March 16, 2011
www.gfb.org
Vol. 29 No. 11
U.S. HOUSE ADDRESSES MULTIPLE EPA REGULATORY ISSUES Last week, the U.S. House moved forward with two bills aimed at curtailing regulatory initiatives by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and heard testimony from EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson. The House Agriculture Committee approved H.R. 872, a bill to amend the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) and the Clean Water Act (CWA) to clarify Congressional intent regarding permits for use of pesticides. Sponsored by Rep. Bob Gibbs (R-Ohio), the Reducing Regulatory Burdens Act of 2011 addresses permit requirements imposed on pesticide users by the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals in the 2009 case National Cotton Council vs. EPA. Under the court’s ruling pesticide users would have to obtain a permit under the CWA even when a pesticide is applied in accordance with the FIFRA-approved label. The EPA has asked for delay on the implementation of the ruling until Oct. 31, but otherwise permit coverage would be required by April 9. “Without Congressional action, this misguided ruling would be a crushing blow to an already fragile economy. It would unleash a blitz of regulatory burdens on our farmers and ranchers starting with requiring an extra permit for pesticide applications, thousands of dollars in fines for non-compliance and an increased risk of lawsuits down the road. I urge my colleagues in both the House and the Senate to work together on this issue so we can send a bill to the president,” said Rep. Frank Lucas (R-Okla.), House Ag Committee chair. The House Energy and Power Subcommittee approved a bill on March 10 that would strip the EPA of its power to regulate greenhouse gases (GHGs). The Energy Tax Prevention Act of 2011, introduced by Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Fred Upton (R-Ky.) and Subcommittee Chairman Ed Whitfield (R-Ky.) would permanently eliminate the EPA’s authority to regulate greenhouse gas emissions from stationary sources like power plants and refineries. A companion bill, S. 482, was also introduced, sponsored by Sen. James Inhofe (R-Okla.). President Barack Obama has said he would veto any legislation that would override EPA authority to regulate GHGs. The House Ag Committee questioned Jackson on EPA policy regarding GHGs, nutrient numeric standards, spray drift, pesticides and Chesapeake Bay regulations. The EPA administrator defended the agency’s stance and called some criticisms of the EPA “fictions.” She said the agency has exempted agricultural sources from GHG regulation, though the agency has estimated that 37,000 farms would be affected under the Clean Air Act Title V program for GHGs.
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GEORGIA SENATE PASSES IMMIGRATION BILL Senate Bill 40, an immigration bill similar in many respects to a bill that passed the Georgia House on March 3, was approved by the Senate with a 34-21 vote on March 14. Introduced by Sen. Jack Murphy (R-Cumming), SB40 requires that all employers in Georgia with 5 or more employees must use E-Verify. Sen. John Bulloch (R-Ochlocknee), chairman of the Senate Agriculture and Consumer Affairs Committee, proposed an amendment that would raise the number to 25 or more employees, but the amendment failed. APPEALS COURT HEARS ARGUMENTS IN TRI-STATE WATER DISPUTE The 2009 ruling by U.S. District Court Judge Paul Magnuson in the three-state dispute over water from Lake Lanier is being considered by the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals. Magnuson’s ruling gave Georgia, Alabama and Florida until July 2012 to reach a watersharing agreement. If no agreement is reached, metro Atlanta would only be allowed to take the amount of water it received in the mid-1970s. Magnuson ruled that the water from Lake Lanier was not intended for use as a regional water supply. Alabama and Florida have argued that Buford Dam, which formed Lake Lanier, was intended to generate electricity, facilitate navigation and help control flooding. Those two states contend that metro Atlanta’s use of water from Lanier leaves too little for use downstream. Georgia’s case rests on the original legislation that authorized Buford Dam. Congress included language in that authorization allowing metro Atlanta communities to draw water from Lake Lanier. Last summer, Georgia enacted the Water Stewardship Act of 2010, a water-use bill designed to create a statewide culture of conservation. The Georgia General Assembly is currently considering a bill allowing local governments to seek private funding for water infrastructure projects, including the construction of reservoirs. U.S., MEXICO MAKE PROGRESS ON TRUCKING AGREEMENT Retaliatory tariffs against U.S. products exported to Mexico would be lifted through a program that would authorize cross-border operations by trucking companies in Mexico and the U.S. On March 3, U.S. President Barack Obama and Mexican President Felipe Calderon agreed on a path to resolving the long-haul trucking dispute between the two countries. Mexico will reduce the tariffs by 50 percent when a final agreement is signed and the rest will be removed when the first Mexican trucking company is authorized to operate in the U.S. under the program. Mexico, the U.S.’ third-largest agricultural export market, imposes $2.4 billion in tariffs on U.S. imports, including more than $800 million on U.S. agricultural products. A proposed agreement is expected to be available for Congressional briefings, public notice and comment by early April. The U.S. Department of Transportation will respond to public comments then work with Mexico to finalize an agreement. The new program will require all haulers to comply with federal motor vehicle safety standards and will include a path to full and permanent cross-border operations.
