The Food and Drug Administration has set the effective date of April 27 for the final rule banning feed cattle materials at a high risk of carrying bovine spongiform encephalopathy from all animal feed. The agency also established October 26 as an extended date by which renderers and packers must be in compliance with the rule.
FDA had proposed delaying the April 27th deadline by two months and allow a week-long comment period. But, industry organizations turned up the volume on concerns about the disposal of prohibited cattle materials and difficulties in modifying operations to comply with the rule. FDA received comments from more than 400 organizations and individuals on the proposed delay of the effective date.
In general, opponents of the delay cited a heightened risk of BSE to U.S. consumers and cattle herds and proponents of the delay cited the need for more time to come up with alternative methods of disposal. The agency noted that the delay would help address such concerns but did not signal any intent to reconsider the final rule.
In its rulemaking, FDA acknowledged that alternative disposal methods for cattle materials prohibited from animal feed and dead stock cattle would be needed for a substantial volume of material that would be diverted from animal feed use by the new requirements. Accordingly, the rule provides a 12-month delayed effective date to allow sufficient time to arrange for alternative disposal.
Friday, April 24, 2009
Texas Group Sues Over Biolab Site in Kansas
A suit was expected to be filed Thursday in the U.S. Court of Federal Claims challenging the Department of Homeland Security’s selection of a Kansas site for a planned 450-million dollar biodefense laboratory. The complaintant is the Texas Biological and Agro-Defense Consortium, a group of regional research institutions that tried to win the facility for San Antonio, Texas. They are complaining that political connections led federal officials to overlook the site’s tornado risk.
The Texas consortium's chairman, John Kerr, called the selection of the Manhattan, Kansas site - grossly irresponsible, the equivalent of playing Russian roulette with Mother Nature. He said the site was improperly chosen because DHS ignored the high risk of tornadoes in the region, pointing to a tornado with 200 mph winds that struck the site last year. Kerr said damage to the facility could cause the release of deadly airborne pathogens - an allegation disputed by Kansas officials.
The Texas consortium's chairman, John Kerr, called the selection of the Manhattan, Kansas site - grossly irresponsible, the equivalent of playing Russian roulette with Mother Nature. He said the site was improperly chosen because DHS ignored the high risk of tornadoes in the region, pointing to a tornado with 200 mph winds that struck the site last year. Kerr said damage to the facility could cause the release of deadly airborne pathogens - an allegation disputed by Kansas officials.
FMD Research Showing Results
Improvements are being made to a FMD vaccine developed on Plumb Island. This new version of the vaccine can be produced without using infectious FMD materials, which means it can be produced on the U.S. mainland without the need for expensive, high-containment production facilities. Tests have shown that the vaccine becomes effective seven days after it's been administered. Scientists continue to strive to shorten that seven day window.
A recent study found that proteins called interferons can offer protection while animals are developing an antibody response to the vaccine, increasing their resistance. They are working to combine the interferons and the FMD vaccine so they can be administered concurrently. In the meantime, government and industry are collaborating to develop the new FMD vaccine for inclusion in the U.S. Veterinary Vaccine Stockpile.
FMD detection is also being studied. One study indicated that using infrared cameras elevated hoof temperatures, a symptom of FMD in cattle, can be detected up to two days before cattle develop clinical signs. Cheaper and faster than existing screening methods, this technology could allow scientists and veterinarians to identify potentially infected cattle in large groups, without examining animals individually.
A recent study found that proteins called interferons can offer protection while animals are developing an antibody response to the vaccine, increasing their resistance. They are working to combine the interferons and the FMD vaccine so they can be administered concurrently. In the meantime, government and industry are collaborating to develop the new FMD vaccine for inclusion in the U.S. Veterinary Vaccine Stockpile.
FMD detection is also being studied. One study indicated that using infrared cameras elevated hoof temperatures, a symptom of FMD in cattle, can be detected up to two days before cattle develop clinical signs. Cheaper and faster than existing screening methods, this technology could allow scientists and veterinarians to identify potentially infected cattle in large groups, without examining animals individually.
