Sen. Harkin: "Evidently he is right and everyone else is wrong."

In the final address to the Senate before the expected landslide vote for the farm bill, Sen. Tom Harkin noted that even former Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns, now back in Nebraska and running for a Senate seat - has indicated he would vote for the farm bill. Harkin then poked at President Bush's threat of a veto, stating "Evident he is right and everyone else is wrong."

Not a good day to be President Bush.

Conner talking farm bill

Acting Agriculture Secretary Chuck Conner visited with a few Vance editors Wednesday on his trip to address the National Association of Farm Broadcasters in Kansas City. (By the way, it was good to see Bill O'Neill, former Vance executive and publisher of The Packer, at the NAFB. Bill nows runs the NAFB.)

Conner was gracious to make time, coming straight to the Westin after touching down at KCI only 30 minutes before. It is remarkable the number of public appearances and speeches that Conner - like Johanns before him - takes on.

I asked Conner about what he tells his brother Mike, an Indiana farmer, about the progress of the farm bill and what the chances are for completion of the legislation this year. I got the idea from Conner - perhaps we should ask Mike, too - that he and his brother see pretty much eye to eye on farm policy. Conner stressed the need to change the Senate farm bill, particularly the need to strip out the tax increases and reform payment limits. With all that has gone on since Wednesday, it is hard to say if Conner is still optimistic that Congress will deliver a farm bill President Bush can sign by the end of the year.

One Washington source I talked to the other day said Conner is a "purist," a conservative product of Purdue who thinks he has got all the answers. I didn't necessarily get that feeling from our brief conversation; Conner, a veteran of many farm bills, seems eager for Congress to make the minimum changes necessary for this bill to advance. More about what Conner said about WIC, Florida citrus and trade deals in other coverage for The Packer.

Fair weather reformer?

From the office of House Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin Peterson, D-Minn. He takes a jab at the Administration's waxing and waning zeal for reform.

Opinion Editorial: Farm Bill Reformers' Fair Weather Friend

As the Farm Bill debate began this year, reformers thought they found an unlikely ally in the Bush Administration, which has argued forcefully against the farm safety net because it allowed big city millionaires to collect farm payments.
What reformers don't know or have conveniently forgotten is that the Bush Administration has failed to use the authority it already has to end those payments and has ignored recommendations to change weak regulations that allow this to continue.
In 1987, Congress passed the Farm Program Payments Integrity Act, specifically to prohibit farm program payments to individuals and entities that are not "actively engaged in farming."
Since that law passed, USDA has written and defended weak standards that are used to determine if someone is really actively engaged in farming. Just one look at the map that former Secretary of Agriculture Mike Johanns used to show farm program payment recipients in New York and other big cities shows you that USDA has done a terrible job enforcing the law.
The 2002 Farm Bill established a Commission on the Application of Payment Limitations for Agriculture. The Commission found that USDA failed to devote sufficient resources to the administration of payment limits and did a poor job of policing related fraud and abuse.
In 2004, a Government Accountability Office (GAO) report confirmed the Commission's finding and concluded that USDA failed to write regulations strict enough to prevent non-farmers from receiving payments. USDA responded to that report by arguing that the rules were sufficient. Now the Administration is blaming Congress for the loose regulations it created and defended.
Yet again, the Bush Administration has failed to lead on important issues, then tried to place the responsibility and blame at Congress' feet.
Not so fast, Mr. President. If you want to wear the banner of reform, you should lead the way instead of pointing fingers and playing politics with the Farm Bill.

Chiming in

Some of the remarks about Ed Schafer, nominee for Agriculture Secretary, are indistinguishable. They go as such: 1. Congratulations 2. Get confirmed and get up to speed; until then, Chuck Conner will cover for you nicely 3. We'd like to hear what you think about ag issues - particularly if it agrees with us 4. See you on the Hill soon and then we can tell you why we do what we do.
Here is a statement, a little more embracing, from Rep. Bob Goodlatte, R-Va.:

WASHINGTON – Ranking Republican Bob Goodlatte issued the following statement regarding the Administration’s nomination of Governor Ed Schafer as Agriculture Secretary:
“I congratulate Governor Schafer on his nomination for the position of Agriculture Secretary. While the Congress is actively involved in putting together the next farm bill, we’ve maintained an open line of communication and a cooperative working relationship with the U.S. Department of Agriculture under Secretary Johanns’ leadership and Acting Secretary Chuck Conner’s leadership. This is an important time for American agriculture as we craft the policies that will impact the livelihoods of farmers and ranchers throughout the nation and allow them to continue to produce a safe, affordable food supply.”


TK: Randy Russell points out that President Bush seems to be comfortable with governors and ex-governors, and Schafer fits the bill. Sounds like people of ND like him a lot. Another compelling story line is that he is not far removed from the American dream; his maternal grandparents were Danish immigrants.

New Ag Secretary?

