A publication of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture
This Week
Controversial Studies Link Pesticide to Bee Disorder
USDA Invites Applications for the 2012 Farmers' Market Promotion Program
PA: Turnpike Farmers Markets Open to Offer Travelers a Taste of Pennsylvania
TN:Agriculture and Forestry "Listening Sessions" Set Statewide
WI: Livestock Feed and Ingredients Buyer's Mission in June
For More Information
Please contact a member of the NASDA Farm Policy Staff:
Bob Ehart
Amy Hendrickson
Nathan Bowen
Amanda Bryant
April 10, 2012
News from Washington:
Controversial Studies Link Pesticide to Bee Disorder
Several studies published this year by U.S. and European scientists appear to link neonicotinoides, a common class of insecticides, to colony collapse disorder (CCD) in honeybees. CCD is a phenomenon that causes worker bees to suddenly disappear from their colony and has been reported in both North America and Europe. These recent studies show effects ranging from bees being more likely to contract a known fungus to bees leaving the hive in winter. These studies have come under fire from Bayer, who produces neonicotinoides, as well as several agricultural groups for flaws including dosage beyond the amount that the bees would be exposed to under normal conditions.
CCD is a major issue for agricultural production as many crops utilize bees to spread their pollen and it has been estimated that 20 to 40 percent of bee colonies in the U.S. have succumbed to CCD since 2006. Although the exact cause is unknown, past studies have shown that a combination of a viral and fungal infection in the bee results in a condition of severe malnutrition that eventually leads to the death of the bee. (Staff Contact: Nathan Bowen, By: Kenton Kirkpatrick)
USDA Invites Applications for the 2012 Farmers' Market Promotion Program (FMPP)
The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) has announced the availability of approximately $10 million in competitive grant funds for fiscal year (FY) 2012 to increase domestic consumption of agricultural commodities by expanding direct producer-to-consumer market opportunities, such as through new farmers markets, roadside stands, community-supported agriculture (CSA) programs, agri-tourism activities, and other direct producer-to-consumer infrastructures.
Entities eligible to receive the grants include agricultural cooperatives, producer networks, producer associations, local governments, nonprofit corporations, public benefit corporations, economic development corporations, regional farmers' market authorities, and Tribal governments.
Applications should be received and accepted via www.Grants.gov, no later than May 21, 2012. More information can be obtained here. (Contact: Amy Hendrickson)
News from the States:
Pennsylvania: Turnpike Farmers Markets Open to Offer Travelers a Taste of Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania Turnpike travelers can purchase locally grown food directly from producers at three service plaza farmers markets operating Fridays through Mondays during the growing season.
The markets, located at the Allentown Service Plaza in Lehigh County, Sideling Hill Service Plaza in Fulton County and New Stanton Service Plaza in Westmoreland County, will operate through Nov. 30.
"Pennsylvania's farmers markets are a great way to purchase fresh produce directly from the growers," said Agriculture Secretary George Greig. "These service plaza markets offer drivers a chance to grab a healthy snack, pick up products for meals at home and experience a taste of Pennsylvania agriculture without leaving the toll-road." For more information, click here.
Tennessee: Agriculture and Forestry "Listening Sessions" Set Statewide
The Tennessee Department of Agriculture is hosting a series of listening sessions across the state in April and May for farmers, forest landowners and agribusinesses. The purpose of the meetings is to hear stakeholder concerns about current issues and to explore opportunities for developing our rural economy and increasing farm and forest income.
"We want to be available to our producers, landowners and agribusinesses to hear their concerns and to get their input on how to enhance our rural communities and economy," Agriculture Commissioner Julius Johnson said. "This is also about ongoing efforts to look at how we, as an agency, can provide better service and be more responsive to challenges and opportunities. For more information and to see the schedule of the listening sessions, click here.
Wisconsin: Livestock Feed and Ingredients Buyer's Mission in June
The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) is inviting companies to participate in the 2012 Livestock Feed and Ingredients Buyer's Mission on June 4-8. Buyers from China, Canada, Guatemala, El Salvador, Mexico, Colombia and Brazil will be available for meetings. Interpreters will be provided if needed. These buyers have expressed interest in livestock feed ingredients, dried distiller grains (DDGS), whey, vitamins and minerals, silage inoculants, milk replacers, pre-mixes, pet foods and aquaculture products.
"This Buyer's Mission allows Midwest companies to meet with qualified international buyers, generate new sales leads and receive feedback on product potential," said Enrique Gandara, a DATCP Economic Development Consultant. "This is an opportunity for companies to develop and expand their business without the time and expense of international travel." For more information, click here.
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