July 11, 2012
www.gfb.org
Vol. 30 No. 28
HOUSE AG COMMITTEE RELEASES INITIAL DRAFT OF FARM BILL On July 5 the House Agriculture Committee released its initial version of the 2012 farm bill, titled the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management (FARRM) Act. The committee was to begin consideration of the bill on July 11 in preparation for introducing it to the full House of Representatives. According to a committee press release, the bill cuts more than $35 billion in mandatory spending over 10 years while repealing or consolidating more than 100 programs. The bill also cuts discretionary spending authority. FARRM repeals direct payments, countercyclical payments, Average Crop Revenue Election (ACRE) and the Supplemental Revenue Assistance Program (SURE), offering instead a choice between two risk-management options: Price Loss Coverage (PLC) and Revenue Loss Coverage. PLC is designed to address deep multiple-year price declines and will complement federal crop insurance. RLC addresses revenue losses of 15 percent or greater. Cotton growers would be ineligble for PLC and RLC, but would have the option of the Stacked Income Protection Plan (STAX) or the new Supplemental Coverage Option included in the crop insurance portion of the bill. Georgia Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall wrote to House Ag Committee Members from Georgia, Rep. Austin Scott (R-8th District) and Rep. David Scott (D-13th District), asking them to support passage of the bill as introduced in the discussion draft. “Passage of the proposal would be an important step forward in providing farmers with some degree of certainty regarding farm programs. It also strengthens farmers’ confidence to maintain the long-term investments on farms,” Duvall wrote. Duvall emphasized that the bill recognizes the diversity of Georgia agriculture and provides farmers with choices that give them a balanced safety net that covers a variety of commodities and and accounts for regional differences in agriculture. He asked Reps. Scott and Scott to oppose any amendments that would reduce the commodity reference prices for the PLC and RLC programs, as well as any amendments that would reduce payment limits established in the draft proposal. The bill reauthorizes the Dairy Forward Pricing Program, the Dairy Indemnity Program and the Dairy Promotion and Research Program while eliminating the Dairy Product Price Support Program, the Milk Income Loss Contract (MILC) program, the Dairy Export Incentive Program and the Federal Milk Marketing Order Review Commission. FARRM combines 23 conservation programs into 13 and makes changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, the current version of the federal food stamp program, taking steps to address fraud, waste and abuse in the program, according to the committee release.
Leadership Alert page 2 of 6 USFRA SEEKING THE “FACES OF FARMING AND RANCHING” Farm Bureau members can apply to become one of the national U.S. Farmers and Ranchers Alliance (USFRA) “Faces of Farming and Ranching” representatives. The USFRA, of which Georgia Farm Bureau is an affiliate member, is a group of national agricultural organizations that includes the American Farm Bureau Federation. The organization’s goal is to lead dialogue about U.S. food production. The Faces of Farming and Ranching will serve multiple roles with the USFRA, including giving national media interviews, participating in panel discussions and web chats, being featured in advertising and other activities. Each representative will have a tailored media plan to ensure optimal use of the 2013 winners. USFRA is uniting many different commodity and ag groups to answer consumers’ questions about how farmers produce their food and the steps taken to care for livestock and protect the environment. “If you’re interested in being an advocate for agriculture I strongly recommend you apply,” GFB President Zippy Duvall said. “If we don’t tell our story, consumers’ perception of farming will be shaped by anti-agriculture activists.” Entries will be accepted through Sept. 8, 2012. A group of between 10 and 15 finalists will be announced at the November 2012 Food Dialogues event in New York City. The list of finalists will also be published online. Online votes from the public will be factored into the determination of the “Faces of Farming and Ranching.” Because it is important to show American Agriculture and all of its diversity, farmers and ranchers who raise a variety of foods using a variety of practices, at differing scales and in all areas of the country are encouraged to apply. The standout farmers and ranchers, to be announced in January 2013 based on votes and the recommendation of a panel of judges, will put a real face on today’s agriculture. All travel costs will be provided for the winners, each of whom will also receive a $10,000 stipend, $5,000 to donate to an agriculture charity and spokesperson training. To find out more, please contact GFB Commodities Assistant Director Joe McManus at 478-474-0679, ext. 5250, or jcmcmanus@gfb.org. To access the entry forms visit http://www.fooddialogues.com/faces-of-farming-and-ranching. EPA’S GREENHOUSE GAS RULES UPHELD BY COURT The EPA’s greenhouse gas rules promulgated after the agency’s 2009 endangerment finding were upheld on June 26 by U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. The decision applied to multiple lawsuits challenging the EPA greenhouse gas rules that were consolidated in the Circuit Court. Plaintiffs have the option of appealing the ruling to the Supreme Court. The endangerment finding allowed key greenhouse gases (carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons and sulfur hexafluoride) to be classified as pollutants under the Clean Air Act and enabled the EPA to move forward with regulation of emissions from cars and light trucks, as well as stationary emitters of the gases like some power plants.
