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A publication of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture HOUSE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE FUNDS SPECIALTY CROPS BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM NASDA & AFFILIATES JOIN AGRICULTURE COALITION TO PUSH PESTICIDE BILL HOUSE PANEL APPROVES FY06 AGRICULTURE APPROPRIATIONS BILL HARKIN URGES STEPPED-UP ACTION TO FIGHT SOYBEAN RUST GOODLATTE ANNOUNCES SUPPORT FOR CAFTA HOUSE & SENATE LEADERS OUTLINE SUMMER AGENDA SUPREME COURT RULES ON BEEF CHECKOFF PROGRAM USDA EXTENDS COMMENT PERIOD FOR ANIMAL IDENTIFICATION STRATEGIC PLAN INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF FAIRS AND EXPOSITIONS UNDERTAKES BENCHMARK SURVEY USDA UNDERSECRETARY POSITION CHANGES State News--CONSULTANT OFFERS PROPOSAL FOR OVERHAULING TWIN PORTS GRAIN INSPECTION State News--BLACKBERRY RUST REPORTEDLY FOUND IN OREGON _________________________________________________________Past Issues What's New on the NASDA Website
NASDA's Specialty Crop website with final report Committee Minutes, etc., from NASDA 2004
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HOUSE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE FUNDS SPECIALTY CROPS BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM The House Appropriations Committee included seven million dollars for the specialty crops block grant program in the FY06 agricultural appropriations bill. The action was taken this week during the committee's markup of the bill. The block grant was authorized in the Specialty Crop Competitiveness Act which became law in 2004. It is designed to boost the nation's specialty crops industry through block grants to state departments of agriculture. The funding will be used to enhance the industry through technical assistance, research, promotion, education, nutrition and related initiatives. The next step for the appropriations bill is full consideration by the U.S. House of Representatives in early June. "NASDA members are anxious to demonstrate our states' ability to effectively administer programs designed to help the specialty crop industry innovate," NASDA President and New York Agriculture Commissioner Nathan L. Rudgers said in response to the committee's action. "States have the unique ability to tailor programs to meet the specific interests and needs of our specialty crops industry. Many of us are already performing this good work through state programs, we appreciate the House action to fund, for the first time, landmark legislation passed last year." The Specialty Crop Competitiveness Act authorizes $54.5 million annually for five years to enhance the competitiveness, both domestically and internationally, of American fresh produce. Of that amount, $44.5 million is authorized for the block grant program. Other features of the act include research to improve produce quality; development of new crop protection tools; creation of pest management systems; quantification of the clean air benefits of produce crops; research on the impact of foreign pest and disease and effective solutions. The act was cosponsored by 122 members of Congress representing producers who grow more than 250 specialty crops ranging from lettuce in California to melons in Arizona to blueberries in Maine. "The implementation of the Specialty Crop Competitiveness Act is a giant leap forward for the people who have dedicated their lives to providing the world's best quality fruits, nuts and vegetables," said Tom Nassif, president of the Western Growers. "It's a signal from Washington that policy makers understand the tremendous value of this sector of agriculture and will take the steps necessary to protect and foster this industry." Western Growers 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. NASDA and the Western Growers work with other agricultural groups and organizations to promote specialty crops and the implementation of the 2004 law. The Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development and Related Agencies is expected to mark up the Senate version of the FY06 agricultural appropriations bill sometime in June. (Contact: Jennifer Yezak) NASDA & AFFILIATES JOIN AGRICULTURE COALITION TO PUSH PESTICIDE BILL NASDA and a coalition of agriculture organizations are pushing for passage of legislation that would clarify that Clean Water Act (CWA) permits are not required for certain applications of pesticides to or over the nation's waters. The legislation is intended to provide needed protection to farmers, natural resource managers, wildland firefighters, and pest control operators from unwarranted environmental lawsuits. The issue stems from several court decisions (Talent and Forsgren) and environmental group lawsuits would require CWA permits for the application of pesticides to certain waterbodies. Earlier this year, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issues an interpretive statement and proposed rule stating the agency's long-standing policy that a CWA permit is not required. NASDA and other agriculture groups have urged EPA to issue regulations on permitting requirements because the numerous court cases have caused confusion over the issue. The agriculture community has also pushed for legislation to codify EPA's position and Reps. Butch Otter (R-Idaho) and