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December 2011
As 2011 winds to a close we look back on the legislative year and prepare for 2012.  While this was the first budget enacted before July 1, it was littered with gimmicks and far too optimistic revenue projections.  In order to allow for the budget to be financed and revenue warrants to be issued to the state (essential for cash flow purposes) the budget had to include automatic spending cuts enacted by a trigger.  The trigger is “pulled” if the revenue projections fall below expectations.  The Legislative Analyst Office has already stated that revenues are running over $3 billion below projections and the Director of Finance will release her findings on December 15th.  All indications are that the “triggers” will be pulled, requiring mid-year budget cuts of $3.7 billion – 40% from education, the rest from a cross section of programs. 

Impacts on agricultural interests from the current budget are significant including $19 million in general fund cuts to the Department of Food and Agriculture from a cross section of programs from pest inspection and prevention, increased fees for phytosanitary certificates, elimination of the $32 million for the state’s fair system and fee increases in many agencies that impact business and agriculture most notably $24 million increase in fees at the Water Resources Control Board.  The association is actively meeting with the Department and our industry allies assessing what additional potential negative impacts from the triggers. 

The Governor completed his first bill signing of his third term on Sunday October 9th.  His overall veto percentage was low, 14.36 percent.  Number of bills considered by the Governor was 870.  Typical with Governor Brown, there was not a clear pattern with bills, but he was clearly more friendly to unions and public employees. 

For agriculture it was a mixed bag.  After vetoing the “card check for ag bill” in the summer, the Governor signed SB 126 (Steinberg) which retains the secret ballot but upon a finding by the ALRB of an unfair labor practice during the election that rises to a level where a fair election cannot be held, the ALRB can certify a union as the sole representative for that workplace. 


Click here for full article....

NOP Organic Insider Recently Releases Policy Clarification

NOP regulations expressly prohibit the use of GMOs in organic production and handling, defining it as an "excluded method" (7 CFR 205.105). Excluded methods include:

A variety of methods to genetically modify organisms or influence their growth and development by means that are not possible under natural conditions or processes and are not considered compatible with organic production. Such methods include cell fusion, microencapsulation and macroencapsulation, and recombinant DNA technology (including gene deletion, gene doubling, introducing a foreign gene, and changing the positions of genes when achieved by recombinant DNA technology).  Such methods do not include the use of traditional breeding, conjugation, fermentation, hybridization, in vitro fertilization, or tissue culture. (7 CFR § 205.2-Terms defined)

Compliance with the organic standards entails that operations have verifiable practices in place to avoid contact with GMOs. Since organic certification is process-based, presence of detectable GMO residues alone does not necessarily constitute a violation of the regulation.  

The NOP relies on organic certifiers and producers to determine preventative practices that would most effectively prevent contact with GMOs on an organic operation. The policy memo addresses frequently asked questions and will be incorporated in the next update of the NOP Program Handbook, scheduled for publication in the spring of 2011.

To view the entire memo go to
http://www.ams.usda.gov/AMSv1.0/getfile?dDocName=STELPRDC5090396 

 

The April 2011 “Items of Interest in Seed”

The April 2011 “Items of Interest in Seed”is now available at www.ams.usda.gov/seed or you can go directly to the IOI using the link below;
http://www.ams.usda.gov/2011IOI

You are receiving this message because you are subscribed to a USDA Agricultural Marketing Service mail list.  If you wish to be removed from the mail list, send a message to listserv@ams.usda.gov, leave the subject blank and put unsubscribe seedbranch in the message body.

Thank you for your interest and support of our programs.

CAST PUBLICATIONS

(To access CAST publication go to : http://www.cast-science.org/publications.asp and scroll down the list)

Implications of Gene Flow in the Scale-up and Commercial Use of Biotechnology-derived Crops: Economic and Policy Considerations
Issue Paper
This Issue Paper identifies the nature of gene flow and discusses the relatively limited situations in which it is likely to cause economic problems in the production of commercial biotech crops. The paper explains how gene flow relates to adventitious presence, describes the biological traits being imparted into biotech crops, summarizes present risk assessment and regulatory mechanisms, and discusses potential economic effects and policy and research ramifications of gene flow of commercial biotech crops. Chair: David Gealy, USDA--Agricultural Research Service, Stuttgart, Arkansas. IP 37, December 2007, 24 pp., FREE. Available online (www.cast-science.org)

