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August  20, 2010
Inside This Issue.....
Keynote Speaker for the 2010 CSA
HOTEL DEADLINE IS MONDAY
Steinberg's "Card Check for Ag" Heads to the Governor
Blakeslee Wins Highly Contested Senate Seat
CSA Pesticide Registration Update
Senator DeSaulnier Amends Bill to Increase Pesticide Mill Tax
EPA Targets Heavy-Duty Truck Emissions
15 Key Produce Safety Research Learnings
"Changing the Conversation About California Agriculture"
Federal Court Nixes USDA Approval of GM Sugar Beets
Agriculture Secretary Vilsack Announces Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Loans and Grants
August 27 is the Deadline for CRP Sign-Up
Plant Quarantine Manual
  ________________    
Keynote Speaker for the 2010 CSA Mid Year Meeting ~ Political Analyst, Gary Dietrich

 
As you know, the California Seed Association is a political organization whose goal it is to protect and serve the seed industry in California.  One of the MANY benefits of YOUR CSA MEMBERSHIP is the opportunity to come together with other industry folks at our meetings and events.  The CSA hosts top-notch speakers on current events and issues to speak to you as a group and this year is no exception.  It is our pleasure to announce that this year's Mid Year meeting keynote speaker will be  Gary Dietrich. 
 
Gary is a widely-respected, nonpartisan political analyst and has appeared on state, national and international radio and television; including the Armstrong & Getty radio show.  In addition, he is the co-founder and president of Citizen Voice, a new nonpartisan movement to involve citizens in the public arena and protect the vulnerable.  He is an accomplished professional speaker, having addressed thousands of youth and adults regarding the impact of politics, public policy, and government on their lives, their state, and their nation and what they can do to bring positive and effective change.

Gary will address the audience at the CSA Mid Year Meeting on Wednesday, September 15th at the Group Luncheon being held at The Hyatt Regency Hotel in Monterey.  We hope all members will join us as we come together at this year's Mid Year Meeting.


 
 HOTEL DEADLINE IS MONDAY
 
Hotel Information: 
Group Rate: $185.00 for Rooms At The Hyatt Regency Via Convenient On-Line CSA Reservation link:
� https://resweb.passkey.com/go/caseedassociation  
� Or Call  (888) 421-1442 by Aug. 23rd
 
Transcend the ordinary at Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa on Del Monte Golf Course. Multi-million dollar renovations elevate Monterey's largest luxury conference hotel to a new plateau of excellence. A spacious new lobby invites relaxation with a soothing fireplace and cozy seating areas - perfect for conversations or listening to live Jazz. Restyled accommodations in a pampering Monterey hotel redefine luxury with patios, flat-screen TVs, walk-in rain showers and more. 
 
Registration materials have been mailed for the upcoming Mid Year Meeting in Monterey. The information and forms are also available on the CSA Website. CSA Calendar of Events All committees are scheduled to meet to discuss current issues impacting the seed industry.  The meeting will be held at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Monterey, September 14-15, 2010. The Hyatt Regency Hotel is located at 1 Old Golf Course Road, Monterey, CA 93940.
 
The golf tournament will again be a fundraiser for the "Ginny Patin Scholarship" and will be held on Tuesday, September 14th at 1:15 pm at the Del Monte Golf Course. The tournament will begin with a shot-gun start at 1:15 pm and will include lunch on the carts. For those of you who do not golf the Bocce Ball Tournament will also be held on Tuesday afternoon as another fundraiser for the "Ginny Patin Scholarship" (flyers for both events are enclosed). All committees will meet on Wednesday, September 15th. Participants can look forward to an informative presentation by our Keynote Speaker at the group luncheon on Wednesday.

We urge all members to attend this important Association business meeting. It is your opportunity to give us your input and participate in our policy development process. We look forward to seeing you all in Monterey. 
   