Dennis Cardoza (D-Calif) introduced H.R. 1749 in April. The bill codifies that agricultural and other pesticides, including forestry activities, firefighting and pest control are not subject to CWA permitting requirements. NASDA and the agriculture coalition this week sent a letter to House lawmakers urging them to cosponsor the legislation. Two of NASDA's affiliate organizations, the Association of American Pesticide Control Officials (AAPCO), and the National Plant Board (NPB) have also written letters supporting the bill. (Contact: Charlie Ingram) HOUSE PANEL APPROVES FY06 AGRICULTURE APPROPRIATIONS BILL The House Appropriations Committee approved the FY06 agriculture spending bill on May 25 which includes $7 million in new funding for a specialty crop block grant program (see separate story). The funding bill is almost identical to the agriculture subcommittee's proposal and no major policy amendments were considered. The bill provides a total of almost $17 billion in total discretionary resources. This level is an increase of $93 million over the president's budget request and the same as the FY05 enacted level. Following are some of the bill highlights: * Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is increased by $20 million over last year, for a total of $837 million and $127 million above the president's request. The bill does not include $139 million in new user fees proposed by the administration. * Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) activities are funded at $16 million above last year for a total of $829 million, and a decrease of $32 million below the president's request. The bill does not include $11 million in new user fees proposed by the administration. * Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is funded at $1.5 billion, $36 million above last year and $14 million below the president's request. * Bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) detection and prevention activities are funded at about $90 million, the same as last year's level. * Farm Service Agency (FSA) salaries and expenses are funded at the president's request of $1.008 billion, an increase of $25 million above last year, to continue delivery of farm programs. * Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is funded at $1.124 billion, an increase of $164 million above last year's level and $63 million above the President's request. * Conservation Operations activities are increased by $26 million over the president's request, bringing FY 06 funding to $794 million, and a decrease of $37 million below last year. (Contact: Charlie Ingram) HARKIN URGES STEPPED-UP ACTION TO FIGHT SOYBEAN RUST Sen. Tom Harkin (D-Iowa) recently sent letters to the Secretary of Agriculture (USDA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) administrator urging the administration to improve efforts to monitor and treat Asian soybean rust. Harking also released a new General Accountability Office (GAO) study which points out shortcomings in the nation's readiness to combat soybean rust. The GAO study states that the administration had made some progress in preparing to combat the disease. The study notes that USDA has taken important steps to establish a nationwide monitoring and surveillance system to track the spread of the disease, and USDA's Risk Management Agency appears ready to cover losses from soybean rust for insured farmers. However, the study also concluded that the administration falls short in several key areas, specifically: (1) inadequate monitoring resources; (2) farmers lack information on insurance; and (3) treatment shortfalls. Harkin emphasized that soybean rust could potentially result in significant costs to farmers and he urged administration officials to study the GAO report and take swift action. The GAO report is available at http://www.gao.gov. (Contact: Charlie Ingram or Bob Ehart) GOODLATTE ANNOUNCES SUPPORT FOR CAFTA House Agriculture Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.) on May 25 announced his support for the Central America-Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA) at a press conference with Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns and U.S. Trade Representative Rob Portman. Prior to the announcement, members of the committee held an executive session with Johanns and Portman. Goodlate said he called the press conference "to move the process along and to encourage my House colleagues and the Members of the Agriculture Committee to support and vote for this trade agreement." Goodlatte noted that U.S. agricultural exports to the six CAFTA countries total $1.7 billion and imports from these countries total $2.4 billion. He said this not only creates a significant trade deficit but also puts U.S. producers at a severe disadvantage. The chairman also pointed out that more than half of U.S. farm exports to these countries will become duty-free immediately which will start to even out the playing field. "It is to the advantage of the American farmer that this trade agreement comes into force so that they can have the market access that farmers in these six countries have to the U.S. market," Goodlatte said. (Contact: Jennifer Yezak) HOUSE & SENATE LEADERS OUTLINE SUMMER AGENDA Congressional leaders this week outlined their legislative priorities for the summer as lawmakers