1. NAS Report on Animal Biotechnology
2. Upcoming Animal Biotechnology Symposiums
3. National Agricultural Research Task Force: Nominations
4. Bush Given Trade Negotiation Authority
5. Speaking of Exports
6. Revisiting the Farm Bill
7. Bush Appoints Dorr, Bypassing Senate
8. Heat Stress Impacts Farmed Animals
9. Cruelty Cases
10. Farmed Animal Advocates Go to the Fair
1. NAS REPORT ON ANIMAL BIOTECHNOLOGY
The National Academy of Sciences warns of environmental, human health and animal welfare risks while praising the potential benefits of cloning and other animal biotechnology in a report prepared for the FDA. The report was also critical of the patchwork of laws written for other purposes that are used to regulate biotechnology. While genetic manipulation may reduce the number of animals needed for food and fiber production, there are embryonic and gestation problems, and difficult births. The resulting animals often suffer physical and behavioral abnormalities. The report can be accessed at: http://national-academies.org The government has asked that companies keep genetically modified animals out of the food supply for now. An article on a newly devised cheaper and easier method of cloning can be accessed at: http://www.newscientist.com/news/news.jsp?id=ns99992670
"National Academy of Science Releases Animal Biotechnology Report," FASS Track, 08/20/02.
http://www.fass.org/fasstrack/news_item.asp?news_id=629
"Panel Identifies Gene-Altered Animals' Risk," The Washington Post, Justin Gillis, 08/21/02.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A42216-2002Aug20.html
2. UPCOMING ANIMAL BIOTECHNOLOGY SYMPOSIUMS
The Pew Initiative on Food and Biotechnology will be hosting a 2-day symposium entitled "Biotech in the Barnyard: Implications of Genetically Engineered Animals." It will be followed by a symposium cosponsored by the FDA's Center for Veterinary Medicine entitled "Animal Cloning and the Production of Food Products – Perspectives from the Food Chain. The events are intended to provide a forum for the exchange of perspectives on the issues, including presentations and moderated Q/A sessions. Both will be held in Dallas, Tx., from September 24-26. Registration is free but advanced registration is required as space will be limited. See: http://pewagbiotech.org/events/0924/
3. NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH TASK FORCE: NOMINATIONS
The USDA is assembling a Research, Education and Economics Task Force to determine, among other things, the value of the Agricultural Research Service, and if a National Institute(s) for Agricultural Research should be established. Eight individuals, primarily from the private sector, are to be appointed by the Secretary of Agriculture. Nominations must be received by August 30th. Contact ARS's Marshall Tarkington at (202) 720-3173, Mtarkington@ARS.USDA.gov
"Should a National Institute for Agricultural Research be Established?" FASS Track, 08/20/02.
http://www.fass.org/fasstrack/news_item.asp?news_id=634
4. BUSH GIVEN TRADE NEGOTIATION AUTHORITY
Congress voted to allow President Bush broad authority to negotiate global trade agreements ("fast track"). In doing so, it ceded to him the powers over foreign commerce that the Constitution gave Congress. Bush will be able to negotiate trade agreements that Congress can approve or reject but not change. The bill was the last vote in both the House and Senate before the August break, and just passed the House 215-212. In a call to Senate leaders after the vote, Bush said, "I look forward to bringing some trade agreements back to the Congress that will help workers and farmers and ranchers." Details of a proposed U.S. trade policy can be found at: http://www.poultryandeggnews.com/poultrytimes/news/August2002/457230.html
Poultry is among the major U.S. agricultural exports. In 2001, 18% (5.5 billion pounds) of the country's "broiler" chicken production was exported. This year, many countries have been rejecting U.S. poultry imports due to disease and other factors (see back issue #79). When Russia, the U.S.'s largest foreign chicken market, rejected the imports it had serious repercussions for the industry. Prior to the trade vote, the poultry industry had been heavily lobbying for trade assistance. The July issue of Poultry USA remarked: "Without [immediate political] help, the industry will shrink in an untidy process that will cost the agricultural sector billions of dollars. The losses will not be sustained just by the poultry industry. Billions of dollars will be lost by pork, beef and grain producers as well."