                                          Schedule of Events
 
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
� Board of Director's Meeting
� "Ginny Patin Scholarship" Bocce Ball Tournament at the Custom House Plaza
� "Ginny Patin Scholarship" Golf Classic Tournament at The  Del Monte Golf Course
� Group Reception at The Hyatt Hotel
 
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
� CSA Committee Meetings Throughout The Day
� General Session
� Group Luncheon with Keynote Speaker
� Board of Director's Meeting
 
 
LINKS TO FORMS AND INFORMATIONwww.calseed.org
Steinberg's "Card Check for Ag" Heads to the Governor
 
On party line votes, Senator Steinberg's amended "Card Check for Ag" legislation passed the Assembly, the Senate Industrial Relations Committee and the Senate Floor.  The bill is now in enrollment and is headed to the Governor's desk for action.  To summarize, the amendments remove the provision that required the ALRB to certify election when 50% plus one vote of the employees requested an election and replaced it with provisions that require "card check" approvals as a legal remedy when the board determines there have been unfair labor practices in an election.  Agricultural employers are concerned that this provision will increase the incentives to allege "unfair labor practices" during an election and would provide organizers a second opportunity at certification through a "card check" approval process leading to almost certain union approval of elections even when the employees vote for "no union."  The same coalition of agricultural associations that secured the Governor's veto of the overtime bill are working on defeating this proposal.  Please send letters of opposition to Governor Schwarzenegger.
 
Blakeslee Wins Highly Contested Senate Seat

Assemblyman Sam Blakeslee, a Republican from San Luis Obispo, was elected to the Senate in a special election on Tuesday, August 17th.  Blakeslee won the highly contested 15th district which was vacated by Abel Maldonado when he was elevated to Lt. Governor.  Some had identified this district as a strong potential for the democrats to pick up the seat due to increasing democratic registration within the district and strong support among 15th district voters for President Obama in 2008.  Blakeslee's strong performance in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties carried him to victory.  The California State Senate remains at 25 Democrats and 15 Republicans.   
 

 
CSA Pesticide Registration Update 
 

 
Orthene 97 - Labeled for "Alfalfa Seed Grown for Seed"
 
CSA received the final 24(c) label for Orthene 97  for use on alfalfa grown for seed on August 16, 2010.   The registration of Orthene 97 is critical to our alfalfa seed producers as part of their IPM for pre-bloom and post-bloom control of Lygus Bug, to replace Monitor which is no longer available. CSA is the third party registrant for this registration that is effective immediately with no date of expiration. 
 
A copy of the label can be  (link to the Orthene label)  and will be added to the CSA Website - Pesticide Tab . As with any application, be sure to follow the label instructions when using Orthene 97.
 
Orthene 97 - (a.i. acephate), "alfalfa grown for seed"      
EPA# 5481-8978-ZA
SLN# CA-100010
 
CSA appreciates  the support received from John Inouye at CA DPR , AmVac,  and of course all of the others who supported the effort  and assisted in making this registration  possible.
 
 
Monitor Update     
 
During 2009, Bayer CropScience  decided to exit the Monitor business and focus on bringing new innovations to market. Final Monitor production occurred in Spring of 2009.  If you are using exisitng stores of Monitor for your crop production please read the following information that has been provided by Bayer CropScience.
 
Bayer CropScience is committed to providing the best product quality, reliability and service to their customers. To follow-through on this commitment in 2010, Bayer is continuing the 2009 product quality campaign for the Monitor� brand insecticide. They also want to ensure customers are informed of regulatory timelines surrounding the use of Monitor. Please find attached an important letter outlining this information.  (link to Monitor Customer letter July

Should you have questions, please contact your local Bayer CropScience Representative or Charlie Bergmann, Monitor Product Manager, Phone: 919-549-2107
Email: [email protected]  
Thank you to Bayer CropScience for providing  this information and their continued support of the seed industry. 


 

Senator DeSaulnier Amends Bill to Increase Pesticide Mill Tax

SB 1157 was amended to mandate every school in California adopt and implement an Integrated Pesticide Management program at schools by 2014.  To fund this mandate, the bill would increase the mill assessment on pesticide products sold to farms as well as many household products that contain antibacterial soaps or disinfectants.  Existing law governing the mill assessment sets the rate in statute, this bill would establish a dangerous precedent of providing the Department of Pesticide Regulation the authority to set the mill amount in regulation.  