Leadership Alert page 3 of 6 WTO REJECTS PORTION OF U.S. COOL APPEAL The World Trade Organization ruled that the United States must change how its Country of Origin Labeling (COOL) rules are implemented, though it confirmed that the U.S. has the right to require origin information on meat labels as an informational service to consumers. On June 29, the WTO issued its decision on the United States’ appeal in a case filed by Canada and Mexico, which complained in 2008 to the WTO after the U.S. enacted its Country of Origin Labeling (COOL) rules for beef and pork. The two U.S. neighbors alleged that COOL violated international trade rules and resulted in cattle and hogs born in those two countries being treated less favorably than those born in the U.S., serving as a protectionist trade barrier. The WTO issued its initial ruling in favor of Canada and Mexico in November 2011, finding that the COOL requirements violated provisions of the WTO agreement on technical barriers to trade. The U.S. appealed in March 2012, and the final ruling released on June 29 indicated that the U.S. must alter how the rules are implemented or be subject to tariffs on U.S. exports to Canada and Mexico. Canada and Mexico are among the top export destinations for U.S. beef and pork. Both the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) and the National Cattlemens Beef Association (NCBA) have urged the federal government to take steps to bring the U.S. into compliance with WTO trade rules. JULY IS NATIONAL BLUEBERRY MONTH In 1999, the USDA declared July National Blueberry Month, and the designation has taken on increasing significance in Georgia in recent years with the growth of the state’s blueberry production. Georgia blueberry growers produced 41 million pounds in 2008. In 2011, that harvest expanded to 65 million pounds according to recent data released by the National Agricultural Statistics Service. The 2010 farm gate value of Georgia-grown blueberries was more than $133 million, accounting for 29.6 percent the total value of all fruits and nuts grown in the state. In 2012, despite a freeze that caused significant damage to early crops, some observers are still projecting a harvest of 60 million pounds. Georgia is one of 38 states where high bush blueberries are grown commercially. A few facts about blueberries: * They have just 80 calories per cup and no fat. * They are among the best dietary sources for antioxidants, which research has shown to protect against chronic diseases associated with aging. * Georgia has the longest growing season for blueberries lasting from late April through the end of July. * Georgia ranked fourth in blueberry production in 2011 behind Maine, Michigan and Oregon. * According to the UGA Cooperative Extension, Georgia uses about 20,000 acres for blueberry production. The two primary varieties of blueberries grown in Georgia are rabbiteye and high bush. For more information about blueberries, visit. http://www.georgiablueberry.com/.
Leadership Alert page 4 of 6 SUNBELT EXPO FIELD DAY July 12 Sunbelt Agricultural Expo, Spence Field Moultrie This complimentary preview for the Sunbelt Expo is an opportunity for farmers to see the latest seed varieties, chemical applications, irrigation technology and precision ag technology, all in an applied research setting. A biscuit breakfast reception with Agriculture Commissioner Gary Black and Georgia Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall begins at 7:15 a.m. Trams depart starting at 8:30 a.m. and a complimentary lunch will be served at 12:15 p.m. Register before 8:15 a.m. for a chance to win a $100 early bird cash prize. There will also be Grand Prize and Door Prize Giveaways. Every attendee receives an Expo cap. For more information, call 229985-1968 or visit http://www.sunbeltexpo.com. GEORGIA JUNIOR CATTLEMEN’S ASSOCIATION FIELD DAY July 12 Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Perry Join in for a Field Day of Olympic proportions! All ages are welcome. Events include an AGility course, beef-themed classes and other sporting events. To register, visit http://www.gabeef.org/gjca/contest.html. Cost for GJCA members is $10, and $15 for nonmembers. T-shirts can be purchased for an additional $5. UGA AG LEADERSHIP PROGRAM ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS The UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences is now accepting applications for the inaugural class of the Advancing Georgia’s Leaders in Agriculture program. Participants will attend eight sessions held across the state, and travel to Washington, D.C. and abroad to study Georgia’s involvement with international trade. The first class will be chosen through an application and nomination process, which will begin this month. The application deadline is July 13 for the program that begins in the fall. For more information visit http://www.agla.caes.uga.edu or call Rochelle Strickland at 706-542-1204. UPCOMING DEADLINES FOR FSA PROGRAMS Below are upcoming enrollment deadlines for programs administered by the Farm Service Agency: July 15 2011 Average Crop Revenue Election (ACRE) July 15 Certification of planted acres (all crops except tobacco) Aug. 1 Farm Reconstitutions (changes) for 2012 crop year Sept. 30 Milk Income Loss Contract (MILC) Dates vary Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP), check with FSA service center for dates) and Crop Insurance (Contact a crop insurance agent or the regional Risk Management Agency (RMA) office.) For more information about FSA programs visit http://www.fsa.usda.gov. IRRIGATION ENERGY MEETING July 17 The Back Porch Restaurant, 297 Buford St. Shellman This meeting, following the theme “Enhancing your farming operation through Improved irrigation and energy efficiency,” is presented by the Lower Chattahoochee River Soil & Water Conservation District. The meeting is scheduled to run from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Presenters will cover the latest information on irrigation equipment, scheduling, grant and cost share activities and much more. Lunch and door prizes will be provided following the meeting. Seating is limited to the first 100 people who RSVP. To preregister, contact Lancia Wyant at 229-995-6001 or lwyant@gaswcc.org.
