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| VOLUME
62 NO. 5— November-December 2003
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| The final two months of the year were marked by a celebration of agency anniversaries, a trip to Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, and Iraq in mid-November, and a promising year-end update on USDA accomplishments. |
Ezra Taft Benson: On November 4, Secretary Ann M. Veneman celebrated the 50th anniversary of Agriculture Secretary Ezra Taft Benson’s tenure under President Dwight D. Eisenhower.
“One of the first things he did was reorganize the Department, getting closer to the notion of today’s mission areas,” Veneman said. “For instance, he moved the Agriculture Conservation Program out of the Production and Marketing Administration and into the Soil Conservation Service, or what is now the Natural Resources Conservation Service.
“Secretary Benson oversaw the creation of the Foreign Agricultural Service, and we celebrated its 50th anniversary on this Patio just this year, earlier this year, as well. He established the Agricultural Marketing Service and the Agricultural Research Service. He helped create the Soil Bank to put production and demand in better line and promoted basic conservation,” she said.
“In the landmark year of 1956, the Conservation Reserve Program came into existence as part of the Soil Bank Act, later followed by the Acreage Reserve. That was also the year that the Rural Development Program began.
Secretary Benson expanded agricultural exports and a purchase program to remove excess commodities from the markets, and he helped to oversee the beginning of the surplus disposal program in international markets that became Public Law 480, named Food for Peace by President Eisenhower.
“When he left office, he was asked about his work on behalf of American agriculture. After all the policy and legislative debates, after serving a President for two terms, after meeting with countless foreign leaders, he said his work as a county agent gave him the greatest satisfaction. ‘Helping boys and girls grow up to be good farmers and good citizens,’ he said, ‘assisting neighbors to improve their fields, their livestock, their marketing, and their homes.’ Those words speak volumes about Ezra Taft Benson,” Veneman said.
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| Secretary Ann
M. Veneman interacts with a group of children in northern
Iraq, during her visit to that country in mid-November. --Photo by Alisa Harrison |
“In response to your question about what would help agriculture in Iraq, one of the things that was most needed was information on current farming practices, research, better laboratory equipment for agriculture-related laboratories, and repair of water and irrigation systems in certain parts of the country.
“Having been to a college in Iraq, we discussed partnerships among U.S. colleges and universities and those in Iraq. Agriculture remains a very important industry in Iraq. While many people do not believe that Iraq would have much agriculture, it is indeed a country rich in natural resources and water and a prime agriculture region. It is home to the Tigris and Euphrates rivers which many call the birthplace of modern agriculture,” Veneman said.
Later in the month Secretary Veneman commended Daniel Amstutz for his tenure as senior advisor for agriculture in Iraq. Amstutz, a former under secretary for international affairs and commodity programs, is returning to the private sector. Lloyd Harbert, a career Foreign Agricultural Service officer currently serving in Baghdad, will now coordinate USDA activities in the country.
“Food Safety And Food Security: What Consumers Need To Know”: That’s the title of a new USDA publication developed by the Food Safety and Inspection Service that provides useful tips for safe food preparation and for keeping food safe from contamination. It answers the following questions and more: “Do you know what to do or who to call to report possible food tampering? Do you know how long to safely keep canned tomatoes, versus meat and vegetables? What are the right temperatures for cooking chicken, beef, and lamb? And do you know the four food-handling rules to minimize the chances you or your family will experience foodborne illness?” The 15-page reference manual is available in English or Spanish from FSIS.
Salmonella In Meat Drops Markedly: Over the past six years the incidence of Salmonella in raw meat and poultry dropped 66 percent--and in 2003 it was down 16 percent from a year earlier. Under Secretary for Food Safety Elsa Murano attributed the decline to “strong, science-based enforcement of food safety rules.”
Three Grants Will Promote Native American Participation In USDA Programs: Secretary Veneman marked National American Indian/Alaskan Native Heritage Month by announcing $440,000 in competitive grants to three organizations under USDA’s Native American Outreach Program. They are Langston University in Oklahoma, the Indian Nations Conservation Alliance in Montana, and the College of Menominee Nation in Wisconsin. “During this time, we celebrate the rich cultural traditions and proud ancestry of American Indians and Alaskan Natives,” Veneman said. “We recognize the vital contributions these groups have made to the strength and diversity of our society.”
Year-End Update On Key Issues: On December 4, Secretary Veneman said that farm income and agricultural exports should stay strong in 2004 and consumer prices are expected to remain steady. Net cash farm income in 2003 will be at a record high, rebounding sharply from 2002 and above long-term averages. Net cash farm income is forecast to be $65 billion, up 33 percent from 2002, she said. For the complete review go to http://www.usda.gov/news/releases/2003/12/0408.htm •