Pelosi Backs Off of Statement on Climate Change
On Tuesday, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi expressed her determination to pass legislation addressing climate change this year. But, now she’s not so sure. She has raised the possibility that the final version of climate legislation would not be ready a year from now. Instead of celebrating a new law by Earth Day next year, Pelosi told the Christian Science Monitor that - it is my commitment that by the time we observe the 40th Earth Day next year, that we will have made “substantial progress” toward energy independence, reducing our dependence on fossil fuels and reversing the climate crisis.
The House Energy and Commerce Committee started working on the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009 authored by representatives Waxman and Markey. Outside of the committee hearing room intense lobbying has begun. The bill would place a national cap on carbon-based emissions.
Many Senators, including about a dozen Democrats, have reservations about a bill that would set an overall limit on greenhouse gases and then allow emitters to buy and sell the pollution allowances allocated by the federal government. Early indications are the House will not take up a cap-and-trade measure until the summer or early fall. That should give time to sway about a dozen Democrats who have some concern about going forward with the bill.
The House Energy and Commerce Committee started working on the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009 authored by representatives Waxman and Markey. Outside of the committee hearing room intense lobbying has begun. The bill would place a national cap on carbon-based emissions.
Many Senators, including about a dozen Democrats, have reservations about a bill that would set an overall limit on greenhouse gases and then allow emitters to buy and sell the pollution allowances allocated by the federal government. Early indications are the House will not take up a cap-and-trade measure until the summer or early fall. That should give time to sway about a dozen Democrats who have some concern about going forward with the bill.
Senator Wants EPA’s Wings Clipped
Nebraska Senator Ben Nelson has expressed his concern that the Environmental Protection Agency may be moving toward regulation of greenhouse gases without congressional approval. If that’s the case, Nelson says, - we’ll just clip their wings legislatively.
Nelson - a Democrat - says he is absolutely opposed to any Obama administration effort to bypass Congress on the global warming issue. He says it’s the responsibility of Congress to make these decisions. Nelson adds that just because the administration is unlikely to get cap and trade provisions doesn’t justify EPA to go ahead and do what Congress absolutely would not do.
Nelson - a Democrat - says he is absolutely opposed to any Obama administration effort to bypass Congress on the global warming issue. He says it’s the responsibility of Congress to make these decisions. Nelson adds that just because the administration is unlikely to get cap and trade provisions doesn’t justify EPA to go ahead and do what Congress absolutely would not do.
NCGA Wants Extension of Comment Period
The comment period on the requested increase of ethanol blend rates up to 15 percent closes May 21. And some feel that is not enough time for producers and industry interests to file their comments with the Environmental Protection Agency. The National Corn Growers Association has requested that EPA extend the time period from 30 days to 90 days. NCGA says this extension would allow growers the opportunity to comment on this vitally important issue.
The concern is that many farmers are focusing on planting their fields and may not have enough time now to study the issue and make comment. NCGA is making it as easy as possible for members and other interested parties to submit their own comments by establishing the NCGA legislative Action Center at www.capwiz.com/ncga/home.
NCGA President Bob Dickey says - the grain based ethanol industry is a critical part of domestic energy security. Its inclusion as part of the nation’s energy policy has strengthened and further diversified our nation’s fuel supply. NCGA is hopeful that after a thorough and comprehensive review based on sound science, EPA will allow for increased blends of ethanol.
The concern is that many farmers are focusing on planting their fields and may not have enough time now to study the issue and make comment. NCGA is making it as easy as possible for members and other interested parties to submit their own comments by establishing the NCGA legislative Action Center at www.capwiz.com/ncga/home.
NCGA President Bob Dickey says - the grain based ethanol industry is a critical part of domestic energy security. Its inclusion as part of the nation’s energy policy has strengthened and further diversified our nation’s fuel supply. NCGA is hopeful that after a thorough and comprehensive review based on sound science, EPA will allow for increased blends of ethanol.
Study Shows Agriculture Well Protected
Researchers in Texas Tech’s Cotton Economics Research Institute have studied agricultural subsidies and protection applied by 21 countries to seven major crops: corn, cotton, rice, sorghum, soybeans, sugar and wheat. What they found is that developing countries are equally, if not more, prone to protecting their agricultural sectors.
