Discussion board roundup 9/13

Our Fresh Produce Industry Discussion Group has these topics lined up this morning:

Farm runoff feeds deadzone Big Apple posts link that warns increasing corn production has resulted in higher fertilizer runoff problems in the Mississippi and a widening Dead Zone in the Gulf.
Wheat at $9 per bushel, permanent ag disaster relief fund and subsidy cuts Big Apple posts links to news about record wheat prices and the push for permanent disaster relief program in farm bill
Almond marketing order rule Big Apple posts FR rule that requires handlers who transfer almonds to other handlers to report to the Board whether or not the almonds were treated to achieve a 4-log reduction in Salmonella bacteria (Salmonella). This action will help the Board track treated and untreated almonds and facilitate administration of its mandatory Salmonella treatment program.
First International Lettuce and Leafy Greens Food Safety Symposium Luis posts news of the symposium. The First International Food Safety Research Symposium on lettuce and leafy greens will be held Sept. 20-21, 2007 in Washington, DC.
Outstandng in the field Luis comments on a post by Rick Bella and notes another group trying to connect consumers and farmers. From Luis: Another twist is to take the people to the farm. These folk at outstanding in the field have a bus like a Chez Panisse on wheels. Have "local food" culinary tours featuring local food celebrities and dinner in farms and community gardens. Booked solid until December.
Interestingly, a prominent local farm promotes activities like cycling ("Le Tour de Farm") a seasonal corn maze and are now planning to open a restaurant.
http://www.outstandinginthefield.com/home.html