Election gadgets

I've added a few gadgets to the blog in honor of Election Day tomorrow. I will spend the entire day as a poll worker at Sharon Baptist Church in Olathe, so blog updates will be sparse. I may "schedule" a couple of updates that could pop in tomorrow. Check out the gadgets and see if they offer any entertainment value...

I'm all in for McCain

Unless there is a historic upset, John McCain won't be president-elect of the U.S. on Nov. 5. Nevertheless, I'll reprint my column from the Oct. 17 issue of The Packer explaining my unalterable predisposition to vote for McCain:


In the shocking but true department, I will vote for Sen. John McCain in the presidential election. You may ask, what's up, liberal media guy?
For me -- a longtime Republican despite my populist career -- the case for McCain admittedly starts with his party affiliation.
We have come to expect certain things from our political parties. For Republicans, the essential elements are fiscal conservatism, lower taxes and right-leaning social positions. In the minds of the GOP faithful, Democrats are tattooed with the ink of big government, liberalism, higher taxes and intrusive regulation. It perfectly fits the cliche to believe Democrats are in the business of redistributing wealth, including the likes of you, me and Joe the plumber. The fact that some of us in the GOP could use a little wealth redistributed our way doesn't get in the way of our resistance to the idea.
That these simplistic labels and notions aren't defined by bright lines anymore -- and perhaps never were -- doesn't negate their influence in our behavior, motivations and perspective.
In fact, of course, it was the Bush administration that proposed at $700 billion rescue of Wall Street firms, and now we hear reports that the federal government is poised to take ownership positions in some banks.
Although Sen. Barack Obama seems to be in prime position to win the election by convincing enough people he is all about hope and change, I'm not sure his promises are backed up by his record. Perhaps this reflects my well-ingrained, talk radio-fueled Republican skepticism, but I don't believe Obama has enough leadership experience and tough fights in his resume to face down the type of challenges that await him. The list of trials around the corner reads like a blast from Herbert Hoover's past: a potentially severe economic recession, massive federal budget deficits, toxic partisanship and international challenges to America's world leadership position.
Though Obama "sounds presidential" and is admittedly eloquent, I don't know if he has the leadership qualities to push through any of his initiatives. Does he really believe in what he says? How will he respond under fire? Who is Barack Obama?
I have no doubt that in many respects Sen. Obama would bring in able advisers who would help him navigate the public policy issues our nation faces.
If he is elected, I would expect Obama's team to be more favorably disposed toward the expansion of nutrition programs.
Obama would probably address the issue of needed reform and regulation of food safety in a more direct and effective way than would McCain.
Conversely, I think John McCain will move more quickly for energy exploration and free trade agreements. Both may try to advance the issue of immigration, but how effective either would be is open for debate.
Economic considerations
I think the potentially severe economic recession our country faces may supersede all other considerations. As deficits mount and budgets are squeezed, it will be difficult for the industry to hold on to the mandatory funding gains won in the 2008 farm bill.
Given the volatility and shocks the economy has faced since late September, the industry may once again find that support for specialty crops will recede with the onslaught of red ink. The industry survived for so many years with little government support to speak of, and -- notwithstanding the gains in the 2008 farm bill -- more of the same may be in its future. Or perhaps I should say "less of the same."
I wouldn't doubt nearly as much about Obama's capacity for leading the country if the economy was humming along on autopilot with huge budget surpluses. I'm not so sure what beneficial change he can bring now, though. Given the economic backdrop, I don't believe that Obama can deliver on his promise to cut taxes for 95% of Americans.
McCain's experience
On the other hand, I have no doubt that McCain will use the veto pen with relish in regard to government spending, including the much-maligned "earmarks." I believe McCain when he says he will move to freeze government spending.
McCain's military service to our country goes to his credit, and all the more because my father was also a pilot in Vietnam. McCain's experience as a prisoner of war allows him to consider the consequences of putting our nation's best in harm's way.
In comments to United Fresh Produce Association, McCain's campaign noted that he will work to provide a "sustainable, market-driven risk management system for growers and ranchers" and reduce trade barriers.
McCain has also promised to preserve property rights and provide a more generous tax break for growers passing down their farms to the next generation.
While he has risked the support of Midwest corn growers by advocating a pull back on subsidies of ethanol, that political risky position convinces me that McCain will lead by conviction.
Not that I needed much convincing.

Ag prices swoon

The air came out of the stock market and agricultural prices in October. From the Oct. 31 Ag Prices report, price swoons for grain commodities highlight the report.
From the USDA:

The preliminary All Farm Products Index of Prices Received by Farmers in October, at 145 percent, based on 1990-92=100, decreased 9 points (5.8 percent) from September. The Crop Index is down 17 points (9.8 percent) and the Livestock Index decreased 5 points (3.8 percent). Producers received lower prices for corn, soybeans, wheat, and cattle and higher prices for sweet corn, broccoli, lettuce, and eggs. In addition to prices, the overall index is also affected by the seasonal change based on a 3-year average mix of commodities producers sell. Increased monthly marketings of soybeans, corn, cottonseed, and cotton offset decreased marketings of milk, wheat,sweet corn, and grapes.