Luis of the Fresh Produce Industry Discussion Group first posted this news from the AP:

By DEB RIECHMANN
Associated Press Writer

WASHINGTON (AP) - President Bush on Wednesday will nominate Edward Schafer, a two-term Republican governor from North Dakota, to be his next secretary of agriculture, a senior administration official said.

Schafer, who chose not to run again in North Dakota in 2000, will replace Mike Johanns, who resigned as U.S. agriculture secretary last month to launch a bid for the Nebraska Senate seat being vacated by Republican Chuck Hagel at the end of next year.

Bush will make the announcement at 2 p.m. EDT in the Roosevelt Room.

TK: We will have to wait until 2 pm Eastern to be sure. Schafer told KFYR TV recently that he had been approached to take the job as president of the University of North Dakota, but wasn't interested. Schafer lives in Fargo and is partner in a business consulting firm, KFYR reports. Conner is both the Deputy Secretary of Agriculture and Acting Agriculture Secretary, so one might assume he will remain at USDA even after the presumptive nominee Schafer is confirmed by the U.S. Senate. Perhaps Conner's frank views about payment limits makes him a difficult pick for Southern lawmakers, but it seems likely he will remain a vital part of USDA's team for the foreseeable future.

Johanns draws fire and what about Conner?

The Democratic response to Mike Johanns resigning as Agriculture Secretary was fairly predictable. Sen. Kent Conrad, D-N.D., told The Hill that the decision to step down "borders on irresponsible" considering the farm bill hangs in the balance. Sen.. Ken Salazar, D-Colo., agreed Johanns should have "crossed the finish line" with the farm bill complete before moving on.

That perspective is quite partisan, since Congress is responsible for writing the the legislation for the farm bill. It is the Senate that is behind schedule, and whether or not Johanns stayed on would have had no impact on the timetable.

Meanwhile, Acting Secretary Chuck Conner is viewed as a "no nonsense" communicator with little "warm and fuzzy" quotient. He and other USDA officials met recently with some members of the Fruit and Veggies: more Matters steering committee to look at the progress of signing a Memorandum of Understanding between USDA and CDC about the More Matters program. There is no news on when the memorandum will be signed. It replaces an earlier MOU between USDA and the National Cancer Institute, which was previously the government lead for the 5 a Day campaign.

President Bush and Mike Johanns in Rose Garden event

From President Bush and Mike Johanns this morning:

THE PRESIDENT: Good morning. Mike Johanns has informed me that he plans to return home to Nebraska, which means that his service as Secretary of Agriculture must come to an end. Mike has been an outstanding member of my Cabinet. I knew he would be when I asked him to become the Secretary of Agriculture. I've known him for a long time. I've admired the fact that he is not only a decent person and an honest person, but he's a person who can get some things done.
So I accepted his resignation and Laura and I bid Mike and Stephanie a warm farewell. And I thank him from the bottom of my heart for leaving a state he loves to come here to Washington, D.C. to work in an -- to work as the Secretary of Agriculture. You know, Mike brought with him a lot of practical farm experience. After all, he was the proud son of a dairy farmer. He understands the importance of the land. He worked tirelessly on behalf of farmers and ranchers.
And Mike Johanns did an outstanding job as the Secretary of Agriculture. He brought focus and energy to the Department. He was a champion of renewable fuels. He expanded the Department's commitment to conservation. He worked endlessly to open up foreign markets for American beef. He provided timely assistance to farmers and ranchers devastated by natural disasters. I couldn't have asked for a better Secretary of Agriculture.
He worked hard to put in motion a good farm bill. I remember when Mike came here to the Oval he said to me, he said, what I'm going to do is I'm going to travel the country and reach out to the stakeholders to lay the foundation for farm legislation. And that's exactly what he did. And I got feedback from all around America that Mike Johanns listened, he wisely shepherded the process in such a way that we've got a good farm bill in front of the Congress. He set the framework for success, and I'm confident we can get a good bill passed.
So I want to thank you for your good work getting this teed up.
SECRETARY JOHANNS: Thank you, Mr. President.
THE PRESIDENT: He's got a good team over at the Secretary of -- at the Department of Agriculture. In other words, Mike understands that you've got to surround yourself with good folks. And so I feel very comfortable asking Chuck Connor, the Deputy Secretary, to serve as the Acting Secretary. And I want to thank Chuck for his good work.
Mike came by the White House here a couple of days ago and he asked for my advice -- and I appreciate it. Everybody likes to have their counsel sought. And during the discussion he told me he was interested in continuing to serve America, but in a different role. And I asked him if this was something he was seriously considering -- in other words, sometimes you get these rumors out there in the political process where somebody feels like they've got to say, yes, I'm interested. But no question in my mind that Mike loves Nebraska and he's serious about going home and possibly serving the nation in a different capacity.
And my answer was -- to Mike was, I support you, and I encourage you to follow your heart. If it's Mike's decision and Nebraska's choice, he would make an outstanding member of the United States Senate. There is no doubt in my mind.
And so I want to thank you for your service, thank you for your friendship, thank you for your commitment to America's farmers and ranchers and our country. And Laura and I wish you all the very best.
SECRETARY JOHANNS: Let me start out today and just say, Mr. President, thank you so very much for those kind words. Also thank you for your support to me and to Stephanie throughout the years. It's been a great honor for me, and, I would add, a great honor for the state of Nebraska to serve you and the American people as the Secretary of Agriculture now for nearly three years.
The decision to leave this post has not been an easy one. I grew up with farmers and ranchers as my childhood heroes and my mentors. Representing them in Washington has been a great privilege.
Mr. President, under your leadership American agriculture is stronger today than at any time in history -- whether you look at farm equity, whether you look at net cash income, whether you look at agricultural exports, records are being set under your leadership and they're being broken each year with a new record. It's your leadership that has made the difference.
I want to mention also that your compassion toward the less fortunate is evidenced by the fact that more people are being fed daily by USDA nutrition programs than at any time in our nation's history. The stewardship of our natural resources is absolutely unprecedented. You've more than doubled the number of acres enrolled in the USDA conservation programs. I often have told people over the last three years that it's great to have a boss who knows as much or more about agriculture than I do. Of course, your steady interest and your engagement has kept me on my toes, but I would not have wanted it any other way.
I'm grateful to the men and the women at the U.S. Department of Agriculture who worked hard every day to ensure I kept pace with you to achieve the goals that you established for us. You can count on their continued dedication. The Department is in capable hands. Chuck is a good man who shares our passion for agriculture.
I do want to say something on behalf of farmers and ranchers across America. Thank you for recognizing that rural America is a very special place. One particular rural state has remained especially near and dear to my heart; it is a place where the richness of the land is only equaled by the character of its people. Of course, I'm speaking of the place that Stephanie and I and my family call home, the great state of Nebraska.
In a sense, I brought Nebraskans with me to every Cabinet meeting, every hearing on Capitol Hill, every negotiating session in faraway countries. I often thought of the wisdom they conveyed to me during my years as governor. I often thought of their decency. And I did my best to remain true to the commonsense, practical approach of Nebraskans.
But even as I look forward to returning to the good life in Nebraska, I look back on what has been truly an opportunity of a lifetime; for me a dream come true for a farmer's son. So I stand here today and I humbly thank the President of the United States -- thank you for allowing me to share this part of the journey with you. Mr. President, may God continue to bless and guide Laura, you and your family.
Thank you very much.