"Senate Vote Restores Trade Promotion Power," The Associated Press, August 19, 2002.
http://www.poultryandeggnews.com/poultrytimes/news/August2002/457236.html
"The Trade Monster," Watt Poultry USA, Paul Aho, July 2002.
http://www.wattnet.com/Archives/Docs/0702wp32.pdf?CFID=362362&CFTOKEN=33139318
5. SPEAKING OF EXPORTS
Many economically-advantaged countries extend special government-sponsored credit on their agricultural exports with the justification that the credit is used by poorer countries that otherwise couldn't afford the food. However, analysts for the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development reviewed 1995-1998 and found that only 9% of this credit went to poor countries that are net importers of food (17% of U.S. credit did). Wealthier countries instead benefitted.
"Ag Export Credits: Not Quite What You Think," D.C. Digest, Ed Maixner, August 6. 2002.
http://www.directag.com/directag/news/article.jhtml?article_id=1007832
6. REVISITING THE FARM BILL
In a column on the Farm Bill (see issue #67), signed into law in May, Steve Bjerklie, editor of Meat Processing Magazine, asks "Should a government prop up food production and artificially hold down retail food prices through taxpayer-funded subsidies?" The Bill entailed a nearly 80% increase in agricultural subsidies. Bjerklie points out that the meat industry benefits indirectly via lavishly subsidized feed grains, water and land used for meat production.
A team of correspondents critique the Farm Bill which has prompted some to accuse the U.S. of "obscene protectionism." The article begins, "If there is one striking characteristic about Washington's Bush Administration, it must be its almost unprecedented ability to infuriate the entire world with its unilateralist outlook, especially its self-serving trade policies."
"Perspective," Meat News, Meat Processing News Online, Steve Bjerklie, May 14, 2002.
http://www.meatnews.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=Article&artNum=3230
"The American Dream?" The U.S. Farm bill attracts some critical attention," Keith Nuthall, Alan Osborn, Monica Dobie and Philip Fine, Just Food, August 5, 2002.
http://www.just-food.com/features_detail.asp?art=655&app=1&fotw=sct
7. BUSH APPOINTS DORR, BYPASSING SENATE
On August 6th, President Bush appointed Thomas Dorr as Under Secretary of USDA's Rural Development Agency (see issue #49). A week earlier, the Senate Agriculture Committee refused to endorse the controversial nominee due to his improper collection of federal farm subsidies (up to $82,000 worth. Until recently, Dorr was president and CEO of a corn and pig production company.) Bush bypassed the Senate confirmation process by appointing Dorr during a recess, enabling him to occupy the position until the end of the year. The Senate will then have chance to reconsider him. A letter signed by 118 diverse groups, including The Humane Society of the U.S., was sent to Bush expressing "profound outrage" over the appointment.
"Bush sneaks Dorr into USDA post," Agriculture Online, Cheryl Rainford, August 7, 2002.
http://www.agriculture.com/default.sph/AgNews.class?FNC=goDetail__ANewsindex_html___48419___1
"Farm activists ask Bush to show Dorr the door," Agriculture Online News, August 21, 2002.
http://www.agriculture.com/default.sph/AgNews.class?FNC=goDetail__ANewsindex_html___48483___1
8. HEAT STRESS IMPACTS FARMED ANIMALS
Excessive heat causes physical and emotional stress to farmed animals and costs U.S. industry about $2.5 billion per year. Ohio State University researchers incorporated a temperature humidity index with 4 types of cooling systems to determine the optimal cooling system for each farmed animal species in every state. For cattle, evaporative cooling was found to be best but costly. Alternatively, USDA researchers suggest providing shade or shelter for them.
"Sweltering animals cost producers cold, hard cash," Ag Answers, August 16, 2002.
http://www.agriculture.purdue.edu/aganswers/2002/8-16_Sweltering_Animals.html
"Tips for Keeping Cattle Cool This Summer," Agricultural Research, David Elstein, 07/10/02.
http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/2002/020710.htm
9. CRUELTY CASES
More than 55,000 chickens suffocated to death in Kentucky after someone intentionally shut off ventilation to 3 sheds owned by Tyson Foods. Local citizens have complained about the Marion operation, and a public nuisance ordinance targeting it was enacted by the city in 2000.
