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A publication of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture NASDA MEMBERS MEET WITH KEY CONGRESSIONAL LEADERS ON FARM BILL INTERSTATE MEAT SALES BILL INTRODUCED SENATE APPROVES SUPPLEMENTAL LEGISLATION TO FUND WARS; INCLUDES AG DISASTER ASSISTANCE HOUSE MEMBERS INTRODUCE BIPARTISAN BILL PROMOTING SPECIALTY CROPS HOUSE AND SENATE APPROVE FY08 BUDGET RESOLUTIONS NEW FOOD SYSTEM INITIATIVE LAUNCHED FSA ANNOUNCES NEW CONSERVATION INITIATIVE TO RESTORE SPECIES State News--IMPROVE STRAWBERRY FRUIT QUALITY WITH TISSUE ANALYSIS State News--COLORADO DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE GOES ONLINE FOR GOOD MEASURE _________________________________________________________ Past Issues What's New on the NASDA Website
NASDA's 2007 Farm Bill Recommendations NASDA's Midyear Meeting Documents NASDA's Trade Shows: USFES; AFF; IFE
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_____________________________________________________________________ INFORMATION ABOUT REGIONAL MEETINGS AVAILABLE Meeting and hotel information is available for the NEASDA, SASDA, and MASDA meetings. The hotel group deadlines are coming up soon, so check out the websites at http://www.nasda.org/neasda2007, http://www.nasda.org/sasda/ and http://www.nasda.org/masda2007. _____________________________________________________________________ NASDA MEMBERS MEET WITH KEY CONGRESSIONAL LEADERS ON FARM BILL North Dakota Agriculture Commissioner Roger Johnson, NASDA president-elect, and California Agriculture Secretary A.G. Kawamura, NASDA specialty crops task force chair, led a delegation of state agriculture commissioners, directors, and secretaries to champion NASDA's farm bill recommendations with congressional members last week. Those joining Johnson and Kawamura were Delaware Agriculture Secretary Michael Scuse, New Mexico Agriculture Secretary Miley Gonzalez, New Jersey Agriculture Secretary Charles Kuperus, and Cheryl Cook, Pennsylvania Agriculture deputy secretary for marketing. Members met with House Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin Peterson (D-Minn.) to press for key provisions in the developing farm bill. Johnson says farmers believe that maintaining a financial safety net and adding a permanently authorized disaster assistance program are essential elements. The group urged for improved crop insurance, research, renewable energy, conservation programs, rural development, and block grants for specialty crops. NASDA members also met with three house subcommittee chairs Representatives Dennis Cardoza (Calif.), Subcommittee on Horticulture and Organic Agriculture; Tim Holden (Penn.), Subcommittee on Conservation, Credit, Energy, and Research; and Bob Etheridge (N.C.), Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities and Risk Management. They also met with Representative Randy Neugebauer (R-Texas), ranking Republican member of the Subcommittee on Horticulture and Organic Agriculture. On the Senate side, the group met with Senator Kent Conrad (D-N.D.), chair of the Senate Budget Committee and Senator Ken Salazar (D-Colo.), a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee. In addition, the members met with staff of Representative Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.), ranking Republican member of the House Agriculture Committee and staff of Senator Saxby Chambliss (R-Ga.), ranking Republican member of the Senate Agriculture Committee. In total, the group met with 18 congressional offices. As the early outlines of the fiscal year (FY) 2008 budget take shape, the House and Senate Agriculture Committees are beginning to put plans in place for consideration of the 2007 farm bill. Although Congress has not completed action on the FY08 budget, enough is known that the outlines of what is likely to be available for farm programs is becoming more clear. It appears that somewhere between $15 and $20 billion in funding above the current farm bill baseline may be accessible for farm bill spending. However, that "new" money must be funded with offsets and it will be a challenge to find funds for new programs in the 2007 farm bill. The tentative schedule for consideration of the farm bill begins with subcommittee-level work beginning in early May, with completion in mid-June. Both chairmen would like to be finished with floor consideration in the House and Senate by early August, so that the bill can be conferenced in September. Congress will be taking a recess for Easter beginning today. The Senate will reconvene on April 10, while the House will reconvene on April 16. NASDA plans to have additional congressional meetings in late April and May. NASDA's farm bill recommendations and additional documents can be located at http://www.nasda.org/fb2007. (Contacts: Rick Kirchhoff and Jennifer Yezak) INTERSTATE MEAT SALES BILL INTRODUCED On March 29, Rep. Ron Kind (D-Wisc.) introduced H.R. 1760, the "Expanding Markets for Small Meat Processors Act," with five original cosponsors. The bill would remove the current ban on interstates sales of state-inspected meat and poultry. The cosponsors of H.R. 1760 are: David Obey (D-Wisc.), Nancy Boyda (D-Kan.), Gwen Moore (D-Wisc.), Jim Marshall (D-Ga.), and Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisc.). There is growing interest and support in Congress for interstate meat sales legislation, and other bills are expected to be introduced soon. Reps. Earl Pomeroy (D-N.D.) and Roy Blunt (R-Mo.) are expected to introduce comprehensive legislation to allow interstate meat sales when the House returns from the Easter recess the week of April 16. The bill is expected to be similar to the one they introduced last year. Sens. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) and Herb Kohl (D-Wisc.) are expected to introduce legislation when the Senate returns from recess the week of April 9. (Contact: Charlie Ingram) SENATE APPROVES SUPPLEMENTAL LEGISLATION TO FUND WARS; INCLUDES AG DISASTER ASSISTANCE The Senate approved legislation providing $123.2 billion primarily for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, for improving the health care for returning soldiers and veterans, for continued Hurricane Katrina recovery for the Gulf Coast, to fill major gaps in homeland security, and to provide emergency drought relief for farmers. The legislation passed the Senate last week by a 51 to 48 vote. In regards to agriculture disaster assistance, the Senate legislation provides $4.151 billion. This includes $115 million for the Conservation Security Program (CSP). In addition, the Senate cleared a provision, adopted during committee consideration and authored by Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), to extend the milk income loss contract program for one month, through September 30, 2007. This extension authorizes this program for the same period of time as other farm bill programs. During debate on the supplemental legislation, the Senate voted overwhelmingly to retain farm disaster legislation and provide badly-needed aid to farm families devastated by years of weather-related disasters. The Senate voted 74 to 23 to defeat an effort by Senator Tom Coburn (R-Okla.) to effectively strip farm disaster assistance from the emergency bill. Senator Kent Conrad (D-N.D.) described the vote as a "big, big victory." He said the vote defeating the Coburn amendment sends a "powerful signal that senators understand how important it is that we get emergency assistance to family farmers and ranchers who have suffered disastrous losses." Last week, North Dakota Agriculture Commissioner Roger Johnson, the president-elect of NASDA, spoke at a press conference outside the U.S. Capitol in support of the disaster assistance. Also participating were U.S. Senators Kent Conrad (D-N.D.), Byron Dorgan (D-N.D.) and Kenneth Salazar-(D-Colo.), and Tom Buis, president of the National Farmers Union. "The state commissioners, secretaries and directors of agriculture from across the country urge quick passage of disaster assistance for producers who have recorded major damage and losses in 2005 and 2006," Johnson said at the press conference. "This assistance is critically needed to help farmers, ranchers and their communities recoup from financial losses due to hurricanes, drought, fires, tornadoes, floods and other natural disasters occurring in both years." The House and Senate will now settle differences in the supplemental legislation through a conference committee. (Contact: Jennifer Yezak) HOUSE MEMBERS INTRODUCE BIPARTISAN BILL PROMOTING SPECIALTY CROPS Rep. Dennis Cardoza (D-Calif.), Rep. Adam Putman (R-Fla.), Rep. John Salazar (D-Colo.), Rep. Randy Kuhl (R-N.Y.), Rep. Rick Larsen (D-Wash.), and Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) introduced the "Equitable Agriculture Today for a Healthy America Act" (EAT Healthy America Act) on March 20. The bill number is H.R. 1600 and as of last week has 78 cosponsors. "This bill would support specialty crop growers by increasing market access, encouraging and facilitating consumption of nutritious agricultural products, funding research programs and increasing opportunities for family farmers in conservation programs. The passage of the EAT Healthy America Act would represent a huge step forward for federal farm programs," said Cardoza. Specialty crops are an important part of local economies in all 50 states, and it is imperative that they are recognized for their vital contributions by ensuring that specialty crop growers have an important role in the future of American agriculture. "As a