prepared to adjourn May 27 for the Memorial Day recess. Congress faces an ambitious agenda which includes action on the FY06 appropriations bills, tax reform, and a variety of other issues. House Majority Leader Tom DeLay (R-Texas) told reporters from Congress Daily and other news organizations that he expects the budget reconciliation process to consume much of the congressional schedule over the whole summer. The House is also expected to complete work on a highway improvement funding bill and the FY06 appropriations bills before the July 4 congressional recess. Other legislative priorities include a comprehensive energy bill, welfare, and postal overhaul bills. Action on the Central America Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA) is also expected. After the July 4 recess, the House plans to begin a "21st Century Careers Initiative" that will focus on increasing economic competition and addressing regulatory overhaul issues. In the Senate, Minority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) and Minority Whip Richard Durbin (D-Ill.)outlined their priority issues for the summer. The Democratic agenda includes an economic reform package, trade legislation, energy legislation, a minimum wage increase, military and homeland security reforms, social security, and pension reform. (Contact: Charlie Ingram) SUPREME COURT RULES ON BEEF CHECKOFF PROGRAM The U.S. Supreme Court ruled on May 23 that the beef checkoff program is constitutional. The court's six to three decision overturns the 2002 ruling by the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit, which held that the federal Beef Promotion and Research Act violated the First Amendment free speech rights of the ranchers who filed the original challenge. The checkoff program requires cattle producers to pay a $1 per-head fee on cattle sold in the United States for beef promotion and research. The checkoff program went into effect in 1985 and raised more than $80 million annually, which is split between the Cattlemen's Beef Promotion and Research Board and qualified state beef councils. The groups are responsible for the popular "Beef: It's what's for dinner" campaign. All producers owning and marketing cattle, regardless of the size of their operation or the value of their cattle, must pay the assessment. A comparable assessment is collected on all imported cattle, beef, and beef products. Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns issued a statement praising the court's decision, saying it was a "win for the many producers who recognize the power of pooled resources." He said that USDA and the administration have always contended that such programs are effective tools for market enhancement. Johanns said the Beef Checkoff Program will continue without interruption and USDA is reviewing the decision to determine its implications for other first amendment challenges to checkoff programs. (Contact: Charlie Ingram) BSE GUIDELINES EASED The World Organization of Animal Health (OIE) agreed on new guidelines on beef exports and bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), setting up a three-category risk system for countries and making deboned red meat freely traded under certain conditions. "There will now be three categories. A classification will depend on the risk in each country," OIE Director General Bernard Vallat. "There is a list of products that present no risks. That now includes skeletal muscle meat under certain conditions." Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns said he welcomes the changes. "We look forward to working with other countries to amend regulations to reflect these guidelines, which will continue to promote our first objective of safeguarding animal and human health," Johanns said in a statement. (Contact: Bob Ehart) USDA EXTENDS COMMENT PERIOD FOR ANIMAL IDENTIFICATION STRATEGIC PLAN The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is extending the comment period on a notice seeking public comment about the national animal identification system (NAIS). "We are extending the comment period for the national animal identification system draft strategic plan and draft program standards so that all interested parties have time to prepare and submit information for our evaluation," said Dr. Ron DeHaven, APHIS administrator. A comprehensive description of NAIS system standards will be determined over time through field trials, user experience, and the federal rulemaking process. However, the draft documents currently available lay out in more detail projected timelines and potential avenues to achieve system milestones. For example, the draft documents propose requiring stakeholders to identify premises and animals according to NAIS standards by January 2008. Requiring full recording of defined animal movements is proposed by January 2009. Originally published in the Federal Register on May 6, the notice of availability about these documents acknowledges the outstanding concerns of some stakeholders and frames questions for which USDA will be seeking answers as it moves forward with the NAIS. These questions pertain to funding for the system, confidentiality of data in the system and flexibility of the system, among other things. Notice of the comment period extension was published in the May 20 Federal Register. Consideration