A seriously ill pig at the University of Florida (UF) was euthanized after activists contacted the local media about her plight. A spokesperson for Animal Activists of Alachua (AAA) reported that the pig's snout was stuck in a gate and the immobilized but conscious pig was exhibiting seizures. The group contacted the media after UF officials and local police failed to assist the pig. The University said the pig had been ill for a week and, according to AAA, they were waiting for antibiotics to clear her system before sending her to slaughter. The pig was euthanized around midnight. The University's Animal Care Services Department has been on probation for 2 years.
"Thousands of chickens suffocate in Kentucky," The Spokesman-Review, August 10, 2002.
http://www.spokesmanreview.com/news-story.asp?date=081002&ID=s1197038&cat=section.Animals
"Area Animal Activists Alarmed Over Plight of Dying Pig," WCJB-TV20 News, 08/16.02.
http://www.wcjb.com/news.asp?id=3801
Animal Activists of Alachua news release, August 17, 2002.
10. FARMED ANIMAL ADVOCATES GO TO THE FAIR
Undaunted by their unfulfilled request for a "free speech designated area" at the California State Fair, animal advocates circulated their message among 4-H and FFA members there. Animal Place (AP) offered to provide lifetime care for animals being exhibited to save them from slaughter (see issue #78). AP's Kim Sturla explained that the children involved often regret sending the animals they've raised to slaughter but feel financial, parental and peer pressure to do so. A former 4-H member related that such activity desensitizes children to animal suffering. Prize animals can bring thousands of dollars, and the activists were not warmly received in a state where agriculture is a $29 billion industry. A 4-H spokesperson said the activists should have called the office rather than speak directly to the kids. Though no one accepted AP's offer, the activists plan to continue visiting local, county and state fairs on a regular basis.
"Treading new turf," Sacramento Bee, Cynthia Hubert, August 22, 2002.
http://www.sacbee.com/content/news/story/4083949p-5106998c.html
2. Upcoming Animal Biotechnology Symposiums
3. National Agricultural Research Task Force: Nominations
4. Bush Given Trade Negotiation Authority
5. Speaking of Exports
6. Revisiting the Farm Bill
7. Bush Appoints Dorr, Bypassing Senate
8. Heat Stress Impacts Farmed Animals
9. Cruelty Cases
10. Farmed Animal Advocates Go to the Fair
1. NAS REPORT ON ANIMAL BIOTECHNOLOGY
The National Academy of Sciences warns of environmental, human health and animal welfare risks while praising the potential benefits of cloning and other animal biotechnology in a report prepared for the FDA. The report was also critical of the patchwork of laws written for other purposes that are used to regulate biotechnology. While genetic manipulation may reduce the number of animals needed for food and fiber production, there are embryonic and gestation problems, and difficult births. The resulting animals often suffer physical and behavioral abnormalities. The report can be accessed at: http://national-academies.org The government has asked that companies keep genetically modified animals out of the food supply for now. An article on a newly devised cheaper and easier method of cloning can be accessed at: http://www.newscientist.com/news/news.jsp?id=ns99992670
"National Academy of Science Releases Animal Biotechnology Report," FASS Track, 08/20/02.
http://www.fass.org/fasstrack/news_item.asp?news_id=629
"Panel Identifies Gene-Altered Animals' Risk," The Washington Post, Justin Gillis, 08/21/02.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A42216-2002Aug20.html
2. UPCOMING ANIMAL BIOTECHNOLOGY SYMPOSIUMS
The Pew Initiative on Food and Biotechnology will be hosting a 2-day symposium entitled "Biotech in the Barnyard: Implications of Genetically Engineered Animals." It will be followed by a symposium cosponsored by the FDA's Center for Veterinary Medicine entitled "Animal Cloning and the Production of Food Products – Perspectives from the Food Chain. The events are intended to provide a forum for the exchange of perspectives on the issues, including presentations and moderated Q/A sessions. Both will be held in Dallas, Tx., from September 24-26. Registration is free but advanced registration is required as space will be limited. See: http://pewagbiotech.org/events/0924/
3. NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH TASK FORCE: NOMINATIONS
The USDA is assembling a Research, Education and Economics Task Force to determine, among other things, the value of the Agricultural Research Service, and if a National Institute(s) for Agricultural Research should be established. Eight individuals, primarily from the private sector, are to be appointed by the Secretary of Agriculture. Nominations must be received by August 30th. Contact ARS's Marshall Tarkington at (202) 720-3173, Mtarkington@ARS.USDA.gov
"Should a National Institute for Agricultural Research be Established?" FASS Track, 08/20/02.
