time permanent positions being filled in the excepted service. Initial appointments are made at the GS-5 (at least $26,699 per annum) GS-7 (at least $33,071) and GS-9 (at least $40,454) grade levels with promotion potential to the GS-11 ($48,022) without having to reapply. There is also the opportunity to earn overtime pay. Locations: These positions are located at CBP ports of entry including land borders, airports, seaports, and pre-clearance stations, and incumbents may be rotated between assignments and duty locations. How to apply: Go to http://www.USAJOBS.opm.gov and click on Search Jobs, or http://www.cbp.gov and click on careers (on the top of the screen) then click on CareerFinder (on the left of the screen) Then put 0401 in the keyword search and press enter, and you will be able to find and download the announcements for the GS-401-5/7/9, Agriculture Specialists, and apply online for the positions. | |||