United States Secures Full Access for U.S. Beef and Beef Products to Peru

United States Secures Full Access for U.S. Beef and Beef Products to Peru Agreement is expected to further increase beef exports to Peru, which topped $25 million in 2015 LIMA, Peru, March 14, 2016 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and U.S. Trade Representative Michael Froman announced today that the U.S. government has reached agreement with the government of Peru to remove barriers for U.S. beef exports to Peru that have remained in effect since 2003, opening one of the fastest growing markets in Latin America to all American beef and beef products. In 2015, the United States exported $25.4 million in beef and beef products to Peru. Since the U.S.-Peru Trade Promotion Agreement (PTPA) entered into force in 2009, U.S. beef and beef products have grown substantially but have been hampered due to burdensome certification requirements installed by Peru in 2003. This agreement, reached today during Secretary Vilsack's trade and investment mission to Peru, removes those barriers – called the export verification program – and assures American ranchers of expanded market access. "Since 2009, the United States and Peru have enjoyed one of the strongest bilateral trade relationships in the Western Hemisphere, and today it became much stronger," said Vilsack after meeting with officials from the government of Peru. "Since 2003, USDA and USTR have worked diligently to reopen and expand markets once closed to U.S. beef. This is another win in a long line of successes that led to a near-record U.S. beef and beef product exports in 2015. The Obama Administration will continue to work hard around the world to remove unfair barriers and create a more level playing for America's farmers, ranchers, producers and rural communities." "Peru has been a growing market for American beef and this agreement will only further expand opportunities for American producers and exporters," said U.S. Trade Representative Michael Froman. "Not many years ago, there was little American beef going to Peru, but through the U.S.-Peru Trade Promotion Agreement, and agreements like this, we are seeing increased demand for high-quality American beef." Bilateral trade of agricultural, fish and forestry products between the United States and Peru topped $3 billion in 2015 and has grown more than 110 percent since 2009. The agreement reached today reflects the United States' negligible risk classification for bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) by the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE). Through an exchange of letters, the United States and Peru have agreed to changes in certification statements that will allow beef and beef products from all federally inspected U.S. establishments to be eligible for export to Peru, rather than only those beef and beef products from establishments that participated in the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) Export Verification (EV) programs under the previous certification requirements. Agricultural exports have climbed more than 35 percent in value since 2009 under the Obama Administration, totaling a record $919.6 billion over the past seven years. Agricultural exports support more than 1 million American jobs. Since 2009, USDA has removed numerous unfair restrictions to U.S. trade to help farmers export more. USDA has also led more than 225 U.S. agribusinesses and more than 20 State Departments of Agriculture on agricultural trade missions to countries around the world, including Peru. Peru is also a member of the 12-nation Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), which concluded negotiations in October 2015 on a historic trade agreement. Passage of TPP by the U.S. Congress will provide new market access across the board for America's farmers and ranchers by lowering tariffs, eliminating barriers, boosting exports and supporting jobs in America's rural economies. #

New Mexico ag secretary: Let’s appreciate what farmers, ranchers put on our plates – and into our communities

New Mexico ag secretary: Let’s appreciate what farmers, ranchers put on our plates – and into our communities Milk, beef, chile, pecans…Cheese, lettuce, spinach, grapes…Alfalfa, cotton, corn, onions and more -- what's not to get excited about as spring approaches? Agriculture is alive and well in New Mexico, and the food and crops mentioned here are just a sample of the diverse culture of production that makes New Mexico special. On March 15, we celebrate National Agriculture Day across America. In New Mexico, I’m asking you to stretch the occasion out for the full week. Ag Day/Week asks us to recognize the important contributions farmers and ranchers make to our dinner plates and local communities. The food on your plate doesn’t just happen. After many months of care and nurturing by people who truly care about our health and safety, the crops grown become our breakfast, lunch, and dinner (and don’t forget snacks). Additionally, our communities thrive from the stable economic impact of agricultural production, as well as the green space it creates. Agriculture in our state is as diverse as our people. Our rich agricultural history begins with corn, which was harvested in New Mexico by 4000 B.C. Squash and beans were being harvested by 3000 B.C. The Mogollon Indians developed primitive irrigation systems by 2300 B.C. Today we continue to utilize traditional acequia systems, as well as highly sophisticated satellite-controlled irrigation networks. Our cultivation of traditional native crops is as important as the cultivation and harvest of new varieties in our quest to feed people both here in New Mexico and elsewhere. This week, take a look at your plate and try to visualize the people who produced the food on it. Fill your glass with some of the highest-quality milk produced in the nation, and if you’re of age, raise a glass of New Mexico’s award-winning wine or beer in a toast to the people who produce the things we love to eat and drink. As President Thomas Jefferson once said, “agriculture is our wisest pursuit…and cultivators of the earth are the most valuable citizen”. Happy Agriculture Week, New Mexico! Enjoy all it has to offer. Jeff M. Witte New Mexico Secretary of Agriculture