 
EPA Targets Heavy-Duty Truck Emissions
 

EPA and the Department of Transportation (DOT) sent to the Office of Management & Budget proposals for rulemaking that begins the process of setting greenhouse gas (GHG) emission standards for heavy-duty trucks as part of the White House's broader initiative on tailpipe emissions curbs. The proposed rules will cover both emissions and mileage as EPA regulates emissions and DOT regulates mileage rules for medium- and heavy-duty trucks. The model years targeted are those to be made from 2014-2018. The description of the rules says, "This action would set national emission standards under the Clean Air Act (CAA) to control greenhouse gas emissions from heavy duty-trucks and buses - significantly reduc(ing) GHG emissions from future heavy-duty vehicles by setting GHG standards -"  

 

 15 Key Produce Safety Research Learnings - Center for Produce Safety

August 17, 2010, Davis, CA - By now many in the produce industry have heard about the CPS Produce Research Symposium that was held on June 23, 2010 at the University of California. It was a very successful day, both in terms of the CPS's debut as a produce food safety research information source and as an event that showcased how a strong collaboration with industry, government and academia can result in timely and important research results. CPS has been asked to summarize the information presented at the Symposium. Dr. Bob Whitaker, PMA's chief science officer and the chair of the CPS Technical Committee, has provided a list of 15 key learnings from the research reports.
 
1. Attenuated E. coli O157:H7 applied by a spray so it simulates what might happen if an overhead irrigation water source were contaminated with the pathogen, does not survive well on the leaf surfaces of either spinach or lettuce.  The pathogen dies off quickly and is very hard to detect after 2 days. 
 
2. Pathogens are not taken up through the roots of a plant.  Attenuated E. coli O157:H7 delivered to the roots of growing spinach plants via drip irrigation does not traverse the root and get taken up by the plant under agricultural production conditions.
 
3. Pathogens do not seem to move through the soil.  Attenuated E. coli O157:H7 inoculated into the soil or sprayed on top of the soil did not survive past seven days and was not shown to move from the inoculation site. 
 
4. Pathogens may survive for longer periods when associated with organic matter. Spinach inoculated with E. coli O157:H7 and turned under the ground was recoverable from the soil for 100 days.  The cultivation practices used were not typical of current production practices so this work will be repeated in 2010 using accepted production practices for preparing fields for replanting. 
 
5. A technology to permit storage of pathogen DNA can aid investigations.  FTE filter papers can be used to storeNA from bacteria for up to 10 months at room temperature.  Often the limiting step in taking samples to investigate a potential contamination event is the number of samples that can be processed and analyzed.  By storing sample extracts on filter papers, hundreds of samples can be taken and then assayed at a future time as analytical capacity becomes available.
 
6. A "perfect storm" can result in pathogen growth.  Moisture, temperature and perhaps other environmental factors can create conditions where pathogens, if present, can survive.  Experiments show that under production conditions in 2009, a rainfall event followed by warm temperatures created a situation where multiple genetic variants of E. coli O157:H7 were recovered in both raw lettuce and finished products.
 
7. LGMA "buffers" appear to work.  Rapid response experiments funded by CPS show that following a field intrusion by feral pigs, elevated levels of generic E. coli were found where the pigs obviously contacted the crop, but not beyond the 10 foot buffer zone prescribed by the LGMA metrics.  
 
8. Larger sample sizes increase the chance of finding pathogens.  Typical commercial product sampling procedures use 25-gram samples to test for pathogens.  Data was presented that shows increasing the sample size to 150-grams increases the chance of detecting low level contaminations.
 
9. Non-pathogenic bacteria may be used to identify conditions that permit pathogen survival.  Preliminary characterization al bacterial populations that exist on the surface of leaf vegetables change by location and season.  Some bacteria may be used to indicate the conditions are supportive of pathogen survival while others have been shown to be antagonists of pathogen survival.  In a risk-based testing system, these non-pathogen bacteria could be used in conjunction with other measurements as "indicators" to identify when there may be an elevated risk of pathogen contamination or survival.
 
