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A publication of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture ADMINISTRATION AND PUBLIC POLICY OFFICIALS TO ADDRESS NASDA MEETING NASDA FOCUSES WORK ON 2007 FARM BILL BIPARTISAN LEGISLATION ON DISASTER ASSISTANCE INTRODUCED USDA PUBLISHES FINAL RULE ON SPECIALTY CROP BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM SOUTH KOREA RESUMES U.S. BEEF TRADE USDA SEEKS TO DEREGULATE A GENETICALLY ENGINEERED RICE USDA DELAYS IMPLEMENTATION OF CHRONIC WASTING DISEASE RULE State News--BLUNT CALLS FOR PLAN TO INCREASE VALUE OF MISSOURI BEEF State News--BLAGOVICH CREATES ANHYDROUS AMMONIA SECURITY GRANT PROGRAM _________________________________________________________Past Issues What's New on the NASDA Website
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ADMINISTRATION AND PUBLIC POLICY OFFICIALS TO ADDRESS NASDA MEETING NASDA members will have the opportunity to meet and hear from a variety of senior administration officials and public policy experts during NASDA's Annual Meeting being held September 15 to 20. On Monday, September 18, John Johnson, USDA deputy administrator for farm programs, Farm Service Agency (FSA), will address the group during the opening plenary session. House Agriculture Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte has also been invited to speak. On Tuesday, September 19, Bruce Knight, USDA under secretary for marketing and regulatory programs, will speak during the plenary session. Several public policy experts will make presentations on a variety of agricultural topics. Featured speakers include Bibb Swain, founder of Delta-T Corporation, who will discuss "The Best Ethanol Technology." Frank E. "Pepper" Laughon, Jr., president, Richmond Cold Storage, will give insights on "Shipping to the World from Norfolk, Virginia." (Contact: Rick Kirchhoff) NASDA FOCUSES WORK ON 2007 FARM BILL NASDA members will be focusing their work on finalizing policy recommendations for the 2007 farm bill during NASDA's Annual Meeting being held September 15 to 20 in Norfolk, Virginia. Last fall, NASDA's six policy committees identified priority issues for the 2007 farm bill and have since been developing more detailed proposals and policy language. NASDA's farm bill proposals address nine core areas of a broad, opportunity-based agricultural policy. These general policy areas include: (1) Farm and Ranch Financial Viability; (2) Enhancing Domestic and International Markets; (3) Sustaining Agricultural Resources: Land, Water, and Air; (4) Rural Development; (5) Safe, Healthy and Nutritious Food; (6) Agricultural Bio-Industry Development and Energy; (7) Biotechnology; (8) Bio-Security: Safeguarding Plants and Animal; and (9) Infrastructure. NASDA plans to present these policy recommendations to congressional lawmakers and the administration as Congress gears up their work on the 2007 farm bill. (Contact: Charlie Ingram) BIPARTISAN LEGISLATION ON DISASTER ASSISTANCE INTRODUCED Last week, Senator Kent Conrad (D-N.D.) introduced bipartisan legislation to help producers recover from losses to natural disasters in the 2005 and 2006 production seasons. "The livelihoods of thousands of families are at stake. We need nothing less than a comprehensive disaster bill to cover 2005 and 2006 losses," Senator Conrad said. The bill is S. 3855, a bill to provide emergency agricultural disaster assistance. The new ag disaster package combines legislation Conrad previously introduced to support ranchers and farmers impacted by frost, flood and disease during the 2005 growing season with emergency legislation to aid producers suffering from the 2006 drought devastating the Great Plains. The comprehensive ag disaster package now provides emergency funding to farmers and ranchers who have suffered weather-related crop production shortfalls, quality losses and damage to livestock and feed supplies. The bill also helps farmers overcome losses as a result of energy prices that spiked following last year's hurricanes. Cosponsors of Conrad's bipartisan ag disaster legislation include: Senators Norm Coleman (R-Minn.), Byron Dorgan (D-N.D.), Ben Nelson (D-Neb.), Jim Talent (R-Mo.), Tim Johnson (D-S.D.), Ken Salazar (D-Colo.), Max Baucus (D-Mont.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Barack Obama (D-Ill.), Mark Dayton (D-Minn.), Blanche Lincoln (D-Ark.), Mark Pryor (D-Ark.), Conrad Burns (R-Mont.), Chuck Hagel, (R-Neb.), Mary Landrieu (D-La.), John Thune (R-S.D.), and Patty Murray (D-Wash.). (Contact: Jennifer Yezak) USDA PUBLISHES FINAL RULE ON SPECIALTY CROP BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM This week, USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) published a final rule to implement the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP) to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops. The rule establishes the eligibility and application requirements, the review and approval process, and grant administration procedures for the block grant program. The Specialty Crops Competitiveness Act of 2004 (7 U.S.C. 1621 note) authorized a $44.5 million program. Congress appropriated $7 million in fiscal year 2006. During NASDA's Annual Meeting in Norfolk, the Specialty Crops Task Force, chaired by California Agriculture Secretary A.G. Kawamura, will hear Robert Keeney, deputy administer, fruit and vegetable division at the Agricultural Marketing Service, explain the final rule and provide guidance in applying for the block grant funds. This program is intended to accomplish the goals of increasing fruit, vegetable, and nut consumption and improving the competitiveness of U.S. specialty crop producers. The Specialty Crops Competitiveness