The resulting report, Crop Subsidies in Foreign Countries: Different Paths to Common Goals, found that while policy tools employed by governments may differ, agricultural
support is increasing not only in industrialized countries such as the U.S. or Australia, but in developing economies such as China or Brazil.
The study’s authors say there is a wide variety of subsidy and protection instruments in place. Researchers found that developing countries employ higher tariff protection than their industrialized peers, and also tend to supplement their price support program with input subsidies, which are excluded from World Trade Organization support calculations but still distort trade.
The resulting report, Crop Subsidies in Foreign Countries: Different Paths to Common Goals, found that while policy tools employed by governments may differ, agricultural
support is increasing not only in industrialized countries such as the U.S. or Australia, but in developing economies such as China or Brazil.
The study’s authors say there is a wide variety of subsidy and protection instruments in place. Researchers found that developing countries employ higher tariff protection than their industrialized peers, and also tend to supplement their price support program with input subsidies, which are excluded from World Trade Organization support calculations but still distort trade.
Sebelius Confirmation Vote Delayed
The Senate has delayed a vote on the confirmation of Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius to head the Department of Health and Human Services. Sebelius passed muster in committee by a vote of 15 to 8. But, Senate Republicans objected Thursday to a confirmation vote, prompting Democrats to threaten a cloture vote to force the issue. Majority Leader Harry Reid remains - hopeful that we will get an agreement to consider the nomination. But, if not, Senator Reid expects to file cloture. Reid says he is - confident that we will have the 60 votes needed for confirmation.
The Sebelius confirmation could be delayed until next week. If Democrats do have to
file cloture to limit debate on the nomination, it could take several days to run out the clock on the procedural motions and votes. It is unclear how many Republican senators objected to scheduling a vote on Sebelius.
The Sebelius confirmation could be delayed until next week. If Democrats do have to
file cloture to limit debate on the nomination, it could take several days to run out the clock on the procedural motions and votes. It is unclear how many Republican senators objected to scheduling a vote on Sebelius.
USDA to Check Changing Face of Agriculture
Officials at USDA want to know how the growth of organic farming is changing the face of U.S. agriculture. This spring, the department will conduct the first-ever, wide-scale survey of organic farming in the United States. Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack says - the Organic Production Survey is a direct response to the growing interest in organics among consumers, farmers, and businesses.
The survey will look at many aspects of organic farming during the 2008 calendar year - from production and marketing practices, to income and expenses. It will focus not only on operations that are currently engaged in organic production, but also on those making the transition to organic agriculture.
The results will help shape future decisions regarding farm policy, funding allocations, availability of goods and services, community development and other key issues. In addition, the information can help producers make informed decisions about the future of their own farming operations.
The 2007 Census of Agriculture counted more than 20-thousand U.S. farms engaged in organic production.
The survey will look at many aspects of organic farming during the 2008 calendar year - from production and marketing practices, to income and expenses. It will focus not only on operations that are currently engaged in organic production, but also on those making the transition to organic agriculture.
The results will help shape future decisions regarding farm policy, funding allocations, availability of goods and services, community development and other key issues. In addition, the information can help producers make informed decisions about the future of their own farming operations.
The 2007 Census of Agriculture counted more than 20-thousand U.S. farms engaged in organic production.
Another USDA Post Being Filled
Thursday, President Barack Obama announced his intent to nominate Edward M. Avalos, Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs at USDA. Avalos has 34 years experience in agriculture marketing. His career includes a 5-year tour with the Texas Department of Agriculture and 29 years at the New Mexico Department of Agriculture. Having been raised on a family farm in the Mesilla Valley of Southern New Mexico, Mr. Avalos has spent a lifetime in agriculture.
The administration points out that Avalos can be relied upon to address and resolve the many concerns and difficult issues facing the food, agriculture, and livestock sectors in the United States. Avalos received his Bachelors and Masters degrees from New Mexico State University.
