Mission to National Association of State Departments of Agriculture - September 14-19, 2006

• To meet with key US state agriculture representatives who have the potential to influence decision-making.
• To exchange information and dispel misinformation on key agriculture issues and advocate on behalf of Alberta’s agriculture and agri-food industry.
• Gain insight and provide perspective on any policy decisions that may impact Alberta’s agriculture and agri-food trade interests.
• Follow up on discussions from the 2006 Tri National Agricultural Accord.

• Attended the Western Association of State Departments of Agriculture (WASDA) sub-meeting to provide an update on the state of Alberta’s agriculture and agri-food industry. Results of the Tri National Accord meeting were also shared.
• Met with Bill Hawks, former Undersecretary USDA, currently CEO, AGWorks Solutions. Hawks was representing Ranchers Cattlemen’s Action Legal Fund (RCALF), at NASDA to present the proposal for a policy change to the “J List.” The “J list” allows certain products to be imported without labeling requirements. Removal of cattle from the “J list” would mean all imported cattle would require country of origin labeling prior to import into the US. Hawks sighted animal health issues and tracking, in the event of disease outbreak, as the motivating factor for this request. Hawks stated that very little would change as animals imported into the US from Canada are already been identified with a tattoo. Boxed beef is also labeled. Alberta expressed concern that this action resembled an attempt to move country of origin labeling forward. Mr. Hawks was reminded that the US does not have a national ID system in place thus making traceability difficult.
• Richard Dunkle, Deputy Administrator, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Services (APHIS) expressed serious concern with Canada’s regulatory requirements for imported fruits and vegetables. Imported fruits and vegetables are re-labeled as product from Canada and transshipped in the US without adherence to regulatory protocols. APHIS is proposing inspection fees to address Canada’s approach to fruits and vegetables. A meeting was facilitated between a Canadian federal representative and Mr. Dunkle to address the US concerns.
• The NASDA membership had a lengthy discussion on the US Farm Bill.
• NASDA has proposed a number of guiding principles: Profitability and Viability, Level Playing Field through Free Trade, Fair and Safe Sound Science and States Role in Delivery of Programs and Flexibility in Regulations. NASDA supports a comprehensive and ambitious WTO agreement which addresses market access, domestic support and export subsidies elimination.
• On Country of Origin Labeling (COL) – NASDA supports COL that is market driven. Rules of origin should be clarified. Further processing of the animal should not change its status of origin.
• Bibb Swain, President of Delta T. Corporation shared his insight on trends and outlook for ethanol. There is substantial progress in building plants that have the least environmental impact. By 2012, ethanol production will reach 15 billion gallons in the US. The development of cellulose technology will expand production substantially.
• Larry Pope, CEO, Smithfield Foods, the world’s largest pork producer and one of the largest beef producers provided a global perspective. He stated that the most critical issue for consumers is traceability. Traceability is an absolute necessity as the world is requesting it. He also stressed the importance of free trade – the right product being processed in the right market. He reiterated to be a world player animal ID is key to sustainability and growth. Smithfield is targeting Eastern Europe as a priority market and warned that Brazil is quickly becoming an aggressive competitor.
• Bruce Knight, Undersecretary, Marketing and Regulatory Programs, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) spoke on the controversial animal ID issue. The federal program will be completely voluntary. He stated that there would be no further debate on this issue. USDA feels that the producer needs to take the initiative and determine if they will be a global player or not. He stated that the states might want to make animal ID mandatory. Discussion with individual Secretaries of Agriculture indicated a concern with the lack of a coordinated approach by USDA, which will result in a delay in a national ID program.
• On the Farm Bill, Mr. Knight shared that Secretary Johanns is committed to reducing trade-distorting payments. WTO can dismantle the programs piece by piece or the US can proactively develop a farm bill that is pro market, pro trade, pro growth and is fiscally responsible.
• At the NASDA policy meeting, a number of policy amendments and action items were discussed. Of interest to Alberta/Canada:
  • J- List for Cattle: NASDA members passed a motion stating:
    NASDA supports and encourages US Congress to legislatively remove cattle from the J-List, an amendment to the Tariff Act of 1930. This would allow animal health authorities to identify imported cattle, which is critical due to the importation of animals previously and unknowingly exposed to potential new and emerging diseases or many diseases with long incubation periods, such as BSE and tuberculosis. The need to locate these animals may not be realized until many years after the date of importation.”
• Met with Pat Takasugi, Secretary for Idaho Department of Agriculture and Dr. Miley Gonzalez, Secretary for New Mexico to discuss the results of the Tri National Accord Meeting in Banff in August 2006. The US was very pleased with progress made on the longstanding Bluetongue testing issue and Ministerial Exemptions. Also discussed approaches and objectives for the next Tri Lateral Rural Development meeting taking place in November in Mexico.
• Met with Joel Clairmonte, Deputy Director, Montana Department of Agriculture. Discussed areas of potential information exchange in bio-energy. Provided invitation to meet with key department contacts to share information on animal health protocols and our Level III Containment Lab. An opportunity to showcase our state of the art technology and processes will help dispel misinformation on Alberta’s animal health protocols.
• Met with representatives from the Canadian Consulate Minneapolis and Denver to discuss collaborative efforts that will help Alberta capitalize on advancing our interests. Discussion included a legislator exchange, information / technology exchange with priority states, and a biofuel forum.