Act of 2004 directs the secretary of agriculture to make grants to states for each of the fiscal years 2005 through 2009 to be used by state departments of agriculture solely to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops. The House of Representatives approved $15.6 million in its fiscal year 2007 agricultural appropriations bill and the Senate Committee on Appropriations has approved $10 million in its version. Final action by Congress on an agricultural appropriations bill may take place during a lame duck session of Congress in November 2006 in the form on an omnibus appropriations bill. NASDA supports full funding of the block grant program in FY07. To the extent that funds are available, each year AMS will publish a Federal Register notice announcing the program and soliciting grant applications. Subject to the appropriation of funds, each State that submits an application, that is reviewed and approved by AMS, is to receive at least $100,000. In addition, each state will receive an amount that represents the proportion of the value of specialty crop production in the state in relation to the national value of specialty crop production using the latest available complete specialty crop production data set in all states whose applications are accepted. All 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico are eligible to participate. "Specialty crops" for the purpose of this rule, means fruits and vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, and nursery crops (including floriculture). The effective date for the final rule is October 11, 2006. For further information, contact Trista Etzig, Fruit and Vegetable Programs, AMS, USDA, by telephone: 202/690-4942; or by e-mail: trista.etzig@usda.gov. The text of the rule can be located at http://www.ams.usda.gov/fv/scbgpcmts/7_CFR_Part_1290.txt. (Contact: Jennifer Yezak) JOHANNS FOCUSES USDA PROGRAMS TO AID DROUGHT REGIONS, INCLUDES STATE GRANT PROGRAM AS PART OF ASSISTANCE In late August, Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns announced during a visit to South Dakota that $780 million in assistance will be available to help farmers and ranchers manage drought and weather related production challenges. This funding includes a new $50 million grant program for livestock producers impacted by drought, nearly $30 million in unused conservation funds on drought, and accelerating the delivery of an estimated $700 million in counter-cyclical payments. "While some parts of the country are experiencing very good crop conditions, drought is taking a toll on farming and ranching operations in other areas of the United States this year," said Johanns. "Today's actions emphasize USDA's commitment to use every resource available to help farmers and ranchers who are impacted by drought." The new $50 million program for livestock producers, called the Livestock Assistance Grant Program, will provide $50 million in Section 32 funds to states in block grant form. In most instances, the state departments of agriculture will administer the program. NASDA members have consulted with USDA staff about the operations of the grant program. During NASDA's Annual Meeting in Norfolk, the states setting up the grant program for livestock producers will share information to determine effective and timely ways to distribute funds in the eligible states. Under this program, states will provide assistance to livestock producers in counties that were designated as D3 or D4 on the Drought Monitor anytime between March 7 and August 31, 2006. The grants will help livestock producers restore their purchasing power. A fact sheet and a list of eligible counties can be found at http://www.usda.gov by clicking on the drought spotlight. Descriptions of the other assistance programs can also be found on USDA's website. (Contact: Jennifer Yezak) SOUTH KOREA RESUMES U.S. BEEF TRADE Last week, South Korea announced that it would resume the importation of U.S. boneless beef from cattle less than 30 months of age. Although the agreement was signed back in January, several months of cooperative effort between the two countries has been necessary, and included two visits by Korean audit teams to confirm the efficacy of the U.S. inspection system. "Korea is an important beef market for us. In 2003, the United States exported more than $814 million worth of beef to Korea, with boneless beef accounting for $449 million. Trade resumption in boneless beef is the first step in normalizing trade of beef and beef products with Korea. We look forward to expanding our access to the Korean market and other export markets to achieve trade that is consistent with international guidelines," said Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns in a statement. While this announcement was made last week, slow-moving negotiations regarding a free trade agreement with South Korea were taking place in Seattle, Washington this week. News reports stated that South Korea wants to remove about 200 agricultural products, including rice, from any trade agreement; the United States is saying that they must be included. Both countries are trying to reach an agreement by year-end so that one could be ratified before trade promotion authority expires in July 2007. Background information on the agreement can be located at http://www.ustr.gov/Trade_Agreements/Bilateral/Section_Index.html under Republic of Korea. (Contact: Jennifer Yezak) USDA SEEKS TO DEREGULATE A GENETICALLY ENGINEERED RICE USDA is seeking public comment on a petition to deregulate a rice genetically engineered (GE) to tolerate LibertyLink(TM) herbicide. In 1999, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) deregulated two similar LibertyLink