http://www.fass.org/fasstrack/news_item.asp?news_id=634
4. BUSH GIVEN TRADE NEGOTIATION AUTHORITY
Congress voted to allow President Bush broad authority to negotiate global trade agreements ("fast track"). In doing so, it ceded to him the powers over foreign commerce that the Constitution gave Congress. Bush will be able to negotiate trade agreements that Congress can approve or reject but not change. The bill was the last vote in both the House and Senate before the August break, and just passed the House 215-212. In a call to Senate leaders after the vote, Bush said, "I look forward to bringing some trade agreements back to the Congress that will help workers and farmers and ranchers." Details of a proposed U.S. trade policy can be found at: http://www.poultryandeggnews.com/poultrytimes/news/August2002/457230.html
Poultry is among the major U.S. agricultural exports. In 2001, 18% (5.5 billion pounds) of the country's "broiler" chicken production was exported. This year, many countries have been rejecting U.S. poultry imports due to disease and other factors (see back issue #79). When Russia, the U.S.'s largest foreign chicken market, rejected the imports it had serious repercussions for the industry. Prior to the trade vote, the poultry industry had been heavily lobbying for trade assistance. The July issue of Poultry USA remarked: "Without [immediate political] help, the industry will shrink in an untidy process that will cost the agricultural sector billions of dollars. The losses will not be sustained just by the poultry industry. Billions of dollars will be lost by pork, beef and grain producers as well."
"Senate Vote Restores Trade Promotion Power," The Associated Press, August 19, 2002.
http://www.poultryandeggnews.com/poultrytimes/news/August2002/457236.html
"The Trade Monster," Watt Poultry USA, Paul Aho, July 2002.
http://www.wattnet.com/Archives/Docs/0702wp32.pdf?CFID=362362&CFTOKEN=33139318
5. SPEAKING OF EXPORTS
Many economically-advantaged countries extend special government-sponsored credit on their agricultural exports with the justification that the credit is used by poorer countries that otherwise couldn't afford the food. However, analysts for the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development reviewed 1995-1998 and found that only 9% of this credit went to poor countries that are net importers of food (17% of U.S. credit did). Wealthier countries instead benefitted.
"Ag Export Credits: Not Quite What You Think," D.C. Digest, Ed Maixner, August 6. 2002.
http://www.directag.com/directag/news/article.jhtml?article_id=1007832
6. REVISITING THE FARM BILL
In a column on the Farm Bill (see issue #67), signed into law in May, Steve Bjerklie, editor of Meat Processing Magazine, asks "Should a government prop up food production and artificially hold down retail food prices through taxpayer-funded subsidies?" The Bill entailed a nearly 80% increase in agricultural subsidies. Bjerklie points out that the meat industry benefits indirectly via lavishly subsidized feed grains, water and land used for meat production.
A team of correspondents critique the Farm Bill which has prompted some to accuse the U.S. of "obscene protectionism." The article begins, "If there is one striking characteristic about Washington's Bush Administration, it must be its almost unprecedented ability to infuriate the entire world with its unilateralist outlook, especially its self-serving trade policies."