Here is the Sept. 19 letter of resignation:

Dear Mr. President,
It has been a great honor to serve you and the American people as Secretary of Agriculture for nearly three years. After careful thought and difficult deliberation, I am writing to inform you that I have decided to pursue a new opportunity to serve this great Nation. Please accept my resignation effective today, September 19, 2007 and my gratitude for the distinct privilege to serve in your Cabinet.
Under your leadership and vision, American agriculture is stronger than ever before in history. Your presidency has had a profoundly positive impact on the lives of Americans in both rural and urban communities.
Farm equity, now at $2 trillion, has increased $200 billion per year for the past several years. The debt-to-asset ratio is the lowest in more than 45 years. Projected 2007 net cash income is a record high $86 billion. The average farm household income is projected at $81,500 this year, nearly $20,000 above the average household income in the U.S. Overall farm balance sheets reveal a strong and growing farm economy.
Agricultural exports are expected to set a fourth consecutive record this year, with a projected value of $79 billion. The strong stance you've taken with international leaders in relation to beef trade has led to the re-opening of more than 40 key markets to U.S. beef. This year, U.S. beef exports have increased 18 percent over last year and negotiations are underway to achieve additional market openings.
Your compassion toward the hungry is evidenced in the 70 percent increase in funding for USDA nutrition programs during your presidency. One million additional school children are being served lunch under our program; 700,000 women, infants and children have been added to the WIC program; and nine million additional low-income Americans are participating in the Food Stamp Program. One in five Americans is now touched by the nutrition safety net you have built.
Because of your ambitious conservation goals, for the first time in living memory, America is gaining wetlands instead of losing them. Overall, you have more than doubled the number of acres enrolled in USDA conservation programs, now totaling a remarkable 184 million acres.
I also want to thank you for your direction related to the 2007 farm bill. Your suggestion to talk to as many farmers, ranchers and stakeholders as possible in developing the Administration's 2007 farm bill proposal proved very wise. As you know, their comments formed the foundation of our proposals, which focus our programs while providing unwavering commitment to U.S. agriculture. Nearly 200 newspaper editorials nationwide have applauded the Administration's vision. Several of our ideas are now part of the House-passed farm bill and my hope is that even will be adopted by the Senate.
I can assure you that I leave the farm bill finalization in supremely capable hands. Deputy Secretary Chuck Conner has been intimately involved in the deliberations - from the development of our proposals to his attendance at virtually every hearing during the House mark-up. Few people are as knowledgeable and insightful about farm bill policy. He is supported by some of the most dedicated civil servants in the federal government.
Mr. President, you should be very proud of the men and women of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. A cornerstone of your leadership is recognizing that people are our greatest resource. You have a gold mine at USDA. It has been my honor to work alongside them.
On a very personal note, I'd like to express my deepest gratitude for your confidence and support. For a farm boy from Iowa, this truly has been an opportunity of a lifetime. As I have often noted, I never dreamed of becoming Secretary of Agriculture as a child because it seemed so far removed from our 160-acre farm. I hope young people growing-up on farms and in rural communities today realize that no dream is too big in America.