10. Filth flies may be a potential vector for E. coli O157:H7.  Flies have the capacity to transmit E. coli O157:H7 to the surface of vegetables under laboratory conditions.  A very low prevalence of flies captured near vegetable production fields test positive for E. coli O157:H7.  It is not known if this risk factor is significant and more testing needs to be done.  
 
11. Simple modifications to lettuce coring knives can significantly reduce the risk of pathogen contamination.  Though reliant on the unlikely event of a coring knife coming into contact with an unnaturally high concentration of pathogens in the field, transfer of pathogens to cut surfaces has been demonstrated previously.  By extending the common coring tool away from the cutting blade the chance of cross contamination is greatly reduced.  Further, by polishing joint welds the tools are much easier to sanitize thereby further reducing cross contamination frequencies.
 
  LAMP technology has been shown to have the potential to provide a quantitative assay of Salmonella that is 10 times more sensitive than PCR. The use of an intercalating agent permits the assay to distinguish between live and dead cells.  Additional experiments are required to demonstrate selectivity in complex produce chemical environments.
 
13. Preliminary data suggest that sheep can be carriers of Salmonella.  Bands of sheep sampled for Salmonella were shown to be carriers.  In these experiments no bands were found to carry E. coli O157:H7.  Further experimentation is required to determine if sheep grazing in vegetable production environments actually represent a significant contamination risk.
 
14. Improper composting can result in pathogen survival.  Moisture, "heat-up times," temperature, turns and other factors significantly affect the ability of pathogens in compost to survive the process.  Further, if a validated process is not followed pathogens develop heat tolerances and obtain a higher level of survivability.
 
15.Bacteriophages may be a useful tool to improve the sensitivity of assaying finished compost for pathogens.  It has been difficult to develop reliable tests for pathogens in complex organic backgrounds like compost where many non-pathogenic species are also present.  Using bacteriophages to kill competing species can improve pathogen recovery and PCR sensitivity.
 
The final reports for the first eleven projects funded by the Center for Produce Safety have been posted to the CPS website, http://cps.ucdavis.edu. Projects are listed by date funded.  Scroll to the bottom of the screen to find the final report links for completed projects. The final reports were submitted as deliverables for research funded by the Center for Produce Safety (CPS) and presented at the CPS Produce Research Symposium in June 2010.  They have not been subject to peer-review at this time.  When the principal investigators' articles based on this research are accepted for publication in a peer-reviewed professional journal, links to those articles will be provided.
 

     

farmer

 

"Changing the Conversation About California Agriculture"

 
What is the California Agricultural Communications Coalition and why is it important to you?

These are tenuous times for California farmers and ranchers.  With fewer than two percent of all Americans engaged in farming today, consumers have become increasingly isolated from the source of their food supply.  Adding to this growing detachment is the fact that the public is only hearing one side of the story - and it's not ours.  The conversation needs to include farmers who will remind people that most of their food comes from multi-generational family farms and that those farms, along with the farming way of life, are increasingly threatened by external factors beyond our control.  So, how do we communicate who we are, what we do, and how we do it to an increasingly urban and disconnected public?
 
By now, you may have already heard something about a communications campaign for agriculture currently under way in California.  If not, let me introduce you to the California Agricultural Communications Coalition (CACC) and the www.KnowACaliforniaFarmer.com website, which is built around the strategy that if each one of us takes a moment or two to share his or her story, we can collectively change the conversation about California agriculture and communicate the value of our industry to the state.
 
How did the CACC get up and running? 
It is safe to say that most of us believe that we to the need to improve public perceptions of California agriculture and reconnect consumers to the source of their food supply.  In November 2008, an inaugural summit was organized in Lodi.  Coincidentally, the Lodi Summit was held the day after Prop 2 passed, the initiative sponsored by the Humane Society aimed at prohibiting the confinement of certain farm animals.  Nearly one hundred people representing every walk of farming and ranching around the state converged to talk about the past, the present and the future of agriculture in California.  This was the beginning of the CACC.
 