The preliminary All Farm Products Index is up 4 points (2.8 percent) from October 2007. The Food Commodities Index, at 144, decreased 8 points (5.3 percent) from last month but was unchanged from October 2007. The October Index of Prices Paid for Commodities and Services, Interest,Taxes, and Farm Wage Rates (PPITW) is 188 percent of the 1990-92 average. The index is down 3 points (1.6 percent) from September but 25 points(15 percent) above October 2007. Lower prices in October for diesel fuel,feed grains, feeder cattle, and LP gas more than offset higher prices for potash & phosphate materials, feed concentrates, mixed fertilizers, and other machinery.

About fruits and vegetables....

Fruits & Nuts: The October index, at 164, is down 2.4 percent from September and 4.7 percent lower than a year ago. Price decreases for apples, grapes,and oranges more than offset price increases for grapefruit, pears, and strawberries.

Commercial Vegetables: The October index, at 181, is up 5.8 percent from last month but 7.7 percent below October 2007. Price increases during October for broccoli, lettuce, sweet corn, and onions more than offset price declines for snap beans, tomatoes, and carrots.

Potatoes & Dry Beans: The October index, at 142, is down 11 percent from last month but 37 percent above October 2007. The all potato price, at $7.86 per cwt, is down 93 cents from September but up $2.18 from last October. The all dry bean price, at $33.80 per cwt, is down $3.00 from the previous month but $7.90 above October 2007.

Monday headline roundup - Nov. 3

The fresh produce industry must hammer the value message in the months ahead. We are already seeing headlines about how the recession may result in more obesity, not less, as consumers trade down to less nutritious foods. Here are a few f/v related headlines snatched from the Web this morning:

School snack plan introduces students to fruits and vegetables - From Florida

Extra nutritious bioengineered foods still years away - Washington Post

The creators of the purple tomato, a team led by Cathie Martin, tested their fruit in cancer-susceptible mice and found that the animals on a diet of 10 percent powdered purple tomatoes in their pellets lived significantly longer than those eating powdered normal red tomatoes. Her findings were published in the journal Nature Biotechnology.

This advance does not mean that extra-healthful purple tomatoes will be on the market anytime soon -- that would require much more testing in animals and humans and, perhaps a bigger hurdle, finding a company that wants to develop, market and sell them.

But Martin said the tomatoes are important because they are a promising example of a genetically modified food "that offers a potential benefit for all consumers." That's because the anthocyanins -- which are also found in many berries and in red cabbage -- would be delivered at high levels in a product that is widely and frequently consumed.

Store vows to fight EU ban on "ugly fruit" - From the UK and The Observer

A leading supermarket has been forced to ditch a healthy eating campaign at the eleventh hour after discovering its staff could be individually prosecuted under EU regulations.

Sainsbury's planned to launch Halloween 'zombie brains' cauliflowers, 'witches fingers' carrots and 'ogres toenails' cucumbers using under-sized and misshapen vegetables that are currently banned from sale.

'Because Halloween is focused on sweets and snacks for children, we thought we would add a healthy message and use the surplus vegetables,' said a spokesman. 'We knew it was illegal but we were happy to take that risk as a company and say: "Bring it on, EU."'

'But last week we discovered it wouldn't actually be us as a company that would be prosecuted. It would be individual store managers. And, obviously we could not ask our staff to risk a criminal record for the good of the company.'

The supermarket chain has now launched a 'Save Our British Fruit and Veg' campaign, in a bid to force the EU to relax its strict specifications on selling cheaper 'imperfect' fresh produce.

Lean times may make you fat - From MSNBC

Rising unemployment, higher food prices and dwindling savings may exacerbate the nation’s obesity problem, sending already high rates ballooning as consumers turn to cheaper, less healthful choices ranging from boxed mac ‘n’ cheese to fast-food dollar menus.

“All evidence suggests that obesity is the toxic consequence of a failing economic environment,” said Adam Drewnowski, a professor of epidemiology at the University of Washington in Seattle.

As households struggle with falling incomes and with food prices expected to jump 6 percent this year, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, families are scrimping on groceries. Nearly six in 10 Americans said they’ve cut back on the quality or quantity of the food they buy, according to an annual hunger survey released this week by Hormel Foods Corp.

Later...

Financially stressed shoppers are likely to trade pricey whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables for low-cost but high-fat alternatives, said Lauren A. Haldeman, an associate professor in the Department of Nutrition at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, who studies poverty and obesity.