Sincerely,
Mike Johanns

Johanns leaving? Conner in?

Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns declined to say Sept. 13 at the WPPC whether he would run for the Senate seat vacated by Chuck Hagel of Nebraska. However, the AP is reporting that Johanns may make the announcement he will quit his USDA post to run for the Senate as early as Monday. I put a call in to Johanns spokeswoman Terri Teuber but she did not pick up this afternoon.

Johanns will go down as one of the most produce-friendly heads of the USDA ever. It is regrettable he apparently won't see through the publishing of final rule for the agency's WIC program that will add vouchers for fruits and vegetables to food packages. He also won't be on hand, at least in official capacity, for the signing of the 2007 farm bill Here is the audio link to his recent Sept. 13 speech at the WPPC.

One Washington lobbyist said Johanns was strongly encouraged to run because he is the strongest Republican in the field,. Since Republicans already look like they are in trouble in the 2008 elections, Johanns entry gives them a better position for the Hagel seat. While some may criticize him for not seeing the farm bill through, Johanns has to quit now and start raising money for the race, the lobbyist sai.

The lobbyist said there will be a short term extension of the farm bill this year that will be a part of a continuing resolution. That won't be a problem, but any long term extension of the farm bill would be a setback.

Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Chuck Conner is expected to become acting Secretary of Agriculture when Johanns resigns, the lobbyist speculated. He may serve out the term in acting capacity. Conner was the White House point man on the 2002 farm bill, and has detractors among Southern senators because of the Administration's push for subsidy limitations that impact cotton and rice producers. Conner has been no great friend of specialty crops in the past, but he will likely try to build on the foundation that Johanns has laid.
Conner does appreciate the fact that the assistance that specialty crop interests are seeking is WTO green box compliant and trade friendly.

Here is the bio for Conner:

Charles F. Conner was sworn in as Deputy Secretary of Agriculture on May 2, 2005, by Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns.Prior to his tenure at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Mr. Conner served on the National Economic Council beginning in November 2001 as a Special Assistant to the President for Agricultural Trade and Food Assistance, focusing primarily on Farm Bill issues.From 1997 to 2001, Mr. Conner was President of the Corn Refiners Association, Inc., a national trade association representing the corn refining industry. Prior to his tenure with the Corn Refiners Association, Conner held several staff positions with the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. Mr. Conner served as both the Majority Staff Director (1995-1997) and the Minority Staff Director (1987-1995), of the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee. He also worked as a Professional Staff Member for the Committee from 1985 to 1987. Prior to joining the Senate Committee in Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, Conner worked as an Agricultural Legislative Assistant to Senator Richard G. Lugar.Mr. Conner grew up on a family farm in Benton County, Indiana, which remains in the family and is operated by his older brother, Mike.Mr. Conner received a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Economics from Purdue University in 1980. He is married and has four children..

Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns addresses U.S. Partnership for Food Safety Education

Here are excerpts from the transcript, provided by the USDA of Ag Secretary Mike Johanns to the U.S. Partnership for Food Safety Education

Washington D.C. - September 18, 2007
SEC. MIKE JOHANNS: Well, thank you very much, Bryan [Silbermann, for that nice introduction. You know ladies and gentlemen, this partnership is really a great example of how the public and the private sectors can work together very effectively for the public good. With this "Be Food Safe" campaign, the Partnership has taken materials that were first developed at the USDA, wrapped them up in a new, outstanding graphics package that makes them simple and easy to remember, and enlisted food retailers to make sure that these safety messages get to consumers right on time. And that is when they are shopping for food and thinking how they might or what they might prepare for dinner, that is also when reminding them of what they can do at home to protect themselves can make the most difference.
Applying the simple rules of "clean, cook, separate and chill" provides a very, very effective layer of protection against pathogens, in addition to all the inspection efforts than government and industry undertake throughout the food supply chain.
The Partnership's own research has shown that while many people today are concerned about the threat of food borne illness, really not enough of them are following basic safety rules on food handling at home where a real difference can be made. It may just be that they need a little reminding until the principles become kind of a second nature in food preparation. And that is what the "Be Food Safe" campaign will deliver.
The battle against pathogens in our food supply is an ongoing battle, and I might add it's a complex battle. When we make progress on one front, it seems like a new pathogen often crops up elsewhere in the food chain. But whatever happens at ports of entry, in processing plants, retail stores, the final line of defense really is in our kitchens, it's at home, and that is where the Partnership is appropriately aiming its efforts.