significant contributor to U.S. farm receipts and balance of trade, it is extremely important that the issues affecting fruit, vegetable and nursery crops play a meaningful role in the Farm Bill process," said Putnam. "The Equitable Agriculture Today for a Healthy America Act elevates the federal government's investment in key programs including pest and disease, nutrition, conservation, trade, research, as well as other challenges facing this important farm sector." The bill includes $500 million for the specialty crops block grant program for each of the fiscal years 2008 through 2012. The full text of the news release is located at http://www.house.gov/list/press/ca18_cardoza/eatbill.html. (Contact: Jennifer Yezak) HOUSE AND SENATE APPROVE FY08 BUDGET RESOLUTIONS Both the House and Senate approved their FY08 budget resolutions which include a "reserve fund" for the 2007 farm bill. The congressional budget resolution is not signed into law and serves as a blueprint for the individual congressional appropriations and authorizing committees. The Senate budget plan was approved March 23 and allows a $15 billion increase in farm bill funding above the current budget baseline between 2008 and 2012. The House budget proposal provides $20 billion over five years in additional spending authority. This money must be off-set by spending reductions in other areas. (Contact: Charlie Ingram) NEW FOOD SYSTEM INITIATIVE LAUNCHED A group of food industry organizations have launched The Center for Food Integrity to increase consumer trust and understanding of the contemporary food system. The Center for Food Integrity is a combination of The Grow America Project and Best Food Nation, two national initiatives established in 2006 to increase public understanding about the food system. Indiana Agriculture Director Andy Miller said the organization's primary mission is to engage with stakeholders, model practices that build trust with consumers, and share accurate, balanced information about the U.S. food system. The new entity has support from more than 20 organizations that share similar goals for the future of U.S. food production. Members represent each segment of the food chain, including farmers and ranchers, processors, and companies that deliver food products under local, regional and global brand names, and government. In the next few months, The Center for Food Integrity will coordinate teams to provide strategic leadership for addressing five important issues: 1) health and nutrition; 2) food safety; 3) worker care; 4) environment, and; 5) food animal well being. Within these areas, The Center for Food Integrity will work with its members to develop, recognize, and celebrate responsible practices that build trust in our food system. For more information, visit http://www.foodintegrity.org. (Contact: Casey Wong-Buehler) FSA ANNOUNCES NEW CONSERVATION INITIATIVE TO RESTORE SPECIES USDA's Farm Service Agency (FSA) on March 22 announced a new 500,000-acre Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) practice to improve habitat for high-priority wildlife species throughout the United States. The State Areas for Wildlife Enhancement (SAFE) initiative will enable the public, producers, state and federal agencies, non-profit conservation organizations and others to propose areas where new CRP acreage may be established to address the habitat needs of endangered, threatened or high-priority fish and other wildlife species. SAFE seeks to enroll 500,000 acres in new CRP contracts. In addition, conservation practices currently offered under CRP can be fine-tuned under SAFE to improve, connect or create higher-quality habitat to promote healthier ecosystems. FSA state offices will accept proposals beginning August 2007. FSA will consider SAFE proposals through a review process that includes FSA and the USDA state technical committees. Later this year, FSA state offices will begin to announce approved SAFE proposals and sign-up periods. Eligible producers in these areas may enter into new CRP contracts with USDA's Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC). CCC will offer participants an annual CRP rental rate equivalent to soil rental rates for the county plus an annual maintenance payment. Also, the producer is eligible for cost-share assistance of up to 50 percent of eligible practice installation costs. In addition, producers will be eligible for a one-time payment of $100 per acre Signing Incentive Payment. Producers may also receive a Practice Incentive Payment equal to 40 percent of the eligible establishment costs of the practice. More information about FSA's conservation programs is available at local FSA offices and online at: http://www.fsa.usda.gov. (Contact: Charlie Ingram) STATE NEWS IMPROVE STRAWBERRY FRUIT QUALITY WITH TISSUE