"Perspective," Meat News, Meat Processing News Online, Steve Bjerklie, May 14, 2002.
http://www.meatnews.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=Article&artNum=3230
"The American Dream?" The U.S. Farm bill attracts some critical attention," Keith Nuthall, Alan Osborn, Monica Dobie and Philip Fine, Just Food, August 5, 2002.
http://www.just-food.com/features_detail.asp?art=655&app=1&fotw=sct
7. BUSH APPOINTS DORR, BYPASSING SENATE
On August 6th, President Bush appointed Thomas Dorr as Under Secretary of USDA's Rural Development Agency (see issue #49). A week earlier, the Senate Agriculture Committee refused to endorse the controversial nominee due to his improper collection of federal farm subsidies (up to $82,000 worth. Until recently, Dorr was president and CEO of a corn and pig production company.) Bush bypassed the Senate confirmation process by appointing Dorr during a recess, enabling him to occupy the position until the end of the year. The Senate will then have chance to reconsider him. A letter signed by 118 diverse groups, including The Humane Society of the U.S., was sent to Bush expressing "profound outrage" over the appointment.
"Bush sneaks Dorr into USDA post," Agriculture Online, Cheryl Rainford, August 7, 2002.
http://www.agriculture.com/default.sph/AgNews.class?FNC=goDetail__ANewsindex_html___48419___1
"Farm activists ask Bush to show Dorr the door," Agriculture Online News, August 21, 2002.
http://www.agriculture.com/default.sph/AgNews.class?FNC=goDetail__ANewsindex_html___48483___1
8. HEAT STRESS IMPACTS FARMED ANIMALS
Excessive heat causes physical and emotional stress to farmed animals and costs U.S. industry about $2.5 billion per year. Ohio State University researchers incorporated a temperature humidity index with 4 types of cooling systems to determine the optimal cooling system for each farmed animal species in every state. For cattle, evaporative cooling was found to be best but costly. Alternatively, USDA researchers suggest providing shade or shelter for them.
"Sweltering animals cost producers cold, hard cash," Ag Answers, August 16, 2002.
http://www.agriculture.purdue.edu/aganswers/2002/8-16_Sweltering_Animals.html
"Tips for Keeping Cattle Cool This Summer," Agricultural Research, David Elstein, 07/10/02.
http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/2002/020710.htm
9. CRUELTY CASES
More than 55,000 chickens suffocated to death in Kentucky after someone intentionally shut off ventilation to 3 sheds owned by Tyson Foods. Local citizens have complained about the Marion operation, and a public nuisance ordinance targeting it was enacted by the city in 2000.
A seriously ill pig at the University of Florida (UF) was euthanized after activists contacted the local media about her plight. A spokesperson for Animal Activists of Alachua (AAA) reported that the pig's snout was stuck in a gate and the immobilized but conscious pig was exhibiting seizures. The group contacted the media after UF officials and local police failed to assist the pig. The University said the pig had been ill for a week and, according to AAA, they were waiting for antibiotics to clear her system before sending her to slaughter. The pig was euthanized around midnight. The University's Animal Care Services Department has been on probation for 2 years.
"Thousands of chickens suffocate in Kentucky," The Spokesman-Review, August 10, 2002.
http://www.spokesmanreview.com/news-story.asp?date=081002&ID=s1197038&cat=section.Animals
"Area Animal Activists Alarmed Over Plight of Dying Pig," WCJB-TV20 News, 08/16.02.
http://www.wcjb.com/news.asp?id=3801
Animal Activists of Alachua news release, August 17, 2002.
10. FARMED ANIMAL ADVOCATES GO TO THE FAIR
Undaunted by their unfulfilled request for a "free speech designated area" at the California State Fair, animal advocates circulated their message among 4-H and FFA members there. Animal Place (AP) offered to provide lifetime care for animals being exhibited to save them from slaughter (see issue #78). AP's Kim Sturla explained that the children involved often regret sending the animals they've raised to slaughter but feel financial, parental and peer pressure to do so. A former 4-H member related that such activity desensitizes children to animal suffering. Prize animals can bring thousands of dollars, and the activists were not warmly received in a state where agriculture is a $29 billion industry. A 4-H spokesperson said the activists should have called the office rather than speak directly to the kids. Though no one accepted AP's offer, the activists plan to continue visiting local, county and state fairs on a regular basis.
"Treading new turf," Sacramento Bee, Cynthia Hubert, August 22, 2002.
http://www.sacbee.com/content/news/story/4083949p-5106998c.html