EPA Takes Strong Steps to Prevent Poisonings and Protect Workers from Paraquat

EPA Takes Strong Steps to Prevent Poisonings and Protect Workers from Paraquat WASHINGTON—The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to take action to stop poisonings caused by accidental ingestion of the herbicide paraquat, which can also cause severe injuries or death from skin or eye exposure. “We are taking tough steps to prevent people from accidentally drinking paraquat and to ensure these tragic deaths become a thing of the past,” said Jim Jones, assistant administrator for the office of chemical safety and pollution prevention. “We are also putting safety measures in place to prevent worker injuries from exposure to this pesticide.” Since 2000, there have been 17 deaths – three involving children caused by accidental ingestion of paraquat. These cases have resulted from the pesticide being illegally transferred to beverage containers and later mistaken for a drink and consumed. A single sip can be fatal. To prevent these tragedies, EPA is proposing: • New closed-system packaging designed to make it impossible to transfer or remove the pesticide except directly into the proper application equipment; • Special training for certified applicators who use paraquat to emphasize that the chemical must not be transferred to or stored in improper containers; and • Changes to the pesticide label and warning materials to highlight the toxicity and risks associated with paraquat. In addition to the deaths by accidental ingestion, since 2000 there have been three deaths and many severe injuries caused by the pesticide getting onto the skin or into the eyes of those working with the herbicide. To reduce exposure to workers who mix, load and apply paraquat, EPA is proposing: • Prohibiting application from hand-held and backpack equipment, and • Restricting the use to certified pesticide applicators only (individuals working under the supervision of a certified applicator would be prohibited from using paraquat). Paraquat is one of the most widely-used herbicides in the U.S. for the control of weeds in many agricultural and non-agricultural settings and is also used as a defoliant on crops such as cotton prior to harvest. The proposal will be available for a 60 day public comment period. EPA will consider all public comments before finalizing these proposed actions later this year. Actions on specific pesticides are one way that EPA is protecting workers from pesticide exposure. EPA’s revised Worker Protection Standard and proposed Certification and Training Rule will also protect farmworkers and pesticide applicators. To view related documents and submit comments, go to docket EPA-HQ-OPP-2011-0855 at www.regulations.gov. For more information on paraquat: https://www.epa.gov/ingredients-used-pesticide-products/paraquat-dichloride . R38

Agro Terrorism training offered.

The SW Border Food Protection and Emergency Preparedness center is requesting your presence! The Agroterrorism trainings are some we have never had offered here in New Mexico and due to the recent incidents affecting Agriculture, you as Extension may find these useful in your future. The course descriptions are below and we encourage your participation, as travel reimbursements will be offered to those registering. To register you will need to go to www.preparingnewmexico.org, most of you should already have accounts, if not, register for an account and then go back in to register for the specific trainings. The Agroterrorism and the ICS course require a FEMA Student Identification Number or SID number as well which most of you who have taken ICS course recently have as well. Direction on how to obtain one are on the Preparing NM website. If you have questions or problems don’t hesitate to contact us for help! April 27, 2016 - 8:00 to 6:00 pm – Agroterrorism Trainings – can attend one or both Albuquerque, NM @ the Sheraton Airport Hotel AWR151 | Understanding the Dangers of Agroterrorism The course goal is to increase awareness among local and regional emergency response teams about the potential targets and impacts of agroterrorism. By creating a new alliance among traditional first responders and the agricultural industry, communities can begin to develop plans to mitigate acts of agroterrorism. The course raises awareness about the need to identify and defend against pathogens, chemical and biological contaminants, and other hazards that affect the safety of the foods we eat. The course stresses the importance of responding to incidents of intentional contamination as well as natural disasters using the “all hazards” approach. 3.5 Hours AWR152 | Principles of Preparedness for Agroterrorism and Food Systems’ Disasters The course goal is to prepare participants with the skills and knowledge to recognize agroterrorism vulnerabilities. Topics include identifying targets, developing prevention, protection and mitigation strategies, employing the principles of building multi-disciplinary response teams, and identifying the roles of the local, state and federal agencies prior to and during an agricultural or food system disaster. 6.5 Hours

NM Shrimp Co. utilizing NMSU-based crowdfunding campaign to raise product awareness