 

Gene Flow in Alfalfa: Biology, Mitigation, and Potential Impact on Production
Special Publication
This Special Publication describes the biology and agronomic practices in alfalfa that should be considered in developing coexistence strategies to allow growers to have choices, specifically between genetically engineered (GE), conventional, and GE-sensitive markets in the United States. These strategies are based on science and are a direct extension of well-established coexistence principles routinely used by seed growers. The management practices currently being used by growers of Roundup Ready alfalfa seed are presented as an example of strategies developed by the alfalfa seed industry that allow coexistence of different production systems. Chair: Allen E. Van Deynze, Seed Biotechnology Center, University of California, Davis. SP28, September 2008, 30.

 

2011 CSA Flower Seed Tour a Beautiful Success

The 2nd Annual CSA Flower Seed Tour was a grand success, with 30 students and advisors representing CSU Chico, CSU Fresno, Cal Poly Pomona and UC Davis. The one day event on April 1st was no “April Fools Day” joke.  The tour took them to Syngenta Flowers, Sakata Seed, American Takii and McShanes Nursery where they enjoyed the flower seed industries’ annual showcase event “Spring Flower Trials”.  Thank you to the CSA members who organized and planned this much anticipated event; Matt Linder, Bonnie Marquardt,  Alecia Troy and Steve McShane with an extra special thanks to Matt at Sakata for arranging for a delicious Italian lunch for us to enjoy among the flowers.
We have already received thank you notes from some of the students expressing their appreciation for the event and their hope that it will be continued in future years. Please enjoy the letter from one of our student members Randi Jimenez and then be sure to sign up for Bocce Ball or Golf at our October Mid Year meeting to help support these important programs. 

If you would like to become involved with planning the next tour our Fall Seed Tour September 7-8 in Yolo County please contact Matt Linder or Betsy Peterson.

Seed Tour Thank You

Syngenta Flowers Offers Two New Scholarships

At the recent CSA Flower Seed Tour Syngenta Flowers announced that they are pleased to offer 2 new scholarships for college students. 


"The Glenn Goldsmith Breeding Excellence Scholarship"  for a student working toward a degree in plant breeding and "The Goldsmith Seeds Floriculture Business Advancement Scholarship"  for a student working toward a degree in ornamental horticulture business.
The two scholarship recipients will each be awarded $7,500!  Please pass this on to a student you know who fits the eligibility requirements and encourage them to apply by the June 15, 2011 deadline. 


For more details please see the attached flyer.

Agricultural Energy Consumer Association Management Report - Available

Agricultural Energy Consumer Association
Management Report
A Month in Review - February 2011

 

USDA Authorizes Spring Planting of Roundup Ready Sugarbeets

USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has just announced the partial deregulation of Roundup Ready® sugar beets which will allow growers to plant them this spring.  Attached is the APHIS announcement and details, including terms and conditions, of the decision.  I will forward more information as it becomes available.

Links:

APHIS RR Sugarbeet Partial Deregulation.pdf
fFAQ Sugarbeets 2011.pdf

Cal-HIP Steering Committee Agrees to Maintain Original Structure as Plans Continue for an Invasive–free Certification Program

The Cal-HIP Steering Committee held a quarterly meeting by conference call earlier this week to discuss proposals for the long term role and ultimate goals of the steering committee moving forward. Betsy Peterson is one of the charter members of the Steering Committee representing the California Seed Association, California State Floral Association and more recently the California Association of Nurseries and Garden Centers. The Steering Committee has been meeting for the last five years and a great deal has been accomplished by this group during that time. We discussed how we should move forward into the next phase of the program how that might change the  role of the Steering Committee.

it was deemed important that as PlantRight prepares to enter an implementation phase of the Weed Risk Assessment, (WRA) tool/Invasive-Free Certification program that the Steering Committee maintain structure and continue to meet on a regular basis. The group agreed that the Cal-HIP steering committee will continue to exist as an entity that represents the broader interests of the various stakeholder groups on critical decision points and to oversee the program. The Cal-HIP/PlantRight project manager will update and inform the Cal-HIP steering committee on the progress towards achieving our project goals via quarterly reports. The Committee will continue to meet quarterly with one in person meeting and three conference calls; in addition it was agreed that additional calls may be convened as needed.  The Cal-HIP project manager will continue to engage with steering committee members for technical expertise or advice on an as-needed basis and in addition to seek assistance from outside technical experts and nursery industry leaders on an as-needed basis.