will be given to comments received on or before July 6, 2005. Send an original and three copies of postal or commercial delivery comments to Docket No. 05-015-1, Regulatory Analysis and Development, PPD, APHIS, Station 3C71, 4700 River Road, Unit 118, Riverdale, MD 20737-1238. If you wish to submit a comment using the Internet, an easy link to the NAIS docket and comment form is available on the NAIS home page at http://www.usda.gov/nais. Once USDA receives feedback on the documents, it will follow the normal rulemaking process before any aspects of the NAIS become mandatory. The public will have the opportunity to submit additional comments on any proposed regulations. Comments are posted on the EDOCKET website and may also be viewed at USDA, Room 1141 South Building, 14th St. and Independence Ave., SW, Washington, D.C., between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding holidays. To facilitate entry into the comment reading room, please call 202/690-2817. (Contact: Bob Ehart) INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF FAIRS AND EXPOSITIONS UNDERTAKES BENCHMARK SURVEY This week, the International Association of Fairs and Expositions (IAFE) announced the creation of the 2005 IAFE Benchmark Survey. The purpose of the survey is to gather details about fairs including expenses and receipts for all fair and off-season operations, best practices information, sponsorships, numbers of entries, agricultural exhibits, concessions, legal issues, human resources as well as other pertinent issues. IAFE teamed up with the Alexandria Marketing Research Group in Joplin, Missouri, to develop and conduct the survey. The news was shared during the annual conference of the National Association of Agricultural Fair Agencies (NAAFA), an affiliate of NASDA, in Louisville, Kentucky, May 22 to 26. Jim Tucker, IAFE president and CEO, discussed the survey as well as other issues important to fairs with conference participants. The Kentucky Department of Agriculture was the lead in organizing and planning the conference. The Benchmark Survey will consist of several sub-surveys, which will be sent to IAFE members approximately every three weeks over the next several months. Participating fairs will be able to view the total results of the survey upon completion later in 2005. IAFE currently has 1400 members. In addition, interested fairs will be able to request special strategic analysis reports from the Alexandria Marketing Research Group for a nominal charge. These analysis reports will assist fairs in comparing their fair with others of similar size, geographical location and fair length. Further, fairs will also be able to find out if salaries they pay are comparable to fairs of the same size or how much revenue fairs are generating from concessions compared with their own. Results can also be used for strategic planning, generating new ideas and identifying categories related to profitability. Fairs participating in the Benchmark Survey will be included in a drawing for a grand prize and a runner-up prize. Grand prize is a 2005 IAFE convention delegate registration. For additional information, contact Steve Siever at 800/516-0313 with any questions or comments about the Benchmark Survey. The website for IAFE is http://www.fairsandexpos.com. (Contact: Jennifer Yezak) USDA UNDERSECRETARY POSITION CHANGES Joseph Jen Resigns; Richard Raymond Nominated Dr. Joseph Jen, USDA under secretary for research, education, and economics, has submitted his resignation. In a statement released by USDA, Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns stated, "It is with sincere regret that I have accepted on behalf of President Bush the resignation of Dr. Joseph Jen as Undersecretary for Research, Education, and Economics. Dr. Jen has demonstrated tremendous dedication during his tenure with USDA. "Dr. Jen has been instrumental in the effort to increase recognition of the importance of agricultural science and technology. His hard work and vision have led USDA to many great accomplishments in the areas of research and education. I appreciate that Dr. Jen has agreed to remain in his position until a successor is appointed and I certainly wish him all the best in his future endeavors." Jen was sworn in as the under secretary for research, education, and economics in July 2001. He is a widely recognized agricultural scientist and educator, with experience in both the public and private sectors. Before his appointment at USDA Jen served as the dean of the College of Agriculture at California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo. In this capacity, Jen oversaw eleven departments with 3,500 students, 250 faculty and staff, and a budget in excess of $30 million. The president intends to nominate Dr. Richard A. Raymond, of Nebraska, to be under secretary of agriculture for food safety. Raymond currently serves as director of the Regulation and Licensure Agency within the Nebraska Health and Human Services System and also serves as Chief medical officer of the Nebraska Health and Human Services System. He previously served as the director of the Clarkson Family Practice Residency Program. Earlier in his career, Raymond served as medical director for the Nebraska Health System's Hospice Program. He earned his bachelor's degree from Hastings College and his