A publication of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture
This Week
Senate to Markup Farm Bill Tomorrow, House Begins Hearings this Week
USDA Officials Announce BSE Finding
House Agriculture Committee Passes Reconciliation Act of 2012
FL: Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Seeks New Deputy Commissioner
NJ: Secretary of Agriculture Says Buy Local This Spring at Garden Centers and Nurseries
KY: Commissioner Comer Proclaims May Beef Month
For More Information
Please contact a member of the NASDA Farm Policy Staff:
Bob Ehart
Amy Hendrickson
Nathan Bowen
Amanda Bryant
April 24, 2012
News from Washington:
Senate to Markup Farm Bill Tomorrow, House Begins Hearings this Week
Tomorrow the Senate Agriculture Committee will begin its markup of the Committee Print of the 2012 Farm Bill. The proposed legislation, released late last week, reforms risk management programs, consolidates conservation programs, and closes loopholes in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Though the legislation would reduce spending on commodity, conservation and nutrition programs, funding for NASDA priorities such as the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program and invasive species programs would be increased.
In all, the Congressional Budget Office estimates the legislation would reduce direct spending by $26.4 billion over 10 years. At the outset of the hearing, Chairwoman Stabenow (D-MI) and Ranking Member Roberts (R-KS) will present a manager's package of consensus amendments. Following that, the Committee Print will be modified and amended during the markup throughout the week.
Commodity Programs have been significantly modified with the elimination of direct payments and no mention of target prices. The elimination of target prices has upset many southern growers-particularly peanut, cotton, sorghum, and rice growers-over concerns for equity as these crops are not as likely to use crop insurance. Notably, the mark includes no provision for including conservation compliance requirements for participants in federal crop insurance programs as a number of environmental organizations have lobbied.
The mark increases funding for the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, a top priority for NASDA, from $55 million to $70 million per year and authorizes funds to go towards multi-state projects.
For the invasive species programs, the mark combines the plant pest and disease management and disaster prevention program with the National Clean Plant Network. Funding is increased from $50 million to $60 million through FY 2016 and to $65 million afterward.
The mark reduces conservation funding by $6 billion over ten years by consolidating several programs. The Conservation Reserve Program's (CRP) acreage cap is reduced from 32 million acres to 25 million acres by FY 2017. The mark creates the Agriculture Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) by combining the Wetlands Reserve Program, Grasslands Reserve Program, and the Farmland Protection Program. In addition, it creates the new Regional Conservation Partnership Program which will replace the Agriculture Water Enhancement Program (AWEP), Chesapeake Bay Watershed Program, Cooperative Conservation Partnership Initiative, and the Great Lakes Basin Program. This new program offers a competitive grant for improving soil quality, water quality, or wildlife habitat in specific areas.
Finally, the mark fully funds the Market Access Program (MAP) at $200 million per year and keeps funding at current levels for the Foreign Market Development Program.
NASDA's Farm Bill priorities were originally sent to the Committee in October 2011 and can be found here.
Also this week, the House Agriculture Committee begins its hearings on Farm Bill reauthorization, with hearings scheduled on conservation, rural development, and dairy programs. (Staff Contact: Nathan Bowen, By: Kenton Kirkpatrick)
USDA Officials Announce BSE Finding
The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) today announced that it has confirmed the nation's fourth case of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in a dairy cow from central California. The cow had been sent to a rendering facility where it was tested as a result of USDA's targeted surveillance system. The laboratory findings indicate the case to be an atypical form of BSE, which is described as a very rare form of the disease not generally associated with an animal consuming infected feed. The cow had never been presented for human consumption. In addition, BSE is not transmitted in milk. Because the U.S. follows World Animal Health (OIE) Guidelines, APHIS officials do not believe the case should affect exports. As is customary, the laboratory results will be shared with international animal health reference laboratories in Canada and England. Further information can be found at the USDA Animal Health - BSE website, including a statement by John Clifford, Chief Veterinary Officer and Deputy Administrator for Veterinary Services, APHIS and a video statement by Dr. Clifford on the laboratory findings. (Staff Contact: Amy Hendrickson)
House Agriculture Committee Passes Reconciliation Act of 2012
On April 18, the House Committee on Agriculture voted to move forward with the Agriculture Reconciliation Act of 2012, which will trim $33.2 billion dollars from specific areas of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) over a 10 year period.
According to Chairman Frank Lucas, the cost of SNAP has increased by 270 percent in the past ten years and the proposed cuts would only cause a 4 percent decrease in spending over the same time frame. The proposed legislation includes cuts to categorical eligibility, ends state performance bonuses, closes loopholes in benefit requirements, and removes 50-50 cost share funding for employment and training.
The decision to move forward with this legislation was determined by a largely party line voice vote. Under the provisions of the House-passed budget resolution, the Agriculture committee was required to propose over $33 billion in spending reductions. For more information, click here. (Staff Contact: Nathan Bowen, By: Jacaselon Pickens)
News from the States:
Florida: Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Seeks New Deputy Commissioner
Due to the pending retirement of Dr. Marion Aller, Deputy Commissioner - Chief Science Officer, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is seeking candidates for the soon to be open position. If interested in this position, please email amanda@nasda.org for a copy of the job announcement.
New Jersey: Secretary of Agriculture Says Buy Local This Spring at Garden Centers and Nurseries
New Jersey Secretary of Agriculture Douglas H. Fisher is encouraging consumers in the Garden State to Buy Local when beautifying their landscapes this season.
"With the warm weather upon us, it is a great time to head out to your nearby garden center or nursery to buy plants, flowers, trees and shrubs or call your local landscaper to help you plan your garden," said Secretary Fisher. "When you go, ask for Jersey Grown to get high-quality products that are accustomed to the region's climate and are disease and pest-free."
Fisher added that buying local helps New Jersey's economy and strengthens the agriculture industry. Horticulture businesses generated $451.1 million in revenue in 2010.
Jersey Grown, similar to the Jersey Fresh program for local produce, was launched several years ago to identify New Jersey horticultural products in the marketplace. This year, the program was expanded to include annuals. Previous expansions of the program added Christmas trees, firewood, birdseed and wood. For more information, click here.
Kentucky: Commissioner Comer Proclaims May Beef Month
Agriculture Commissioner James Comer today proclaimed May as Beef Month in Kentucky in honor of one of the Commonwealth's most significant agricultural industries.
"As one of nearly 40,000 beef cattle producers in Kentucky, I understand the importance of the industry to the state's economy," Commissioner Comer said. "Beef cattle sales accounted for $615 million in cash receipts to Kentucky producers in 2010. Beef also is an important part of a balanced, healthy diet. I urge all Kentuckians to join me in commemorating May as Beef Month in Kentucky."
Kentucky is the largest beef cattle state east of the Mississippi River with nearly 1 million beef cows as of Jan. 1. A 2007 University of Kentucky study found that the beef industry had a total direct, indirect, and induced economic impact of more than $1.8 billion. For more information, click here.
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