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NRCS TAKING APPLICATIONS FOR AWEP THROUGH APRIL 1 Producers in 27 counties in southwest Georgia may be eligible to receive funding under the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Water Enhancement Program (AWEP), designed to improve water efficiency by using advanced irrigation management practices. Applications will be accepted at USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) offices through April 1. According to State Conservationist James E. Tillman Sr., $852,000 in AWEP funds were approved for the Lower Flint River Basin. The eligible counties are Taylor, Chattahoochee, Marion, Schley, Macon, Houston, Stewart, Webster, Sumter, Dooly, Randolph, Terrell, Lee, Crisp, Clay, Calhoun, Dougherty, Worth, Turner, Early, Miller, Baker, Mitchell, Colquitt, Seminole, Decatur and Grady. The AWEP funds may be used for low pressure drop nozzle irrigation retrofits with end gun shut-offs, remote soil moisture monitoring, sod-based rotation and variable rate irrigation. AWEP, established by the 2008 farm bill and funded through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program, is administered by the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). It is designed to promote water conservation and improve water quality by helping agricultural producers put water enhancement measures in place. These include development of water quality/conservation plans, water conservation or enhancement projects like converting to the production of less water-intensive commodities or dry land farming, improvement of irrigation systems and activities to diminish the effects of drought. For eligibility requirements, visit http://www.ga.nrcs.usda.gov. ABAC TO OFFER BACHELOR’S DEGREES IN NATURAL RESOURCES With studies indicating that job markets in forestry and wildlife management are likely to expand, Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College has announced it will launch bachelor’s degree programs in these two disciplines beginning this fall. “We have had an associate program in those two areas for many years,” said ABAC President Dr. David Bridges. “It was a natural progression for us to work toward a bachelor’s degree program.” ABAC began offering bachelor’s degrees in diversified agriculture and turfgrass/golf course management in 2008 and added a rural studies bachelor's program in 2009. The Tifton school’s associate program in forest technology is one of two forestry programs in Georgia accredited by the Society of American Foresters. Bridges said that graduates of the natural resources management program will find jobs in government and private sector organizations that deal with the state and regional natural resources. “The great gaping hole, I guess the missing piece, for our school of ag and natural resources was that we had ag programs but we didn’t have forestry and wildlife programs,” said Bridges, who met with GFB President Zippy Duvall on March 2 to discuss the new degree offerings. For more information about ABAC’s ag and forestry degree programs, visit http://www.abac.edu.
Leadership Alert page 4 of 5 GEORGIA AGRICULTURE DAY CELEBRATION March 22 Georgia Depot (beside Underground Atlanta) Atlanta Gov. Nathan Deal and Commissioner of Agriculture Gary Black will host this event. Exhibits, food and entertainment will begin at 11 a.m. The program starts at 12:30 p.m. and includes the announcements of the Environmental Stewardship Award for Agriculture and the grand prize winner of the Flavor of Georgia Food Contest. For more information contact Donnie Smith or Sarah Cook at 229- 391-6882. TIMBERLAND INVESTMENT CONFERENCE March 23-25 Ritz-Carlton Lodge, Reynolds Plantation Greensboro Conference will address post-recession views of the housing market recovery on wood demand, global timber trade, conservation and basic timberland management. For more information visit www.ugacfb.com/timberlandasset or contact Bob Izlar at 706-542-6819 or bizlar@warnell.uga.edu. GEORGIA FARM BUREAU EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE March 26 Columbus Convention & Trade Center 9 a.m.-4p.m. Columbus Workshops will cover the organization’s commodity promotion for 2011-2012, building a membership program and being a more effective leader. Registration is $45 per person. Contact your county Farm Bureau office for more information. 3rd ANNUAL PEANUT PROUD FESTIVAL March 26 Courthouse Square 10 a.m. Blakely The theme for this year’s event is Proud-N-Peanut Country. Join the fun with a 5K Run, peanut parade, recipe contest, educational exhibits, antique farm equipment display, arts and crafts and a street dance featuring the Fabulous Expressions. Applications to enter the March 19 beauty pageant, parade or to be a vendor are available at http://www.peanutproud.com along with more information about the event or call 229-723-2802. GEORGIA PECAN GROWERS ASSOCIATION CONFERENCE March 30 Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter Perry Event begins at 8 a.m. and runs to 5 p.m. Will include a trade show and research presentations from pecan specialists and promotion updates from the Ga. Pecan Commission. For additional information or to register visit http://www.georgiapecan.org or contact Janice Dees at 229-382-2187. BOLL WEEVIL ERADICATION FOUNDATION DIST. 5 NOMINATION MEETING March 30 Emanuel County Farm Bureau Office 10 a.m. Swainsboro This meeting is intended to fill the District 5 seat on the Boll Weevil Eradication Foundation (BWEF) of Georgia held by Farris “Buddy” Wren until his recent resignation. Each nominee and person making a nomination must grow cotton and reside within the BWEF District 5, which includes the following counties: Appling, Bacon, Bryan, Bulloch, Burke, Candler, Chatham, Dodge, Effingham, Emanuel, Evans, Jeff Davis, Jenkins, Johnson, Laurens, Liberty, Long, McIntosh, Montgomery, Screven, Tattnall, Telfair, Toombs, Treutlen, Twiggs, Wayne, Wheeler and Wilkinson. For more information about the foundation or the nomination meeting call Don McGough at 1-800-342-1196. GEORGIA SMALL FARM CONFERENCE March 31-April 1 The Foundry Park Inn & Spa Athens Conference begins at 1 p.m. on Thursday and ends at noon on Friday with a tour of two sustainable farms to follow. Topics will include: farm planning and marketing, livestock, fruit and vegetable production and how to become certified as an organic and naturally grown farmer. Representatives from state and federal farm agencies will discuss resources available to producers. Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Gary Black will deliver the keynote address on Friday. For more information or to register, visit www.areg.caes.uga.edu. Scholarships are available on a first come first serve basis until March 24. Call Robert Amos at 706-552-4479.