The first action item for the coalition was to develop common messaging points that would connect consumers with California agriculture.  Market research, funded by members of the coalition, revealed that most Californians have positive perceptions about farmers and ranchers.  Consumers overwhelmingly like family farmers, but not "agribusiness."  While they see farmers as caring for the land and local communities, they do not believe agribusiness "cares."  Many see the farming way of life slowly going away and believe extreme environmentalism has resulted in onerous rules and regulations that threaten farms and farm jobs. 
 
Based on this snapshot of perceptions and beliefs, the CACC sought and received grant funding and hired AdFarm, an energetic, creative and agriculture-centric public relations firm, to build a communications plan that connects consumers to California farms and ranches and helps us spread the messages that will help the industry remain viable and vibrant in the decades to come.
 
The primary hub of the CACC campaign is the www.KnowACaliforniaFarmer.com website, which is designed to showcase the people - you - who produce the food, fiber and flowers that Californians rely on.  Through videos, photos and blogs, California's farmers and ranchers can share their stories directly with consumers.  These are not polished PR pieces, but casual snapshots of life on the farm or ranch.  You will provide the content - real stories and images of who you are and how you grow the highest quality agricultural products in the world.  Through videos, photos and blogs, you can proactively and positively engage consumers in real-time dialogue about the many benefits the industry provides our communities and state.  Even though we are using the latest social media technology, we have created a website that is easy to access and use.  This is your chance to learn, practice, and master new communications tools that will bring the farm and ranch back into the homes of millions of Californians.
 
While the official launch of the website is scheduled for late August or early September, and will involve a coordinated media and consumer outreach strategy, the www.KnowACaliforniaFarmer.com is currently live for all CACC members.  Please visit the website to check out all of the excellent videos, photos and blogs that have already been posted by CACC members.  The website is still password protected, so please use the following link and login information:
 
Link:                   http://knowacaliforniafarmer.com/index.php
Username:          cacc
Password:           cacc
 
How can you get involved?
1.       Register for an account on the www.KnowACaliforniaFarmer.com  website
 
The California Seed Association encourages all of its members to consider becoming engaged in the CACC.  To register for an account, please click on the following link:
 http://www.knowacaliforniafarmer.com/communications-toolbox/register.php.   
 
Your account will provide you with access to the members-only Communications Toolbox where you'll find instructions on how to post content to the website, the coalition's core messages, and tools and resources to enhance your public outreach efforts, including "how-to" documents and regular webinars on social media, public relations in a digital world, issues and crisis management, and traditional media outreach. 
 
2.       Help develop content (videos, photos and blogs) for the website
 
Please review the recorded webinar at the following link for guidelines on developing website content: https://student.gototraining.com/80ft9/recording/3367687895371135744.    
 
We are looking for authentic videos, photos and blogs that convey the CACC's core messages based on multi-generational family farmers and ranchers, and the risk of losing these family-owned farms and ranches.
 
For additional support in developing content, please reach out to the California Seed Association office.

Federal Court Nixes USDA Approval of GM Sugar Beets

 
A federal court judge's ruling found USDA failed to conduct the appropriate environmental impact analysis on genetically modified sugar beets when it approved them five years ago, a federal court judge in San Francisco rescinded the government's approval and ordered the department to conduct an environmental impact study, which could take two years or more.  The judge prohibited the planting of genetically modified sugar beet seed for the 2011 spring crop, but took no action on the crop already in the ground, according to reports.  Currently, there are about 1 million acres planted in 10 states affected by the order.  The genetically modified vegetable makes up about half of the U.S. sugar beet crop and likely won't disrupt supplies for a year or so, according to the American Sugarbeet Growers Assn., but the group warned there's not enough conventional seed available to make up the loss.  
 

Agriculture Secretary Vilsack Announces Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Loans and Grants -- 186 Projects Help Farmers and Rural Businesses Become More Efficient

 Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack recently announced that USDA Rural Development is providing $23.4 million in loans and grants for 186 renewable energy and energy efficiency projects under the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). Vilsack made the announcement while visiting the Iowa State Fair.
 