ANALYSIS Strawberries grown on black plastic require intensive and precise fertility management. Nutrients such as potassium, calcium, magnesium and boron affect fruit firmness, taste and appearance. The best way to decide how much fertilizer to apply is to collect leaf and petiole samples and have them tested for nutrient content. The Agronomic Division of the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (NCDA&CS) recommends collecting tissue samples at first bloom and continuing to do so every two weeks throughout flowering and fruiting. The NCDA&CS laboratory measures actual concentrations of essential nutrients within the plant. Nutrient ranges for optimal production are well established. When nutrient levels are outside these ranges, decreases in quality will eventually occur. Tissue analysis can identify nutrient shortages early, before symptoms appear, thus giving growers time to adjust fertilization appropriately. To collect a tissue sample from strawberry plants, select the most recently mature, trifoliate leaves (MRMLs). Those leaves are full-sized and green and consist of one petiole or leaf stalk with three leaflets. MRMLs are usually located three to five leaves back from the growing point. Avoid collecting damaged tissue. Detach the petioles from the leaves as you collect them, but submit them together as one sample. Each sample should include leaves and petioles from 20 to 25 locations within a uniform area. For example, all of the plant material in a single sample should be the same variety, growing on the same soil type, planted at the same time and having the same management history. This is known as a representative sample. When submitting tissue samples, be sure to fill out the information sheet completely, including fertilization history and environmental conditions. It is particularly important to provide the name of the strawberry variety being grown as well as its stage of growth at the time of sampling. Stage of growth refers to week of bloom and can be coded B1 through B12 (first through 12th week of bloom). Accurate management recommendations depend on this information. Strawberry tissue analysis costs $7 per sample and requires both leaves and petioles. Analysis of leaf blades reveals nutrient deficiencies or excesses. Analysis of petioles gives a good indication of the amount of nitrate nitrogen currently available for crop growth and development. When test results show nutrient levels to be out of the optimal ranges, the plant analysis report provides recommendations for corrective action. A guide to collecting and submitting strawberry tissue samples is available online at http://www.ncagr.com/agronomi/pictorial.htm. NCDA&CS regional agronomists are also available throughout the state to offer guidance and answer question about sampling and fertilization. Visit http://www.ncagr.com/agronomi/rahome.htm to find contact information for your regional agronomist, or call Kent Messick at 919/733-2655. COLORADO DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE GOES ONLINE FOR GOOD MEASURE For owners of thousands of commercial scales and meters, acquiring a state license is easier than ever before, thanks to an online licensing system implemented this week by the Colorado Department of Agriculture, in conjunction with Colorado.gov. Approximately 8,000 locations statewide have over 26,000 commercial scales or meters which require a Measurement Standards Scale or Measuring Device license. Scales used for commercial purposes, e.g. legal, produce and truck scales, must be licensed on an annual basis. One license per location is required, regardless of the number of scales. "Commercially used scales, moisture meters, textile meters and cordage meters must be licensed and tested on an annual basis to make sure the devices are accurate," stated Kristin Macey, CDA Measurement Standards Chief. "This online service provides owners of commercial weighing and measuring devices with a more convenient and efficient process for renewing, removing, and applying for their licenses." The new licensing service allows owners of commercially used scales to purchase, renew, change data or remove devices from their license directly through the state's official Web site, Colorado.gov. The Department's Measurement Standards Web site also has an online licensing link. Acceptable payment methods include Visa, MasterCard and eChecks, which are processed through Colorado.gov's secure payment system. "This exciting new online service makes the device licensing process more convenient," said John Stulp, Commissioner of Agriculture. "This most recent advancement in customer service is part of our commitment to provide convenient, user-friendly services to the citizens and businesses of Colorado." (Contact: Christi Lightcap, 303/239-4190) |