MD from the University of Nebraska. Raymond would replace Elsa Murano, who resigned in November. (Contact: Rick Kirchhoff) FOOD SAFETY BRIEFS ~~Meat Industry Launches New Website on Beef Trade~~The American Meat Institute (AMI) this week launched a new web site that highlights the urgent need to restore full cattle and beef trade with Canada. The website address is http://www.Openbeefborders.com, and features a number of features related to beef industry trade. ~~FDA Offers Grant Funding for Food Emergency Laboratories~~The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Office of Regulatory Affairs (ORA), has announced the availability of cooperative agreements for equipment, supplies, personnel, training, and facility upgrades to Food Emergency Response Laboratory Network (FERN) laboratories of state, local, and tribal governments. The cooperative agreements are to enable the analyses of foods and food products in the event that redundancy and/or additional laboratory surge capacity is needed by FERN for analyses related to chemical terrorism. These grants are also intended to expand participation in networks to enhance federal, state, and local food safety and security efforts. The total amount of funding available in FY05 is $2.1 million. Cooperative agreements will be awarded up to $350,000 in for up to three years and FDA anticipates that six awards will be made. Details about the project are available in the May 25 Federal Register. ~~New Appointments Announced at FDA~~Margaret O'K. Glavin, FDA's current assistant commissioner in the Office of Counterterrorism Policy and Planning, has been named the new associate commissioner for regulatory affairs. She replaces John M. Taylor, III, who recently announced his resignation. Glavin previously served as USDA acting administrator of the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS). Boris D. Lushniak, MD, MPH, will replace Glavin as the FDA's assistant commissioner for counterterrorism policy. Lushniak previously served as the chief medical officer in the FDA's Office of Counterterrorism Policy and Planning. Lushniak is a captain in the Commissioned Corps of the U.S. Public Health Service who has significant expertise in counterterrorism activities, disaster response, medical epidemiology and occupational diseases. (Contact: Charlie Ingram) STATE NEWS CONSULTANT OFFERS PROPOSAL FOR OVERHAULING TWIN PORTS GRAIN INSPECTION Grain inspection services in the Twin Ports of Duluth, Minn., and Superior, Wis., could merge and break off into a privately owned entity under a recent proposal from a consultant hired to study the financial problems plaguing the ports' state grain inspection services. Each year, millions of dollars in grain is shipped out of the Twin Ports to foreign markets. State grain inspectors offer shippers impartial weighing, sampling and inspection services that allow buyers and sellers to arrive at a fair price. Origin, destination and export inspections are performed under the requirements of the U.S. Grain Standards Act and the USDA produce inspection requirements. However, in recent years programs in each city have struggled financially due to rising operating costs, declining demand and inconsistent revenue. Last November, in an attempt to address this problem, Minnesota Agriculture Commissioner Gene Hugoson and Wisconsin Agriculture Secretary Rod Nilsestuen arranged for an operational study to identify the financial factors creating stress on the programs and offer recommendations for alternative ways to provide inspection services. Conducted by World Perspectives, Inc. (WPI), this study was recently delivered to state officials. In the study, WPI reports that current and future volumes through the Twin Ports will not support two separate inspection services. As a solution, WPI proposes a merger of Minnesota and Wisconsin services. The new entity would offer services in both ports, and may be privately owned possibly by its employees. Last fall, the state agencies put together an advisory committee that included representatives of the two agencies, as well as employees from the Duluth and Superior grain inspection programs, union and industry representatives, and a representative of USDA. This advisory group will be asked for additional input before state officials make final decisions on any recommendations. Whatever action is ultimately taken, Hugoson noted, the need for grain inspection in the Twin Ports must be met. "We can't continue operating as we have been, but we are hopeful that we will find a solution that works for everyone," Hugoson said. "The states are working with USDA to address the financial issues while maintaining the integrity of the official certificates." (Michael Schommer, 651/297-1629) BLACKBERRY RUST REPORTEDLY FOUND IN OREGON A species of rust fungus never before seen in North America has apparently shown up along the southern Oregon coast and is clearly impacting some of the unwanted, weedy Himalayan blackberry plants in the area. While that can be considered good news, officials are closely monitoring the effects of the rust to make sure it does not adversely affect Oregon's important commercial blackberry industry. DNA analysis will confirm the identity of the rust fungus strain, but it's likely to be Phragmidium violaceum, according to Tim