The administration points out that Avalos can be relied upon to address and resolve the many concerns and difficult issues facing the food, agriculture, and livestock sectors in the United States. Avalos received his Bachelors and Masters degrees from New Mexico State University.
Draft Energy Bill Reviewed on Capitol Hill
A draft of the American Clean Energy and Security Act is under review on Capitol Hill. During Wednesday’s hearing, EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson called the hearing - serious, difficult, and essential work in crafting comprehensive, detailed energy legislation and moving it through an open, careful process in which representatives hold hearings, make amendments, and cast votes.
The legislation, if enacted, would introduce a clean energy requirement for American electric utilities and new energy efficiency programs for American buildings. Those initiatives aim to create good American jobs that cannot be shipped overseas. According to Jackson, this energy legislation - should catapult American innovators past their foreign competitors who, due to aggressive investments by their governments, now enjoy a head start in the advanced energy technologies that represent the new Internet revolution, the new biotech wave.
It should reduce our dependence on oil and tackle greenhouse-gas pollution, which threatens to leave to our children and grandchildren a diminished, less prosperous, less secure world. Jackson added, - the legislation would launch programs to promote electric vehicles and deploy technologies for capturing, pipelining, and geologically storing carbon dioxide produced at coal-fueled power plants. The legislation would also institute new low-carbon requirements for vehicles and fuels, and programs to help reduce vehicle-miles traveled with increased transportation options.
The legislation, if enacted, would introduce a clean energy requirement for American electric utilities and new energy efficiency programs for American buildings. Those initiatives aim to create good American jobs that cannot be shipped overseas. According to Jackson, this energy legislation - should catapult American innovators past their foreign competitors who, due to aggressive investments by their governments, now enjoy a head start in the advanced energy technologies that represent the new Internet revolution, the new biotech wave.
It should reduce our dependence on oil and tackle greenhouse-gas pollution, which threatens to leave to our children and grandchildren a diminished, less prosperous, less secure world. Jackson added, - the legislation would launch programs to promote electric vehicles and deploy technologies for capturing, pipelining, and geologically storing carbon dioxide produced at coal-fueled power plants. The legislation would also institute new low-carbon requirements for vehicles and fuels, and programs to help reduce vehicle-miles traveled with increased transportation options.
EPA Releases Review of Climate bill
EPA Releases Review of Climate bill”
After declaring that carbon emissions were a threat to human health, the Environmental Protection Agency has given high marks to the climate bill put forward by the House Energy committee. According to the EPA, the Waxman-Markey bill, also known as the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009, will - drive the clean energy transformations of the U.S. economy, - and substantially reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions.
The E.P.A. focused its analysis on the bill’s proposed cap-and-trade mechanism. It assumes that carbon prices would range from 13 to 17 dollars a ton in 2015, and would rise by about 5 percent a year. By 2020, carbon costs would reach 17 to 22 dollars a ton. That is approximately what participants in a European Union cap-and-trade program are currently paying.
The E.P.A.’s analysis suggests that under the plan, the share of low-carbon and zero-carbon energy sources — including renewables like wind and solar and nuclear and carbon-capture plants — would rise to 26 percent of the nation’s energy mix by 2030, and could reach 46 percent by 2050. The EPA estimated that - without the policy, that share would remain at a steady 14 percent.
After declaring that carbon emissions were a threat to human health, the Environmental Protection Agency has given high marks to the climate bill put forward by the House Energy committee. According to the EPA, the Waxman-Markey bill, also known as the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009, will - drive the clean energy transformations of the U.S. economy, - and substantially reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions.
The E.P.A. focused its analysis on the bill’s proposed cap-and-trade mechanism. It assumes that carbon prices would range from 13 to 17 dollars a ton in 2015, and would rise by about 5 percent a year. By 2020, carbon costs would reach 17 to 22 dollars a ton. That is approximately what participants in a European Union cap-and-trade program are currently paying.
The E.P.A.’s analysis suggests that under the plan, the share of low-carbon and zero-carbon energy sources — including renewables like wind and solar and nuclear and carbon-capture plants — would rise to 26 percent of the nation’s energy mix by 2030, and could reach 46 percent by 2050. The EPA estimated that - without the policy, that share would remain at a steady 14 percent.