rice lines, after safety evaluations were completed. Under the petition, APHIS would extend its deregulation from the original two lines to include the additional rice line, known as LLRICE601. On Aug. 18, USDA announced that trace amounts of this regulated GE rice were detected in samples taken from commercial long grain rice. A review of the scientific data by USDA and the FDA concluded that there were no human health, food safety or environmental concerns associated with this GE rice. The petition for deregulation was submitted by Bayer CropScience. APHIS has prepared a draft environmental assessment (EA) for LLRICE601. Notice of this action is scheduled for publication in the September 8th, 2006, Federal Register. USDA is seeking comment on the petition and invites comments on the EA. Comments must be submitted on or before Oct. 10. (Contact: Bob Ehart) USDA DELAYS IMPLEMENTATION OF CHRONIC WASTING DISEASE RULE The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is delaying implementation of a final rule, published July 21, 2006, that establishes regulations for a chronic wasting disease (CWD) herd certification program to help eliminate the disease from farmed and captive cervids in the United States. The final rule, Chronic Wasting Disease Herd Certification Program and Interstate Movement of Farmed or Captive Deer, Elk and Moose, originally was scheduled to go into effect on Oct. 19. APHIS, however, has received petitions from several organizations representing various state agencies requesting a delay in the effective date of the CWD rule and reconsideration of several requirements. APHIS recently indicated that it is currently evaluating the merits of these petitions and will publish a notice in the Federal Register in the near future making the contents of the petitions available to the public for comment. The final rule, as published, established a voluntary certification program for owners of deer, elk, and moose herds who chose to participate and follow requirements for animal identification, testing, herd management and movement of animals into and from herds. The final rule also contains new requirements regarding the interstate movement of farmed cervids to prevent the spread of CWD. Concern, regarding the final rule as published, has been raised regarding the length of time necessary for animals to test free from CWD before they can be shipped and whether state programs should be preempted. (Contact: Bob Ehart). STATE NEWS BLUNT CALLS FOR PLAN TO INCREASE VALUE OF MISSOURI BEEF Gov. Matt Blunt recently asked Missouri food and beef industry leaders to establish Missouri as a nationally known premium beef producer. "Today we are charting a new course for Missouri beef, one that recognizes the full value of Missouri beef cattle," Blunt said. "We have the potential to become the nation's best and most profitable beef industry. When people think of quality beef they should think of Missouri." While at the Missouri State Fair, the governor met with industry leaders to discuss Missouri beef's potential and the importance of branding Missouri beef as a premium, high-quality product. He called on industry leaders to develop a plan to create a Missouri Beef brand. The plan would consider how Missouri can best capitalize on the high-quality beef produced in the state, the types of marketing relationships that might be needed, potential key private sector partners and the state's role. Representatives with backgrounds in beef marketing, promotion, distribution, retailing, production, and the beef cattle industry from across the state participated, including representation from the Missouri Restaurant Association, RPCS, Inc., University of Missouri Extension, Missouri Beef Industry Council, Circle Angus Ranch, Associated Wholesale Grocers, Missouri Farm Bureau Federation, Missouri Department of Economic Development, Missouri Soybean Association, Missouri Cattlemen's Association, PFG Middendorf, University of Missouri Animal Science Research Center and the Missouri Grocers Association. Missouri is home to more than 67,000 beef producers and ranks second nationally in the number of cow/calf productions. The industry generates more than $3.7 billion in revenue each year. Missouri was also first in the nation to implement a statewide Quality System Assessment (QSA) program. The program verifies beef age and source and helps open the door to foreign markets, like Japan, whose beef buyers are already showing an interest in Missouri's high-quality beef. (Contact: Misti Preston, 573/751-8596) BLAGOVICH CREATES ANHYDROUS AMMONIA SECURITY GRANT PROGRAM Governor Rod R. Blagojevich has announced a new grant program to help Illinois agricultural fertilizer dealers protect their product from thieves involved in the illicit production of methamphetamine. The $1.6 million initiative will provide grants to facilities to install locks on anhydrous ammonia tanks, to purchase video surveillance cameras or to blend approved additives into their anhydrous ammonia to render it useless for the production of methamphetamine. Anhydrous ammonia, a farm fertilizer, is a key ingredient in manufacturing methamphetamine, or meth. "The dangers associated with meth go well beyond the user--the process of making the drug puts families, neighbors and even entire communities at risk," said Blagojevich. "This initiative is one more tool in the state's arsenal to combat the spread of a very dangerous drug. We worked together with legislators, the fertilizer and chemical industry, law enforcement and others to develop this program that will prevent drug makers and users from stealing fertilizer to make methamphetamine." "The theft of anhydrous ammonia has affected