"President Obama and I are committed to helping our nation become energy independent by helping rural businesses become more energy efficient," Vilsack said. "This funding will not only help our farmers and small businesses reduce energy costs, but also more efficient and competitive."
 
For example, Primus Farms, Inc. of Grundy, Iowa, has been selected to receive a $23,162 grant and a $23,162 loan. This funding will be used to replace an outdated grain dryer with a new, highly efficient grain dryer projecting over 54.58 percent in annual energy savings.
 
In Franklin, Mass., Berkshire East Ski Area has been selected for a $1.5 million guaranteed loan to assist rural small businesses in developing a renewable energy system. This project will fund a large wind energy generation system that will offset the firm's energy use and provide a portion for sale.
 
USDA energy efficiency programs often yield double digit energy savings. The Glen Coble & Sons, Inc., ranch in Mullen, Neb., reduced its electricity draw from the local utility by 30 percent after it received a $14,725 USDA Rural Development grant in 2008 to install five wind turbines.
 
REAP funding can be used for renewable energy systems, energy efficiency improvements, feasibility studies, energy audits, and renewable energy development assistance. More information on the REAP program, which was authorized under the 2008 Farm Bill, is at: http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/BCP_ReapResEei.html.
 
Through its Rural Development mission area, USDA administers and manages more than 40 housing, business and community infrastructure and facility programs through a network of 6,100 employees located in the nation's capital and 500 state and local offices. These programs are designed to improve the economic stability of rural communities, businesses, residents, farmers, and ranchers and improve the quality of life in rural America. Rural Development has an existing portfolio of nearly $142 billion in loans and loan guarantees. 
 

August 27 is the Deadline for CRP Sign-Up

 
USDA this week reminded producers they have until the close of business on Friday, August 27 to enroll in the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), offering eligible land for competitive general sign-up.  In addition to first-time signers, CRP participants with existing contracts scheduled to expire on Sept. 30, 2010, may elect to re-enroll under a new 10-15-year contract.  Contracts awarded under the current sign-up are effective Oct. 1, 2010. Details of the program can be found at www.fsa.usda.gov/crp.  
  

Plant Quarantine Manual

 

http://www.cdfa.ca.gov/phpps/pe/InteriorExclusion/pqm.html
 
 

Recent Plant Quarantine Manual (PQM) Updates:
 
The following are recent updates to the PQM manual; a link to the complete manual can found above.  Use the "Table of Contents" to locate the documents by number...  
105.1 - 105.2 regarding Hawaiian Plant Material.  Only page two has changed.
110.1 - 110.16 regarding Origin Inspection Programs, only page 10 has changed
208.1 - 208.3 regarding Asian Longhorn Beetle, all pages have changed 
226.1 - 226.3 regarding Emerald Ash Borer, all pages have changed
321.1 - 321.3 regarding Cereal Leaf Beetle, only pages 2 and 3 have changed.
403.1 - 403.4 regarding Mediterranean Fruit Fly.  Only pages 1-3 have changed and
pages 5 and 6 have been removed.
410.1 - 410.5 regarding section 3423 Oriental Fruit Fly.
419.1 - 419.21 regarding Light Brown Apple Moth, all pages have changed and page 22 has been deleted.
422.1 - 422.11 regarding European Grapevine Moth.  Only pages 1 - 5 and 9 have changed.
422.1 - 422.13 regarding European Grapevine Moth, all pages except page 1 have changed with an addition of pages 12 and 13.


 http://www.calseed.org/__members/ind_data.html
UPCOMING DATES
 
2010
   
Sept. 14-15, 2010 - Mid Year Meeting, Hyatt Monterey, CA 
 
 
2011
 
January 22-26, 2011 - CSA Annual Convention in Conjunction with the 50th Anniversary of ASTA's Vegetable & Flower Seed Conference, Hyatt Regency in Huntington Beach, CA
 
 
October 11-12, 2011 - Mid Year Meeting, InterContinental Hotel in Monterey, CA