Pelosi Wants Climate Change Bill Passed
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is determined to pass legislation addressing climate change this year. In fact, she predicts we will be celebrating passage of climate legislation next year during the 40th anniversary of Earth Day. She spoke as a key House committee began four days of hearings on a bill to limit greenhouse gases blamed for global warming. Committee Chairman Henry Waxman said he expects the panel to finish the legislation by the end of May. The Senate has yet to take up a climate bill.
Testimony Calls Attention to Crop Insurance Program
A House Agriculture subcommittee heard yesterday that the federal crop insurance program generally works well for most producers and is a popular risk management tool, but there is room for improvement. The areas of concern include: areas of duplicate procedures, and efficiency and integration with other federal agricultural programs. That was the message the President of the American Farm Bureau Federation took to Capitol Hill.
AFBF President Bob Stallman urged Congress to push the Agriculture Department to complete work on the Comprehensive Information Management System project. Stallman said, - once complete, that system would lead to more procedural efficiency for farmers and greater coordination among federal agriculture and crop insurance programs.
Stallman said the safety net works fairly well if a producer suffers a catastrophic crop loss because the producer doesn’t have to pay expenses, and crop insurance covers the majority of the loss. However, he said improvements are needed in what are called “shallow loss” crop insurance provisions. He called for increased support so that producers who experience shallow losses on a fairly regular basis can still afford the premiums.
AFBF President Bob Stallman urged Congress to push the Agriculture Department to complete work on the Comprehensive Information Management System project. Stallman said, - once complete, that system would lead to more procedural efficiency for farmers and greater coordination among federal agriculture and crop insurance programs.
Stallman said the safety net works fairly well if a producer suffers a catastrophic crop loss because the producer doesn’t have to pay expenses, and crop insurance covers the majority of the loss. However, he said improvements are needed in what are called “shallow loss” crop insurance provisions. He called for increased support so that producers who experience shallow losses on a fairly regular basis can still afford the premiums.
NCC Official Testifies on Risk Management
In testimony before a House Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities and Risk Management Wednesday, the National Cotton Council urged continued oversight of risk management, including the federal crop insurance program, to ensure a meaningful tool is available for producers. Rickey Bearden, the chairman of the NCC’s Crop Insurance Task Force, asked that - innovative policies be developed to make crop insurance more useful in various and ever-changing production conditions.
National Farmers Union President Roger Johnson too called for the continuation and improvement of risk management tools. Johnson said effective risk management tools are important for agricultural producers to compete in today's farming environment.
Johnson pointed out that America's farmers and ranchers cannot control three significant factors that impact their ability to stay in business - weather, market prices and input costs. He said, - as production practices change, weather patterns remain unpredictable, market prices fluctuate and input costs increase, adequate risk management tools are vital to the future of our nation's family farmers and ranchers.
National Farmers Union President Roger Johnson too called for the continuation and improvement of risk management tools. Johnson said effective risk management tools are important for agricultural producers to compete in today's farming environment.
Johnson pointed out that America's farmers and ranchers cannot control three significant factors that impact their ability to stay in business - weather, market prices and input costs. He said, - as production practices change, weather patterns remain unpredictable, market prices fluctuate and input costs increase, adequate risk management tools are vital to the future of our nation's family farmers and ranchers.
Walker Confirmed WTO Ag Talks Chai
It’s official. Ambassador David Walker of New Zealand has been appointed the new chairperson of the WTO agriculture negotiations. Walker replaces Crawford Falconer who returned home. The selection was confirmed at a formal meeting of the agriculture negotiations. Ambassador Walker is the third New Zealand ambassador to chair the agriculture negotiations.
The present terms for chairs of the negotiating groups run from one ministerial conference to the next - usually a period of about two years - unlike the chairs of the regular WTO councils and committees, whose terms are annual.
The present terms for chairs of the negotiating groups run from one ministerial conference to the next - usually a period of about two years - unlike the chairs of the regular WTO councils and committees, whose terms are annual.