The group approved the 2011 goals for PlantRight as proposed by the Cal-HIP project manager;

a. Design and initiate the implementation of an Invasive-free Certification Program using the WRA tool, utilizing the Cal-HIP steering committee and Growers Working Group for technical input.
b. Identify and secure short and long term funding for the Invasive-free Certification Program.
c. Pursue partnerships with as many of the 50 priority grower and retailers as possible, refine the list as needed.
d. Conduct a statistically significant, annual, and statewide retail nursery survey to measure metrics identified by Sustainable Conservation’s Board of Directors and Cal-HIP Steering Committee.
e. Update content on PlantRight website; build site capacity for nursery survey volunteers and WRA program.

We welcome the input from growers during the process of designing and implementing the Invasive–free Certification Program. If you are interested please contact Betsy Peterson at bpeterson@cgfa.org to learn more about how you can participate.

(click here for Cal-HIP Reort 11 2010)

 

Clarification on Use of Green Waste Compost in Organic Production


On April 19, the National Organic Program (NOP) issued clarification on the use of green waste and green waste compost produced from approved feedstocks in organic production systems. It reiterates NOP support of the use of composted plant and animal materials to maintain or improve soil organic matter, as supported by the regulations. The guidance clarifies what can comprise compost allowable in organic production systems, including approved feedstocks, and addresses the issue of residual pesticide levels that can be present in green waste and green waste compost. The a pdf of the guidance document (NOP 5016) is attached.

Allowance of Green Waste in Organic Production Systems

 

Labeling Chemically Treated Seed
 
If you are responsible for labeling any seed that is chemically treated make sure that you are following the regulations as defined in the Federal Seed Act, (FSA).  The FSA has very specific labeling requirements for labeling treated seed. The definition that the FSA uses for treated seed: Act Section 101(23); The term “treated” means given an application of a substance or subjected to a process designated to reduce, control, or repel disease organisms or other pest, which attack seeds or seedlings growing there from. 

FSA Labeling Treated Seed

 

Verticillium Wilt
 
At the Vegetable Seed Committee meeting Betsy reported on the progress that has been made on mitigation efforts for Verticillium dahliae and Leafy Greens. A copy of the Information Sheet was included in the packet along with the presentation that was made to the CLGRB in June.   She reported that a Section 18 has been submitted to CDPR for use of Mertect 340F as a seed treatment on spinach seed. Mertect has been identified in efficacy trials at WSU by Lindsey DuToit as having good efficacy against Verticillium Wilt. 
 
T
his Section 18 is more complex then any previous submission as it is a product that will be applied to spinach seed which is not impacted by Verticillium but will serve to protect the subsequent iceberg lettuce crops from Verticillium inoculum in the soils. The emergency we are claiming is the potential loss of Iceberg lettuce production in Monterey and Santa Cruz counties that represents 60% of the US production due to levels of Verticillium for which spinach seed is one of the potential sources of inoculum.
 
A Section 18 application requires that a justification be made of the emergency through economics and that the emergency is not a chronic circumstance. Following several meetings with CDPR and US EPA to determine the best method to state the emergency need, a document was drafted and circulated among several technical advisors for their inputs and comments this summer. The final draft of the justification was submitted to CDPR on September 16 for review by CDPR. During the CSA MY meeting Betsy received word from CDPR with feedback on the submission that they had received from US EPA. Three areas needed clarification/additional information, the use of fumigation, documentation of the increase in levels of Verticillium and residue information.  Betsy responded to CDPR with the requested information and we are waiting on word from CDPR.

 
At the CLGRB Research MY Meeting earlier this week a discussion about the status of Vertcillium Wilt ensued and we learned that 33 additional fields have been identified that have inoculum levels high enough that lettuce cannot be produced in them. There is continued research on Verticillium in the areas of seed transmission and soil inoculum densities and several other issues. Links to copies of the written report from Krishna Subbarao, the Verticillium dahliae Information Sheet and the presentation made to the June CLGRB can be found on the CSA website which you are encouraged to read for more detailed information.
 