In this public health effort, prevention is clearly a great strategy. I've been giving a great deal of thought to our entire food chain over the last months as a result of my service on the President's Inter Agency Working Group in Import Safety. The President asked this group, as you know – and it's being chaired by a good friend--Health and Human Services Secretary Mike Leavitt – the President asked us to look at all of our current practices and regulations regarding import safety and report back to him as to what we thought and what could be done to improve it.
Now the job of keeping on top of import safety has gotten a lot bigger in recent years; it's a gigantic task. Some $2 trillion worth of goods will flow into this country this year, nearly double the volume of just four years ago, and we expect the value of that trade to triple in a few short years, by 2015. Food imports are a growing part of this flow. Consumers are seeking more variety in their diets, more options, are taking advantage of the availability and affordability of imported food products. They have been especially receptive to imported fruits, vegetables that are available outside the standard domestic growing season here in the United States.
When more imports are a part of the food supply, it becomes important to focus on their entire life cycle and not just the condition that they are in when they reach the port. We must make certain that we focus our inspection efforts on those points where risks of contamination are highest and that we use the most effective science available and technology. The Interagency Working Group will be delivering a report to the President later this year on what we believe should be done to ensure greater import safety. I'm confident that we'll be able to take a system that is already a great system, one of the best in the world, but most importantly we want to make it better.

No news from Johanns

Coming in the wake of news that Nebraska Republican Sen. Chuck Hagel is not seeking reelection in 2008, Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns didn't tip his hand today if he would be seeking Hagel's seat next year. In an impromptu press gaggle after his speech, Johanns declined comment.
Johanns is visiting Nebraska this weekend to attend the USC-Nebraska game, and his press spokesman Keith Williams says Johanns is also looking forward to seeing a new grandchild. So I wouldn't read too much into his visit to Nebraska on the heels of the Hagel announcement.
Johanns didn't have a lot of news for the WPPC crowd this morning, touching on the farm bill, bi-lateral trade agreements and food safety.
Johanns has certainly had a taste of Washington life, so he knows what he would be getting in to. Being one of 100 senators probably has appeal for anyone in a position to run, so I look to Johanns to eventually throw his hat in the ring.

New Import safety report

Here is the link to the just issued report on import safety by the interagency working group appointed by President Bush in July. The reports notes that in fiscal year 2007 we will import $350 billion in goods from Canada and $341 billion from China. The government says we can't inspect our way to import safety, but they do see room for change.


From the report's introductory letter by Michael Leavitt, Secretary, Health and Human Services and chair of the Interagency Working Group on Import Safety:

The Interagency Working Group on Import Safety is pleased to submit this initial report, Protecting American Consumers Every Step of the Way: A strategic framework for continual improvement in import safety, in accordance with your Executive Order of July 18, 2007. The report outlines an approach that can build upon existing efforts to improve the safety of imported products, while facilitating trade.
Americans benefit from one of the safest food supplies and among the highest standards of consumer protection in the world. Our task is to build on this solid foundation by identifying actions for both the public and private sectors that will help our import safety system continually improve and adapt to a rapidly growing and changing global economy.
Approximately $2 trillion of imported products entered the United States economy last year and experts project that this amount will triple by 2015. The federal government cannot and should not attempt to physically inspect every product entering the United States. Doing so would not only bring international trade to a standstill, but would also distract limited resources from those imported goods that pose the greatest risk. Instead, we have to be smarter about what we do.
While we acknowledge it is not possible to eliminate all risk with imported and domestic products, being smarter requires us to find new ways to protect American consumers and continually improve the safety of our imports. We recommend working with the importing community to develop approaches that consider risks over the life cycle of an imported product, and that focus actions and resources to minimize the likelihood of unsafe products reaching U.S. consumers.
This will require shifting from reliance on "snapshots" at the border to interdict unsafe products, to a cost-effective, prevention-focused "video" model that identifies and targets those critical points in the import life cycle where the risk of unsafe products is greatest and verifies the safety of products at those important phases. Such a risk-based, prevention-focused model will help ensure that safety is built into products before they reach our borders.
Import safety is a public-private responsibility and some agencies and private parties are leading the way towards a more preventative system. There are important roles for the private sector, foreign governments, the U.S. government, and state and local governments. As with domestic products, recognizing best practices and incentives within the private sector and building consensus among the public and private sector are cost-effective and proven ways to minimize risks.
Supporting this model are six building blocks: 1) Advance a common vision, 2) Increase accountability, enforcement and deterrence, 3) Focus on risks over the life cycle of an imported product, 4) Build interoperable systems, 5) Foster a culture of collaboration, and 6) Promote technological innovation and new science.
Over the coming weeks, we plan to solicit extensive comments and recommendations from the public, and we will provide to you a follow-on Action Plan by mid-November. The Action Plan will be based on this Strategic Framework and will lay out a road map with short- and long-term recommendations for improving import safety.