Scientists Study Dairy Cow Manure
Researchers with the Agricultural Research Service say dairy cows that produce USDA-certified organic milk also produce manure that may gradually replenish soil nutrients and potentially reduce the flow of agricultural pollutants to nearby water sources. These cows generally consume forage feeds cultivated on soils that are fertilized with manure and compost rather than manufactured fertilizers. This organic management, in turn, may significantly affect how easily nutrients are converted in soil into forms readily taken up by crops.
Research completed at the ARS New England Plant, Soil, and Water Laboratory in Orono, Maine, and elsewhere, showed that conventional and organic dairy manures from commercial dairy farms differ in concentrations of plant nutrients. They found the two types of manure had at least 17 different chemical forms of phosphorus that varied in concentrations. The organic dairy manure had higher levels of phosphorus, calcium, potassium, manganese, zinc and magnesium.
Organic dairy manure also contained more types of phosphorus found in association with calcium and magnesium. Such forms are comparatively slow to dissolve and would thus gradually release the nutrients. Slow-release fertilizers generally increase the likelihood that they eventually will be taken up by crops, rather than being washed out of fields into nearby surface or groundwater sources.
Research completed at the ARS New England Plant, Soil, and Water Laboratory in Orono, Maine, and elsewhere, showed that conventional and organic dairy manures from commercial dairy farms differ in concentrations of plant nutrients. They found the two types of manure had at least 17 different chemical forms of phosphorus that varied in concentrations. The organic dairy manure had higher levels of phosphorus, calcium, potassium, manganese, zinc and magnesium.
Organic dairy manure also contained more types of phosphorus found in association with calcium and magnesium. Such forms are comparatively slow to dissolve and would thus gradually release the nutrients. Slow-release fertilizers generally increase the likelihood that they eventually will be taken up by crops, rather than being washed out of fields into nearby surface or groundwater sources.
New Under Secretary Appointment Announced
Mr. Jenson is on his way to Washington. Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack has announced the appointment of Jay Jensen as USDA Deputy Under Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment. In this position, Jensen will have responsibility for the U.S. Forest Service, which manages 193 million acres of National Forest System lands and provides assistance to the more than 10 million family-forest landowners in this country. Jenson will also be responsible for the Natural Resources Conservation Service. NRCS has primary responsibility for working with private landowners in conserving, maintaining and improving their natural resources.
Since May 2005, Jensen has been Executive Director of the Council of Western State Foresters/Western Forestry Leadership Coalition. The Coalition is a federal-state governmental partnership. Jensen had served earlier as the Coalition's Government Affairs Director. He has also served as Senior Forestry Adviser for the Western Governors Association, where he was responsible for the biomass energy program.
The Secretary said, - I'll be looking to Jay's leadership as we address the health of our forests. This is a top priority for USDA because it relates to several critical challenges-the intensity of forest fires, climate change, biomass and renewable energy, clean water and revitalizing forest-dependent communities.
Since May 2005, Jensen has been Executive Director of the Council of Western State Foresters/Western Forestry Leadership Coalition. The Coalition is a federal-state governmental partnership. Jensen had served earlier as the Coalition's Government Affairs Director. He has also served as Senior Forestry Adviser for the Western Governors Association, where he was responsible for the biomass energy program.
The Secretary said, - I'll be looking to Jay's leadership as we address the health of our forests. This is a top priority for USDA because it relates to several critical challenges-the intensity of forest fires, climate change, biomass and renewable energy, clean water and revitalizing forest-dependent communities.
FSA Administrator Named
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has announced the appointment of Doug Caruso as Administrator of the Farm Service Agency. The FSA administers and manages farm commodity, credit, conservation, disaster and loan programs through a network of federal, state and county offices. These programs are designed help producers manage their business risks and improve the stability and strength of the domestic agricultural economy.
Caruso was FSA State Executive Director in Wisconsin for 8 years, where he, according to Secretary Vilsack, compiled an impressive record of improving client services and enhancing outreach to historically underserved farmers.