Of note CDFA provided feedback this week on the Block Grant proposals that were submitted last April but not accepted.  Betsy had submitted a proposal to fund additional seed related research on the Verticillium issue but was turned down. The feedback received this week indicated that whereas the criteria was met with no need for improvement that there was simply not enough money to support all of the projects that were proposed. The 2010 call for proposals will be announced soon and we have been encouraged to participate in the next round of funding.
 
In conclusion we are making headway on mitigation for this serious threat to the iceberg lettuce growers in a collaborative, cooperative effort. For any questions please contact Betsy at the CSA office bpeterson@cgfa.org

Click below for more detailed information:

 

 

CSA Participates in "wE garden in Capitol Park"

PRESS RELEASE
Sacramento, Ca (May 20, 2009). On Thursday, May 21, 2009, California agriculture trade associations joined First Lady Maria Shriver at the “WE Garden in Capitol Park”, for the planting of the first edible garden in the California State Capitol Park.



The California Seed Association, along with the California Association of Wheat Growers, California Bean Shippers Association, California Grain and Feed Association, and the California State Floral Association provided materials for the garden planting and helped visiting schoolchildren understand the relationship between seeds in the ground and food on the table. Association volunteers will also help students plant their own lima bean seeds to take home.

The new garden is designed to teach children, students and visitors about the importance of agriculture in providing nutritious food to the state and the world. From the farm to the table, California agriculture plays a crucial role in the state’s economy and food supply. Education is the key to consumer awareness about where their food comes from and how important it is that we have a reliable and safe food supply.

“We applaud the efforts of First Lady Shriver and are thrilled to be part of this important event,” said John Palmer, President of the California Seed Association “An edible garden is the perfect way to teach children where their food comes from and to encourage them to include healthy foods in their diet.”

Goldsmith Seeds, Kirsten Company LLC, MorningSun Herb Farm, Seminis a division of Monsanto and Seeds by Design all contributed products to ensure the success of the event. The California Seed Association has committed to providing all the seed for future plantings at the WE Garden in Capitol Park.

For more information, contact Jane Townsend at 916-441-2272 or jtownsend@cgfa.org

 

 

Guide Promotes Safe Trucking in Agriculture


 

With springtime comes warmer weather and blooming flowers.  In many parts of the country fertilizer is being applied to fields and tractors are rolling through to plant crops.  This is the start of another busy growing season for many in agriculture.  At this time the Agricultural and Food Transporters Conference (AFTC) of the American Trucking Associations (ATA) is rolling out an effort to educate the agricultural industry about the importance of safe operation on rural roads and highways during planting and harvest seasons.
 
The purpose of the “Manager’s Guide to Safe Trucking During Agricultural Planting and Harvest Season” is to educate truck drivers and their managers in the agricultural industry about the importance of safe operation during agriculture’s busy seasons and give them active strategies that they can apply.  Much of the information was taken from a comprehensive textbook, “Safety for the Long Haul,” recently released by ATA. 
 
Timing is often critical and flexibility is needed in the agricultural industry to get the job done during the busy seasons.  While government regulations limit truck drivers’ working hours, agricultural haulers are allowed an exemption from these hours of service regulations.  Agricultural operations are accustomed to difficult working conditions and familiar with the importance of operating machinery in a safe manner on the farm and in agricultural processing operations.  Safety is especially critical in the case of truck driving since accidents on the road can affect not only the company but others in the public who share the road.
 
The guide is available free for anyone to download and print click:
"Manager's Guide To Safe Trucking During Agricultural Planting and Harvest Season"


 

 

 

 

Beleaf 50 SG Insecticide (Alfalfa Grown For Seed)
EPA Reg No: 71512-10
SLN# CA-080018

CSA received the final 24(c) label for Beleaf 50 SG Insecticide, (a.i. flonicamid), alfalfa grown for seed for control of Aphids and Lygus Bug on October 23, 2008.

CSA is the third party registrant for this registration that is effective immediately with no date of expiration. As always, when using any pesticide product, please be sure to follow the label instructions and for use of Beleaf be sure to have a copy of the label in the possession of the user at time of application. A copy of the 24 (c) label can be linked here.


Thank you to ISK BioSciences Corporation and FMC for providing this important tool for our alfalfa seed producers.