Here is FDA reaction:

STATEMENT BY COMMISSIONER von ESCHENBACH ON THE RELEASE OF THE STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK DOCUMENT ON IMPORT SAFETY
Background: HHS Secretary Leavitt today delivered to President Bush a strategic framework on import safety. The framework was developed by the Interagency Working Group on Import Safety, established by the President July 18 to examine our nation’s system for assuring that all of our imported products are safe. For more information, visit: http://www.importsafety.gov.
"I strongly endorse the release of the Strategic Framework developed by the Interagency Working Group on Import Safety and commend Secretary Leavitt for leading this comprehensive effort.
Recent recalls of imported products have caused Americans to question the safety of imports. Americans rightly expect to purchase food and medical products without having to worry about their safety; and assuring the safety of these products is a core part of our mission at the FDA. The President has charged the Interagency Working Group to focus their efforts on how to work smarter and better with importers, manufacturers, and other governments to better assure that the imported products we purchase are indeed safe. As part of this Presidential initiative, Secretary Leavitt and I have traveled extensively these past few months throughout the U.S. visiting the Agency's field operations. Across the country, we witnessed our field staff standing shoulder to shoulder with our partners from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Customs and Border Protection and others, working together to assure the safety of imported products. In visits to nearly 20 cities/ports from Oakland to Miami, including El Paso, Tex.; Newark, N.J.; and Memphis, Tenn, we saw dedicated professionals doing difficult work; observing first hand the diligent efforts of FDA employees and what they do every day to protect the American people. Most importantly, we heard from these professionals many ideas on how they believe we could do this job better and smarter.
The three organizing principles that form the keystones of the Strategic Framework: Prevention, Intervention and Response are ones we embrace strongly here at FDA and are principles we know will guide us towards better and smarter import safety strategies. We know that in the 21st century's global economy, our efforts to assure product safety for Americans cannot just begin at our borders, they must begin at the time the products are produced in other countries. I am excited about the fact that these principles have been embraced by the Framework, and I look forward to working with the Group on the Action Plan to be released in November. Together, we will further integrate and enhance our processes relating to the safety of imports."

Reaction from the USDA

Statement by Secretary Mike Johanns Regarding the Strategic Framework for Import Safety September 10, 2007
"I commend Health and Human Services Secretary Mike Leavitt for his leadership, as chair of the Interagency Working Group on Import Safety, in producing the Strategic Framework for import safety, which he presented to President Bush today.
"The Strategic Framework establishes the building blocks upon which the U.S. system of import safety can be strengthened, recognizing that the U.S. enjoys one of the safest food supplies in the world. Secretary Leavitt has traveled the country to collect input from those involved with importing goods, while also bringing together the collective ideas of the twelve federal departments that make-up the working group.
"The Strategic Framework will serve as the foundation for an Action Plan being developed by the working group, which we hope to present to the President in November. The action plan will provide specific short- and long-term recommendations.
"I look forward to being joined by Secretary Leavitt this Wednesday as we tour a small meat processing plant in Kansas City, Missouri, and meet with Midwest producers to hear their recommendations about strengthening import safety.
"I am also pleased to host a public meeting at the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Jefferson Auditorium in Washington, D.C. on October 1, 2007, to provide consumers and advocates an opportunity to offer comments about import safety. Details about the public meeting and comment period, the Strategic Framework and other import safety information are available at www.importsafety.gov ."

USDA and E.coli/fresh produce research

This is significant backing from the USDA on produce-related food safety research:

USDA AWARDS $5.5 MILLION FOR RISK AND PREVENTION RESEARCH OF E. COLI O157:H7 IN FRESH PRODUCE
WASHINGTON, Aug. 21, 2007 - Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns announced today that USDA is furthering its research on the safety of fresh produce. Nearly $5.5 million will support collaborative research to identify risk factors and preventive measures for E. coli O157:H7 contamination in fresh produce.
"This research will help producers identify the sources of E. coli O157:H7 and ways to avoid contamination," Johanns said. "Developing new research and prevention tactics for the grower will contribute to assuring produce safety for consumers."
USDA's Agricultural Research Service (ARS) and Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service (CSRES) are providing the funding to ARS researcher Rob Mandrell and his collaborators at the University of California to continue their research in the Central Valley of California. Over the next three years ARS will contribute $5 million and CSREES will contribute $470,999. In 2006, CSREES awarded Mandrell and colleague Robert Atwill at University of California-Davis $1.2 million to do research in the Salinas Valley.
Mandrell will address where E. coli O157:H7 originates, how it survives on the plant, and what factors lead to an increase in produce-related outbreaks. Potential risk factors include animals, land practices, packing and processing processes and wildlife.
Additionally, the project will feature workshops and publications to educate the animal operators, natural resource managers and the public about animal diseases that can be transferred to humans, how animal waste can contaminate water sources, and beneficial management practices for maintaining and improving water runoff quality.
Outbreaks of E. coli O157:H7 illness associated with fresh lettuce or spinach have been associated with pre-harvest contamination.
CSREES' portion of the grant was funded through the National Research Initiative (NRI). The NRI is the largest peer reviewed, competitive grants program in CSREES. Its purpose is to support research, extension, and education grants that address key problems of national, regional, and multi-state importance in sustaining all components of agriculture.
CSREES advances knowledge for agriculture, the environment, human health and well-being, and communities by supporting research, education, and extension programs in the Land-Grant University System and other partner organizations. For more information, visit http://www.csrees.usda.gov. ARS is the USDA's chief in-house scientific research agency.