Caruso returns to USDA after working as CEO of Wisconsin Farmers Union Specialty Cheese, a cheese manufacturing startup and producer of award-winning Blue and Gorgonzola products that he helped develop into a profitable operation with expanded market share.
Caruso was FSA State Executive Director in Wisconsin for 8 years, where he, according to Secretary Vilsack, compiled an impressive record of improving client services and enhancing outreach to historically underserved farmers.
Caruso returns to USDA after working as CEO of Wisconsin Farmers Union Specialty Cheese, a cheese manufacturing startup and producer of award-winning Blue and Gorgonzola products that he helped develop into a profitable operation with expanded market share.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Bill Banning Antibiotics in California Animals Passes Committee
A bill introduced in California that would ban antibiotics from meat and poultry in that state passed out of a Senate committee Tuesday by a vote of 3 to 1. The measure, written by Senate Majority Leader Dean Florez, would phase out the use of non-therapeutic antibiotics in animals meant for human consumption. SB 416 would prohibit schools in California from serving meat or poultry treated with non-therapeutic antibiotics after January 1, 2012. By 2015, the ban would apply to any animal raised for human consumption in the state.
In a news release issued following the vote, Florez said, - we tell people to take antibiotics only as prescribed for the very reason that they not develop resistance to these drugs they may need when they are truly sick. Then we feed those same antibiotics daily to the animals they will consume. The California State Senator emphasized, - it just doesn’t make any sense to take this gamble with the long-term health of our communities.
Elanor Starmer, a research analyst for Food and Water Watch, a non-profit consumer advocacy group says – we hope California will set an example for the nation. Noelle Cremers, director of natural resources and commodities for the California Farm Bureau, says - what Senator Florez is trying to do is take away tools we use to keep animals healthy. Cremers adds, - we don't see that as being a good way to provide safe food for consumers.
In a news release issued following the vote, Florez said, - we tell people to take antibiotics only as prescribed for the very reason that they not develop resistance to these drugs they may need when they are truly sick. Then we feed those same antibiotics daily to the animals they will consume. The California State Senator emphasized, - it just doesn’t make any sense to take this gamble with the long-term health of our communities.
Elanor Starmer, a research analyst for Food and Water Watch, a non-profit consumer advocacy group says – we hope California will set an example for the nation. Noelle Cremers, director of natural resources and commodities for the California Farm Bureau, says - what Senator Florez is trying to do is take away tools we use to keep animals healthy. Cremers adds, - we don't see that as being a good way to provide safe food for consumers.
Vilsack Watching EPA Greenhouse Gas Decision
The court mandated decision by EPA declaring greenhouse gases contribute to air pollution that may endanger public health or welfare may make agriculture a “great benefactor”. At least that’s the thought of Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack. Vilsack told reporters Tuesday that - the capacity to use our land creates tremendous opportunities to offset greenhouse gas emissions in other sectors of the economy.
Still, the question remains – how will congress handle the situation? Vilsack says, his hope is – the agriculture offset opportunity is the focus of provisions in the law.
Vilsack predicted – it can be anywhere from 20 to 25 percent of the solution. He said he would continue to advocate that agriculture play an important and significant role in reducing greenhouse gas’ impact.
As for the possibility that EPA might utilize indirect land use calculations when making new renewable fuels standard rules, Vilsack said, the concept requires – a good deal of study and review. The Secretary said USDA’s concern is that – whatever calculations, if any, are used are used in a way that accurately reflects the contribution biofuels will make to reducing greenhouse gases.
Still, the question remains – how will congress handle the situation? Vilsack says, his hope is – the agriculture offset opportunity is the focus of provisions in the law.
Vilsack predicted – it can be anywhere from 20 to 25 percent of the solution. He said he would continue to advocate that agriculture play an important and significant role in reducing greenhouse gas’ impact.
As for the possibility that EPA might utilize indirect land use calculations when making new renewable fuels standard rules, Vilsack said, the concept requires – a good deal of study and review. The Secretary said USDA’s concern is that – whatever calculations, if any, are used are used in a way that accurately reflects the contribution biofuels will make to reducing greenhouse gases.
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