Leadership Alert page 5 of 6 JOINT AGRICULTURE CHAIRMEN AGRICULTURAL ISSUES SUMMIT July 18 Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter 10 a.m. - noon Perry This joint meeting, conducted by Georgia House Agriculture Committee Chairman Tom McCall and Georgia Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman John Bulloch, will feature discussions on the new sales tax exemptions for Agriculture, the Transportation Investment Act referendum, the importance of having a viable workforce and Georgia water planning. A sponsored lunch will be provided by Georgia Farm Bureau, the Georgia Agribusiness Council, the Georgia Poultry Federation and the Georgia Urban Agriculture Council. Meeting space is limited and RSVPs are required. Participation will be on a first-come, first-served basis. To attend, contact Pat Harris at 404-656-5099 or pat.harris@house.ga.gov or Donna Yeomans at 404-656-0040 or donna.yeomans@senate.ga.gov. GREAT VALLEY EXPOSITION AND “I LOVE BEEF” HAMBURGER COOK-OFF July 20-21 Lowrey’s Farm Market, 2416 Turkey Mountain Rd. Rome The Floyd County Farm Bureau Women’s Committee is sponsoring the inaugural Hamburger Cook-Off in conjunction with the Great Valley Exposition at Lowrey’s. The Exposition is a family-friendly antique tractor show featuring tractors, cars, antique farm tools and a variety of demonstrations. Floyd County Farm Bureau will be on site to promote Farm Bureau membership. Registration and ground beef pick-up for the cook-off will be from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on July 20. Registration for cook-off contestants is $10; payments must be in cash or check made out to Floyd County Farm Bureau. The cook-off will begin at 10:30 a.m., on July 21. For more information, including complete contest rules, contact FCFB Office Manager Shana Burk at 706-291-0577 or smburk@gfb.org. GEORGIA PEANUT COMMISSION RIBBON CUTTING & OPEN HOUSE July 31 New GPC headquarters building Tifton Join the Georgia Peanut Commission as it celebrates its 50th anniversary with the opening its new state-of-the art building on Fulwood Blvd., just off exit 63B on I-75. Ceremony begins at 10 a.m. For more information, call 229-386-3470. FSA TAKING NOMINATIONS FOR COUNTY COMMITTEES The Farm Service Agency is accepting nominations for county committees through Aug. 1 To be eligible to serve on an FSA county committee, a person must participate or cooperate in a program administered by FSA, be eligible to vote in a county committee election and reside in the local administrative area in which the person is a candidate. For more information visit http://www.fsa.usda.gov/elections. FSA will mail ballots beginning Nov. 5. The ballots are due back to the local FSA office by Dec. 3. Newly elected committee members and alternates take office on Jan. 1, 2013. GARLICFEST 2012 Aug. 25 LoganBerry Heritage Farm 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Cleveland This annual celebration of the Garlic harvest is a free and fun family event. It includes lots of garlic, chefs, creative food, cooking demos, tastings, live music, artisans and animals. For more information, contact LoganBerry Heritage Farm at 706-348-6068 or visit http://www.loganberryheritagefarm.com.
Leadership Alert page 6 of 6 2012 GARDEN ACADEMY Sept. 6-Oct. 23 Houston County Extension Office Perry This multi-week program is designed to help participants get the most from their plants through planning, preparation, and work. The course includes the most recent research-based information available to guide you in tending your landscape. Classes are schedueled for Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in the Extension Office Multipurpose Room in the Government Building (old renovated courthouse) in downtown Perry. The class fee of $120 includes all sessions, the Georgia Yardstick Workbook, and a collection of valuable Extension publications. This year’s theme is The Central Georgia Landscape. Learn more about landscape planning and plant selection, planting and maintenance. This will be an extended course planned and taught by UGA Specialists, Master Gardeners, Extension Agents, local professionals, and other gardeners. The class size is limited so register early! Contact the Houston County Extension Office at 478-987-2028 or email mg@uga.edu for a registration form. 2012 AGROFORESTRY AND WILDLIFE FIELD DAY Sept. 20 University of Georgia Griffin Campus 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Griffin Registration is now being accepted for this unique educational event, sponsored by UGA, Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, Fort Valley State University, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, and the NRCS. The field day will provide information on ways land value can be enhanced. More than 25 topics will be showcased, including wildlife opening management; pond management; management for wild turkeys, doves and quail; selling and marketing timber; prescribed burning, cost-sharing assistance programs, GPS/GIS use in managing land and invasive insects, disease and plants. Registration is $25 before Sept. 3 and $35 after. Fee includes lunch, and those who register in advance will receive an Agroforestry & Wildlife Field Day baseball cap. For more information, visit http://www.caes.uga.edu/events/awfd/index.html.