nearly every fertilizer dealer in the state, many of whom have suffered losses in the thousands of dollars due to damage to their equipment and facilities and had to expend extra effort to mitigate the possibility of ammonia releases due to theft and clean up meth lab waste left at their facilities," Jean Payne, president of the Illinois Fertilizer and Chemical Association, said. "These funds will help our ammonia dealers further protect their facilities and ensure that we can continue to safely provide this important nitrogen fertilizer to the farmers of Illinois." The Illinois Department of Agriculture will administer the program. It plans to award grants in both the fall of 2006 and the spring of 2007. The awards are timed to coincide with the seasonal application of anhydrous fertilizer. The grants will reimburse facilities for up to two-thirds of the cost of their security improvements. The first grants will target 21 counties in west central Illinois where methamphetamine was first discovered in the state. Those counties are: Adams, Brown, Calhoun, Cass, Christian, Fulton, Greene, Hancock, Henderson, Jersey, Macoupin, Mason, McDonough, Menard, Montgomery, Morgan, Pike, Sangamon, Schuyler, Scott and Warren. In the spring, projects from throughout the state will be considered for funding. Applications for the grants to be awarded this fall are due Oct. 2. The due date for funding next spring is Feb. 1. Application forms and materials can be obtained by calling the Illinois Department of Agriculture's Bureau of Ag Products Inspection at 217/782-3817 or visiting the agency's website at http://www.agr.state.il.us. "These grants will have important safety benefits, too," Agriculture Director Chuck Hartke said. "The additives, for example, typically contain a pigment that will help agrichemical dealers more rapidly detect leaks in their tanks. And, in deterring thefts, the tank locks also may prevent hazardous spills that could endanger agchem dealers and their employees, neighboring farmers, police, emergency first responders and potentially even the general public." The department, in cooperation with Illinois State Police, the Illinois Attorney General's office and Illinois Fertilizer and Chemical Association, has scheduled a series of five outreach meetings to explain the program and application process to anhydrous facilities and raise awareness about the dangers of methamphetamine. The first meeting will be held Aug. 28 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Department of Agriculture building on the Illinois State Fairgrounds. Subsequent meetings are scheduled Aug. 30 from 1 to 3 p.m. at Gillespie Town Hall; Aug. 31 from 9 to 11 a.m. in Quincy in the basement of the Adams County Farm Bureau Building; Aug. 31 from 2 to 4 p.m. in the community room at Macomb City Hall and Sept. 4 in Jerseyville. Neither the site nor time of the Jerseyville meeting has been confirmed yet. In addition to establishing the anhydrous ammonia security grant program, Gov. Blagojevich has taken several actions to make it harder for meth producers to obtain ingredients and to stiffen criminal penalties for manufacturers, dealers and users: He created six Meth Response Teams to relieve the burden on local drug task forces and Metropolitan Enforcement Groups resulting from an increase in meth-related cases. In their first year of operation, the teams handled 750 meth-related incidents, made 653 arrests and seized nearly 213,000 grams of drugs and materials used to manufacture methamphetamine. He signed the "Methamphetamine Precursor Control Act", one of the most significant statutes enacted to address meth. The act, which took effect Jan. 15, 2006, designates pseudoephedrine as a Schedule V substance. It restricts the retail sale of pseudoephedrine-containing products to pharmacists or pharmacist technicians and requires purchasers of pseudoephedrine-containing products to show identification and sign a log. The governor established a statewide methamphetamine offender registry in Illinois for people convicted under the "Participation in Methamphetamine Manufacturing" statute. The bill requires the Illinois State Police to establish, maintain, and publish (via the Internet) the registry, tracking reversals of convictions and court orders requiring the sealing or expungement of records relating to reportable offenses. The governor signed a law that creates a new offense of meth trafficking for individuals who knowingly bring methamphetamine or its precursors or cause methamphetamine or its precursors to be brought into Illinois with the intent to make, deliver, or sell meth. The new law will prevent meth manufacturers from trying to get around Illinois' tough restrictions on access to pseudoephedrine by going to other states for meth ingredients. The offense carries a penalty of no less than double the minimum and double the maximum sentence for selling meth or possessing its precursors with the intent to make meth, which is based on the quantity involved. And, the governor created a Methamphetamine Law Enforcement Fund, which assesses a $100 fine on top of other fines and sentences for anyone found guilty of a drug-related offense involving possession or delivery of meth. The additional $100 is deposited into a fund used to reimburse local law enforcement agencies for the cost of securing and cleaning up sites and facilities used for the illegal manufacture of meth, and to defray the costs of employing fulltime or part time peace officers, and the costs associated with medical or dental expenses incurred by the county resulting from the incarceration of meth addicts in county jails or corrections facilities. (Contact: Jeff Squibb, 217/558-1546) |