Peterson before the recess

Not much news in the Peterson teleconference today, but a few tidbits:

House Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin Peterson said that he and his staff will met with Sen. Tom Harkin later today to discuss the farm bill process. Peterson said he hopes that the conference farm bill can be completed by October.

In other news, Peterson noted South Korea shut down U.S. beef exports, and he said current trade friction with South Korea will preclude any work on the South Korea-U.S. Free Trade Agreement.

Later in the teleconference, Peterson also advocated a fee for imports on food and other products to ensure their safety. He noted that USDA inspects meat packing plants in other countries before they are approved, and suggested that FDA should do the same.

Peterson also suggested that Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns was out of touch with the farm community relative to the issue of the tax on offshore corporations that provided the offset for farm bill funding.

FYI: Believe it or not, Peterson's rock and roll/country band is playing in Washington tonight. He talks about it toward the end of this audio file.

Johanns explains

I had a chance to visit with Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns today about the farm bill process. In the interview, he explains his five points of departure from the House bill and why he would recommend that President Bush veto it if it shows up in current form later this year. Developing....

Thanks for your thoughts!

TK: Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns chimed in with some off key remarks earlier today about the House farm bill and House Agriculture Commitee Chairman Collin Peterson is quick to respond: From the House Ag Committee release...


Bush Administration Threatens to Veto Bipartisan Food and Farm Legislation
Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin Peterson issued the following statement today:
"Today, the Bush Administration failed rural America and all Americans by threatening to veto the 2007 Farm Bill passed by the House Agriculture Committee.
This Farm Bill is supported by a broad spectrum of agriculture, conservation, nutrition and renewable energy advocates. It represents a carefully crafted compromise that includes substantial reforms and new investments in programs that matter, including fruit and vegetable production, nutrition programs, conservation and renewable energy. Our bill implements Country of Origin Labeling, improves food safety, and paves the way for energy independence while preserving the safety net that our farmers and ranchers need.
This is not the first time that the Bush Administration has turned its back on American agriculture and rural America. They repeatedly threatened to veto disaster assistance for agriculture, which the Democratic leadership passed this year. The Administration also vigorously opposed the 2002 Farm Bill, which Secretary Johanns and others now praise as 'the right bill at the right time.'
Political posturing is par for the course for this Administration, and they have failed to pursue and achieve compromise on any number of issues, including the Farm Bill. The House Agriculture Committee put together a balanced, fiscally responsible Farm Bill, and I am confident that the House of Representatives will stand with us in supporting this important legislation."

Veto threat?

Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns raised the possibility of a veto by President Bush if the House Agriculture Committee's version of the farm bill becomes law. He stressed, however, that the process was only half done and also offered that their will be some amendments offered on the floor tomorrow that will be pushed by the White House. The White House does not like the fact that the farm bill relies on gimmick savings and may result in a tax increase for some companies, plus other objections. Some reporters questioned Johanns how the Administration would have paid for its version of the farm bill, which was reported at $5 billion over the budget baseline. Reuters coverage of veto threat is here.

Changes to import rules

American fruit and vegetable exporters have sometimes complained that the USDA exerts itself more for imports than it does for exports. This latest press release won't necessarily disabuse them of the notion. From USDA:

WASHINGTON, July 17, 2007--Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns today announced a new risk-based process for approving the importation of certain fruits and vegetables that continues stringent protections for U.S. agriculture yet streamlines the lengthy rulemaking process, allowing USDA plant health specialists to better focus on more complex import issues.
"This new approach will allow us to focus less on administrative processes and more on the science of facilitating imports that do not pose a risk of introducing foreign pests and diseases," said Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns. "A more efficient review process for imported fruits and vegetables should also help to expand market access for U.S. agricultural exports as other countries recognize U.S. efforts to encourage trade."
The new risk-based process for approving certain fruits and vegetables applies only to commodities that can be imported into the United States subject to one or more of five designated phytosanitary measures. These measures include port-of-entry inspection, approved postharvest treatment, a phytosanitary certificate verifying that it originated from a pest-free area, a phytosanitary certificate verifying that it is free from a specified pest or pests or that the risk associated with the commodity can be mitigated through commercial practices.
The importation of fruits and vegetables that require additional phytosanitary measures will continue to undergo the full rulemaking process.
The changes in the rule do not alter which fruits and vegetables are currently eligible for importation or how the risks associated with those commodities are evaluated or mitigated. This rule only makes more timely the approval of fruits and vegetables that are safe for importation into the United States.
USDA is also establishing a notice-based process for approving pest-free areas in exporting countries. This approach, which is similar to the commodity approval process, allows the agency to be more responsive in recognizing changes in the pest-free status of foreign areas. The new process will enable USDA to more efficiently and effectively reflect the actual pest status of a particular area.
This final rule is scheduled for publication in the July 18 Federal Register and will become effective Aug. 17.

TK: U.S. exporters may look at the issue with red white and blue colored glasses. A spokeswoman for APHIS says some countries think the existing rulemaking process is a trade barrier. Still, Japan, Australia and Korea are not likely to reciprocate our good faith effort to facilitate trade, notwithstanding our efforts to set a good example.

WG in Washington

WG’s Chairman Steve Patricio of Westside Produce, Secretary of Agriculture Mike Johanns and WG’s President and CEO Tom Nassif.

I visited with Tom Nassif yesterday about Western Growers' presence in Washington. Nassif was in D.C. - with the the rest of the WG board - earlier this week. Nassif said the board convened in Washington to make the rounds on Capitol Hill talking about the big three issues of immigration, food safety and the farm bill. A cordial and extended discussion with Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns was a part of the agenda, as noted by the photo supplied above by WG. Nassif says WG hopes to have the association's new Washington position filled by the end of July, and Nassif himself had interviewed several candidates this week. I'm developing coverage on the interview, but I will note here that Nassif is very determined about what California and Arizona growers want and need out of the farm bill.

WT No

We haven't been hearing much about the WTO of late, and apparently for good reason. Here is the link to a statement by the U.S. expressing disappointment in the latest negotiating efforts. Here is a story from Forbes talking about the failure of the talks in Germany.

Statement from Ambassador Schwab and Secretary Johanns

Postdam, Germany - Statement from USTR Ambassador Susan C. Schwab and USDA Secretary Mike Johanns on Doha Round:
The United States is deeply disappointed with the outcome of this week's negotiations.
For the past six years we have pursued an agreement in the Doha Round that will spur economic growth and development - especially in the world's poorest countries - by creating new trade flows and disciplining subsidies. To meet the Doha Round's promise, developed and advanced developing economies need to open their domestic markets for agricultural goods, industrial products, and services.
We came this week with the commitment to make significant progress towards a successful Round. Unfortunately, this week's negotiations could not generate political consensus to meaningfully open markets to new trade - particularly in manufactured goods.

TK: Brazil and India were critical of U.S. willingness to cut farm subsidies. The impasse appears to indicate these talks are going nowhere. The lack of momentum likely will hurt efforts in Congress to renew trade promotion authority for President Bush.

Early deadline and Stenzel visit

Tom Stenzel of United will be in town tomorrow for The Packer's annual editorial meeting. The meeting has also scooted up our deadlines this week and will take us out of the office, albeit across the street at a venerable Holiday Inn. No doubt we will be wireless, tho.

I note that both Chairman Peterson and Bob Goodlatte will have media briefings tomorrow. Given the animated talk coming from Ag Secretary Johanns about the farm bill commodity title extension - not to mention industry criticism - it should be an interesting few weeks. It will be a real test of Peterson if he can somehow find a way to keep the specialty crop industry from moving their efforts for funding to the House floor.

This AP story about the recall of onions seems to indicate the listeria found on diced yellow onions was limited to one day's output of fresh cut onions.

Here is another type of action against blackberries of the digital world. Big Apple from our discussion board passes along tihs AP story:

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Posted Wednesday, June 20th 2007, 2:22 PM
PARIS - BlackBerry handhelds have been called addictive, invasive, wonderful - and now, a threat to French state secrets.
French government security experts have reportedly banned - with mixed success - the use of BlackBerries in ministries and in the presidential palace, for fear that they are vulnerable to snooping by U.S. intelligence.
"The risks of interception are real. It is economic war," daily Le Monde quoted Alain Juillet, in charge of economic intelligence for the government, as saying. With BlackBerries, there is "a problem with the protection of information," he said. Juillet's office confirmed that he spoke to Le Monde but said he would not talk to other reporters. Officials at the presidential Elysee Palace and the prime minister's office were not immediately available for comment. Le Monde said information sent from BlackBerries goes through servers in the United States and Britain, and that France fears that the U.S. National Security Agency can snoop. France's General Secretariat for National Defense issued a circular on BlackBerries 18 months ago and later renewed it, the newspaper said.