That's partly because fruits and vegetables cost more for less energy than processed foods, said Dr. Judith Wylie-Rosett, a professor of epidemiology and population health at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York.

"If you follow the five-to-nine suggestion [for daily fruit and vegetable servings], the diet is an almost threefold increase in price," she said.

Purple GMO tomato inferior to nature's offerings - From Nature News

Aging with attitude

How to get more bang for your buck shopping for food

Prior notice - final rule

From the FDA and CBP on Oct. 31, a final rule on the prior notice rule:


The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced a final rule and draft compliance policy guide (CPG) today for "Prior Notice of Imported Food Shipments." The final rule is part of the requirements of the Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act of 2002 (the Bioterrorism Act). This rule is part of FDA's efforts to protect the nation's food supply against terrorism and other food-related emergencies. The draft CPG describes FDA and CBP's strategy for enforcing the requirements of the prior notice final rule while maintaining an uninterrupted flow of food imports. On October 10, 2003, the Secretaries of the Departments of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Homeland Security (DHS) jointly published an interim final rule (IFR) to implement section 307 of the Bioterrorism Act, which requires prior notice to FDA for food imported or offered for import into the United States. The IFR took effect on December 12, 2003, as required by the Bioterrorism Act; however, FDA and CBP gave interested persons 165 days to comment on the provisions of the IFR that we would consider as we developed the final rule. In December 2003, FDA and CBP issued a CPG that described FDA and CBP's enforcement strategy for the IFR. The final rule, which takes effect on May 6, 2009, revises the IFR in only a few key areas. FDA and CBP also are issuing a companion CPG for the final rule to describe our enforcement strategy.
Highlights of the final rule:
The final rule retains the timeframes for submitting prior notice that are in the IFR; i.e., information must be submitted and confirmed electronically as facially complete by FDA for review no less than 8 hours (for food arriving by water), 4 hours (for food arriving by air or land/rail), and 2 hours (for food arriving by land/road) before the food arrives at the port of arrival. In accordance with the FDA-CBP Joint Implementation Plan, we evaluated the feasibility of conducting prior notice reviews in a reduced time period in an effort to more closely harmonize the submissions with CBP timeframes. We determined that the timeframes provided in the IFR represent the minimum amount of time FDA needs to meet our responsibility under the Bioterrorism Act to receive, review, and respond to prior notice submissions.
To assist importers, the final rule now permits prior notice submissions to be submitted no more than 15 calendar days before the anticipated date of arrival for submissions made through FDA's Prior Notice System Interface (PNSI) and no more than 30 calendar days before the anticipated date of arrival for submission made through CBP's Automated Broker Interface of the Automated Commercial System (ABI/ACS), instead of the 5 calendar days required in the IFR.
The final rule adds a definition for "manufacturer" and provides an alternative for identifying the manufacturer when the registration number is not known. In addition to the name of the manufacturer, the submitter must submit either: (a) the registration number of the facility associated with the article of food; or (b) the full address of the site-specific facility and reason why no registration number is being provided. The IFR generally only allowed for the submission of the name of the manufacturer and its registration number.
When the final rule takes effect, persons currently submitting prior notice using reason code L (unable to determine identity of the manufacturer - providing identity of manufacturer's headquarters) and code M (unable to determine identity of manufacturer or headquarters - providing invoicing firm's identity) per the current IFR CPG no longer will be able to do so. As noted above, the final rule requires the identity of the site-specific manufacturer.
In the final rule, we exempt from prior notice food in diplomatic pouches based on the authority in Art. 27(3) of The Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations (1961), which states: "The diplomatic bag shall not be opened or detained."
The final rule allows, when certain conditions are met, for the submission of the express consignment operator or carrier tracking number in lieu of the anticipated arrival information, Bill of Lading, or Airway Bill number and flight number, which the IFR required.
The Prior Notice Final Rule Draft CPG describes our enforcement discretion in the following areas and states FDA and CBP generally will not refuse the following foods that are imported without prior notice: non-commercial (i.e., personal) shipments; gift packs with a single prior notice submission; imported food arriving from/exiting to the same country; seed for cultivation; certain U.S. government shipments; and foreign-to foreign mail and courier shipments to individuals.
The final rule will be effective on May 6, 2009. We are soliciting comments on the draft CPG and anticipate finalizing the CPG on May 6, 2009. Although comments can be submitted at any time, comments should be submitted by December 8, 2008, to ensure we consider your comment before we begin work on the final version of the CPG. Until the final rule becomes effective and the draft CPG is finalized, the IFR and the IFR CPG remain in effect.
For more highlights of the rule, see Section II. of the final rule that provides a summary of the significant changes made to the IFR.