Butler, supervisor of the Oregon Department of Agriculture's (ODA) Noxious Weed Control Program. Used as a biological control agent for unwanted blackberry species in Australia, New Zealand, and Chile, Butler is hoping it is safe for native and commercial blackberries in Oregon. "What we know about the rust is that it is very specific and has a narrow host range," says Butler. "Certainly, we want to get as much information as we can as quickly as possible if it looks like it would have adverse impacts to commercial or native varieties of blackberry in Oregon." ODA, Oregon State University Extension, and USDA's Agricultural Research Service (ARS) are working collaboratively to find answers. What is called a "trap garden" has been set up in an area of infected Himalayan blackberry on the south coast. In the garden are commercial varieties of blackberry intentionally planted to see if the rust will have a negative impact. So far, so good. In addition, ODA's plant pathology laboratory is inoculating leaves of commercial and native blackberry varieties. ARS is doing host specificity testing as well. The answers will be critical to an industry that is uniquely Oregon. "There is certainly no reason for alarm at this point," says Butler. "In a worst case scenario, if this rust does affect non-target blackberries, there are fungicides that could be used to keep it in check." Butler points to the research of Australia, New Zealand, and Chile, which all have commercial caneberry industries, as evidence that non-target blackberry species are unaffected by the rust. Oregon leads the nation in production of blackberries, boysenberries, and Marionberries with a value of production approaching $30 million. The Oregon Raspberry and Blackberry Commission (ORBC) has been kept informed of the rust discovery and will continue to monitor the issue. "As Oregon's berry industry representative, we are always interested in pest and disease problems, and are watching this situation very closely," says Tony Wurdinger, a Marion County blackberry grower and chair of the ORBC. "Both ODA and the USDA have been very good at keeping the commission informed and we look forward to getting answers to the many questions that have been raised so far." At this point, the rust appears to be confined to the south coast. Butler estimates about 100 square miles of Coos and Curry counties are affected, although it might be late summer until more visible symptoms of the rust are readily apparent. P. violaceum leaves purple spots on the top of the leaves of Himalayan blackberry with corresponding yellow pustules underneath the leaves. The rust reduces the plant's vigor. As it develops, there can be some die-back of the cane. In Australia, it has taken about five years to reduce the biomass of blackberry plants by as much as 50 percent. Over more time, the rust could have a major impact on Himalayan blackberry which is on Oregon's noxious weed list and is commonly found throughout Western Oregon. Therein lies a dilemma. Under a controlled introduction, the rust could be an agent of choice to control Himalayan blackberry. In fact, in the past, it has been considered for possible introduction in North America for the purpose of controlling the weedy variety. "It appears to be specific to Himalayan blackberry, which infests hundreds and thousands of acres along streams and throughout Oregon's watersheds," says Butler. "This rust could be a big benefit to us in the long run. But any biological control agent needs to have rigorous testing to ensure it is specific to the target weed and doesn't impact beneficial varieties. This is not the preferred way to have it show up." The source of the rust is subject to speculation. It could have come on the clothing of a visitor to the south coast from Australia or New Zealand. The spores of the rust are microscopic and can be easily carried by the wind. It's doubtful that anyone will discover its origin, but it is clearly established in Oregon. In the meantime, ODA officials are walking the fine line of informing the public about the rust without raising too much concern or attention. Until there are more answers, there is no need to enlist the aid of the public as is normally the case with noxious weeds. "It's important for the public to note there is native rust and other diseases that infect blackberries in Oregon," says Butler. "Symptoms can be easily confused. The public needs to realize it is not an easy thing to identify. As we learn more, we will provide more information to the public." Butler cautions Oregonians to avoid the temptation of considering P. violaceum as a solution to the backyard or neighborhood war against Himalayan blackberry. "We are taking precautions to make sure the rust is not spread at this time," he says. "We certainly discourage others from intentionally trying to spread it until we get more information. We don't believe there will be any negative consequences of having the rust in Oregon, but there is always that possibility." It can take anywhere from a couple of days to several weeks before desirable varieties of blackberry show symptoms of the rust, if any. Until the research is completed, ODA, OSU, ARS, and Oregon's blackberry industry will watch anxiously in hopes that no symptoms is ultimately a good sign. (Contact Tim Butler, 503/986-4621) |