Leadership Alert page 5 of 5 50th ANNUAL GA CATTLEMEN’S ASSOC. CONVENTION & BEEF EXPO March 31-April 2 Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter Perry The Georgia Cattlemen’s Association will celebrate 50 years of success with more than 60 trade show vendors, five Pfizer sponsored Cattlemen’s Colleges, CattleWoman meetings, junior cattlemen contests and events and a Friday night Cattlemen’s Ball. Pre-registration is required for meals at http://www.gabeef.org/gca/conventionregistration.htm or by contacting the GCA office at 478-474-6560. GEORGIA EGG COMMISSION RECIPE CONTEST ENTRY DEADLINE APRIL 1 The Georgia Egg Commission is holding its annual Egg Recipe Contest. This year’s theme is “Your Most Incredible Egg Recipe.” Recipes must be an original creation, include a minimum of four whole eggs, serve at least four people and have a preparation time of 60 minutes or less. Recipes must be typed and include the entrant’s name, address, home, cell and office phone numbers. First prize is $2,000, second prize is $850 and third prize is $650. Send recipes to: Egg Recipe Contest, Georgia Egg Commission, at goodeggs@bellsouth.net. GEORGIA EGG COMMISSION HALL OF FAME NOMINATION DEADLINE APRIL 1 The Georgia Egg Commission is accepting nominations for a person to be inducted into its hall of fame. The award is presented once every three years and is intended to recognize a living person of older age who has rendered outstanding and unselfish service to Georgia’s egg industry. Priority will be given to Georgia residents. Nomination forms are available by contacting the Egg Commission office at goodeggs@bellsouth.net. LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENT WORKSHOP April 1 UGA Research and Education Garden 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Griffin This workshop will cover site analysis and bed preparation, woody and herbaceous plant selection, fertilization and irrigation, and troubleshooting. The program costs $30. To register or for more information, contact Val Schott at 770- 233-5598 or vschott@uga.edu. FARMERS MARKET WORKSHOP April 6 Exhibition Hall of Atlanta State Farmers Market Forest Park Registration begins at 9 a.m. with training sessions running from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Workshop sessions will cover eligibility requirements for accepting WIC vouchers, EBT (food stamp) benefits, keeping markets compliant with state regulations and food safety issues. National Farmers Market Coalition President Sharon Yeago will deliver the keynote address at lunch. For more information or to register contact Jerome Brown with the Upper Ocmulgee River RC&D Council at Jerome.Brown@ga.usda.gov or 770-339-6071. STARTING A NEW FOOD BUSINESS IN GEORGIA SEMINAR April 15 Food Science Bldg., UGA Campus 9a.m. -4 p.m. Athens This one-day seminar is co-sponsored by the UGA Food Science Extension Outreach Program and the UGA Center for AgriBusiness Development, and features speakers from the food industry as well as entrepreneurs who have started their own food businesses. Registration cost is $100, which includes lunch, workshop materials and a notebook. The deadline to register for this workshop is April 4. To register online go to the CALENDAR link at www.EFSonline.uga.edu and look for the Starting a New Food Business brochure and online registration links. Space is limited to 40, so register early! Call 706542-2574 or email EFS@uga.edu for more information. APRIL 15 IS DEADLINE TO VOTE ON PEANUT ASSESSMENT INCREASE The deadline to submit ballots in the referendum on raising the checkoff assessment for peanuts is April 15. The referendum will determine whether the assessment will be raised from the current $2 per ton to $3 per ton. If you are a peanut grower and have not received a ballot, contact the Georgia Peanut Commission at 229-386-3470.