NM Shrimp Co. utilizing NMSU-based crowdfunding campaign to raise product awareness DATE: 03/14/2016 WRITER: Dana Catron, 505-358-4039, dderego@ad.nmsu.edu Tracey Carrillo, assistant director for Campus Farm Operations at New Mexico State University and co-owner of New Mexico Shrimp Co., is participating in CrucesKick, a crowdfunding campaign sponsored by Arrowhead Center and Mesilla Valley Economic Development Alliance (MVEDA). The NM Shrimp Co has been making waves in southern New Mexico and is sought-after for their locally produced, farm-fresh shrimp. Their shrimp are grown without antibiotics, preservatives or chemicals, and provide a healthy alternative to imported, frozen shrimp. Carrillo heard about CrucesKick through his involvement with Arrowhead Technology Incubator, where he is a client. CrucesKick, a partnership between Arrowhead Center and MVEDA, launched Feb. 29. This year, four companies are participating in CrucesKick, a fast-moving crowdfunding campaign aiming to raise funds and awareness of local companies’ products and offerings. “We want everyone in the U.S. to be able to get fresh shrimp produced locally in an all-natural manner using a sustainable, environmentally conscience method,” Carrillo said when asked about his campaign. “We want to create a system to harvest and ship overnight fresh salt water shrimp to consumers so that people even remote areas can have access to a fresh seafood product, never frozen and produced in the US.” NM Shrimp Co. is creating a nutriponic system that uses the nutrient-rich waste produced from shrimp processes. The waste will be used to grow all-natural vegetables and produce in an aquaponic-like system. The plants absorb the nutrients and also filter the water in an all-natural system. This creates another added value product created from waste, emphasizing NM Shrimp Co’s sustainability mission. “This leaves little waste,” said Carrillo. “We know exactly what goes into our water so that we can produce a product free of chemicals.” NM Shrimp Co. is increasing its shrimp harvest capacity through the creation of a new production facility, located in Mesquite, N.M., that will use NMSU cotton and aquaculture technology. The new facility will house 12 above-ground pools for shrimp production in a 12,000 square foot building. “Our shrimp are a healthy alternative to imported frozen shrimp,” Carrillo said. “Shrimp are a good source of nutrients and are loaded with protein, vitamin D, vitamin B3 and zinc, and shrimp are an excellent, carbohydrate-free food for anyone determined to shed pounds.” To follow NM Shrimp Co.’s campaign, visit https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/freshmarketshrimp/all-natural-farm-fresh-locally-grown-shrimp To follow the crowdfunding campaigns, visit the CrucesKick page at http://arrowheadcenter.nmsu.edu/cruceskick/.

Registration now open for New Mexico Youth Ranch Management Camp

DATE: 03/14/2016 WRITER: Jane Moorman, 505-249-0527, jmoorman@nmsu.edu CONTACT: Jack Blandford, 575-546-8806, jbland@nmsu.edu Applications are now being accepted for the 2016 New Mexico Youth Ranch Management Camp. Deadline to apply is May 1. “We are proud to offer this one-of-a-kind program for the future cattle producers of our state,” said Jon Boren, New Mexico State University Cooperative Extension Service director. “The collaboration between our Extension specialists, county Extension agents and members of the ranching industry has provided an opportunity for the youth to see the many aspects of managing a ranch and natural resources.” The activity-packed week of June 5 to 10 will conclude with a ranch management plan competition. Each day, campers ages 15 to 19 will learn professional-level information. • Day 1: All Things Beef: The day includes learning about the international beef industry, nutrition and cattle reproduction, Beef Quality Assurance training and processing a beef carcass into meat. • Day 2: Marketing and Economics: Participants will be given helpful tips on managing ranches and marketing livestock, natural resources and agri-tourism opportunities. • Day 3: Natural Resources: Campers will learn the basic fundamentals of managing wildlife and natural resources. • Day 4: Range Land: The future ranchers will learn the economics and importance of land stewardship in the delicate ecosystem. • Day 5: Ranch Management Plan Competition: Campers are divided into teams to prepare a plan on how they would operate a ranch. Judges from the beef industry and NMSU determine the winner. Since 2011, 100 youth have participated in this unique opportunity to be exposed to the vast career opportunities associated with the beef industry. “You don’t have to just be in ranching to attend this camp. It offers a wide variety of career avenues,” said camp director Jack Blandford, Luna County Extension program director. “I encourage any youth within the age group to apply.” For more information or to apply, visit http://aces.nmsu.edu/nmranchcamp/index.html. Cost for the five-day camp is $300. - 30 - Follow NMSU News on Twitter: http://twitter.com/nmsunews Follow NMSU News on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/NMSUNews

Whether good times or bad, a sound business plan works Mar 8, 2016 Ron Smith

Regardless of whether cotton and grain prices are high, or the bottom has fallen out, a sound business plan is a valuable tool. A strategic management plan should be ongoing, says Frank Fogleman, a producer who is trying to deal with 2016’s challenging economic outlook. The Crittenden County, Ark., farmer was among 16 leading producers who participated in a BASF “Survival Strategy Summit” during the Mid-South Farm and Gin show at Memphis. An important part of his risk management strategy, he says, is “Keep it simple.” Farmers sometimes have a tendency to changes things, switching from one crop to another, he says. “I prefer to do what I’m good at. I’m more likely to make yields by growing the crop I know best.” High yields may be overrated, Fogleman says. “We need to consider economic yield and profit margin.” Other participants in the summit, which was aimed at giving producers a forum to discuss the current outlook, said the current landlord/tenant relationship favors the landlord, and that under the current economic strain many farmers face going into 2016 planting arrangements need to change. Landlords, they say, have done well the last seven or eight years, and a dependable farmer was a good investment.