Agnet Dec. 11/03
Genetically
engineered foods to remain unmarked
Smart GM
plants win CSIRO's top award
Genes,
trade, and regulation: The seeds of conflict in food biotechnology
NZ falling
behind EU on legal liability for GM
Clean
organic produce from Victoria – Naturally
Commission
fines members of organic peroxides cartel
PANUPS:
Resource Pointer #348 (Going organic: Transitioning yourfarm)
United
States standards for grades of sweet potatoes
United
States standards for grades of greenhouse tomatoes
Notice of
filing a pesticide petition to establish an exemption from the requirement of a
tolerance for a certain pesticide chemical in or on food
Bacillus
thuringiensis Cry2Ab2 protein and the genetic material necessary for its
production in cotton; Notice of filing a pesticide petition to amend a tolerance
exemption for a certain pesticide chemical in or on food
United
States standards for grades of frozen celery
United
States standards for grades of field grown leaf lettuce
how to subscribe
Genetically
engineered foods to remain unmarked
December 10, 2003
Haaretz Daily
Ora Coren
Isreali Industry and Trade Minister Ehud Olmert was cited as announcing
yesterday that he would not order that food produced using genetic modification
techniques be marked as such because there is no explicit evidence indicating
that genetically modified food constitutes a health threat, adding, "There
is no need to require that products whose production process or some of their
ingredients included genetic engineering be marked as such, as this additional
information will not serve the public in the least.”
The minister also announced his support for regulations recently recommended by
the Health Ministry with regard to testing, recording and approving genetically
modified species.
Smart
GM plants win CSIRO's top award
December 10, 2003
CSIRO
http://www.csiro.au/index.asp?type=mediaRelease&id=PrMedal03
Research that has led to new cotton varieties with increased yield and reduced
pesticide use has won this year's CSIRO Chairman's Medal.
Dr Gregory Constable and Dr Danny Llewellyn from CSIRO Plant Industry won the
medal for their contributions to the development and delivery of genetically
modified insect and herbicide resistant varieties for the Australian cotton
industry.
CSIRO Chairman, Ms Catherine Livingstone presented the medal at Discovery in
Canberra today.
The scientists introduced Monsanto gene constructs into CSIRO cotton varieties
which are marketed by the Australian company Cotton Seed Distributors.
Since its introduction in 1996, INGARD cotton has reduced insecticide use by 50
per cent where it is grown, and a new two-gene variety Bollgard II planted this
season is expected to reduce chemical use by a further 30 per cent.
"This medal recognises an outstanding contribution that has helped make our
valuable cotton industry more sustainable," Ms Livingstone said.
"Cotton growers now have varieties that offer substantial benefits to the
environment and local communities as a result of needing less pesticide, while
at the same time increasing yields."
Established in 1991, the CSIRO Chairman's Medal honours the very best in CSIRO
research. It is awarded to scientists who have carried out research and
development of national or international importance in the advancement of
scientific knowledge, technology application or commercialisation. To be
considered, the work must have been completed or gained scientific or industrial
recognition during the past five years and have been carried out predominantly
within CSIRO.
Australian Government Science Minister Peter McGauran presented the CSIRO Medals
for 2003 to:
- Team leader of the Engineered Polymers Team, Dr Ezio Rizzardo, accepted a
CSIRO medal for his team's world leading process that stands to revolutionise
the polymer industry. The new process (dubbed RAFT polymerisation) provides
complete control over the size and shape of polymer molecules and thereby offers
polymer scientists and technologists unprecedented flexibility in tailoring the
properties of polymeric materials.
- The Bushfire Behaviour and Management Team, led by Mr Phil Cheney, have made
an outstanding contribution to bushfire science and practice by identifying new
factors that determine how bushfires behave. The internationally-recognized
program, Project Vesta, is in its sixth year and helped coin the phrase 'Dead
Man Zone'. Firefighters have been trapped and burnt in bushfires when the fire
developed rapidly after a wind change due to previous models' underestimating
the potential speed of fire. If firefighters get too far away from the safety of
burnt ground behind a controlled section of fireline they may find themselves in
'The Deadman Zone' where there is not enough time to return to a safe refuge.
These findings have helped produce guidelines to improve the training and work
place safety of fire fighters around the world, along with increased community
safety and education.
- Molecular Genetics Group led by Dr. Bill Barendse for their work which has led
to the identification and commercialisation of the first diagnostic tests for
marbling in beef cattle, the primary determinant of price, and beef tenderness,
the primary factor in consumer preference. These represent the beginning of a
pipeline of genetic tests for economically important traits of livestock
species.
"Australia needs a vigorous and relevant CSIRO to support ideas and
innovation," Mr McGauran said.
"By recognising the talent and commitment of CSIRO scientists we confirm
the importance of science and innovation to Australia's future prosperity,"
Mr McGauran said.
CSIRO Chief Executive, Dr Geoff Garrett presented lifetime achievement medals to
Doug Cocks and Michael Freer. Doug Cocks for his trans-disciplinary methods to
pioneer and demonstrate multi-valued approaches to land use planning and
management; and the use of national-scale computerised data-bases for resource
policy analyses. Michael Freer is one of the pioneers of grazing systems science
in Australia and its application to help farmers manage their flocks and herds.
Mehrdad Baghai, Executive Director, Business Development and Commercialisation
for CSIRO, announced the winner of the Business Excellence Medal - the
Schering-Plough Business Development Team - led by team leader Dr Kevin
Winzenberg.
Genes,
trade, and regulation: The seeds of conflict in food biotechnology
December 2003
Publisher: Princeton University Press
Thomas Bernauer
http://pup.princeton.edu/titles/7665.html
Agricultural (or "green") biotechnology is a source of growing
tensions in the global trading system, particularly between the United States
and the European Union. Genetically modified food faces an uncertain future. The
technology behind it might revolutionize food production around the world. Or it
might follow the example of nuclear energy, which declined from a symbol of
socioeconomic progress to become one of the most unpopular and uneconomical
innovations in history.
This book provides novel and thought-provoking insights into the fundamental
policy issues involved in agricultural biotechnology. Thomas Bernauer explains
global regulatory polarization and trade conflict in this area. He then
evaluates cooperative and unilateral policy tools for coping with trade
tensions. Arguing that the tools used thus far have been and will continue to be
ineffective, he concludes that the risk of a full-blown trade conflict is high
and may lead to reduced investment and the decline of the technology. Bernauer
concludes with suggestions for policy reforms to halt this
trajectory--recommendations that strike a sensible balance between public-safety
concerns and private economic freedom--so that food biotechnology is given a
fair chance to prove its environmental, health, humanitarian, and economic
benefits.
This book will equip companies, farmers, regulators, NGOs, academics, students,
and the interested public--including both advocates and critics of green
biotechnology--with a deeper understanding of the political, economic, and
societal factors shaping the future of one of the most revolutionary
technologies of our times.
Thomas Bernauer is Professor of Political Science at the Swiss Federal Institute
of Technology (ETH) and a widely published author on international economic and
environmental issues.
Endorsements:
"Despite working from the same body of scientific assessments, governments
in Europe and North America have arrived at polar opposite conclusions about the
safety of genetically engineered foods--national differences that have magnified
into a global food fight. Where other studies of this problem wear blinders as
they attempt to brand novel foods 'good' or 'bad,' this refreshingly clinical
analysis instead trains the analytical tools of political science on the root
causes of regulatory polarization. Not only does Bernauer reveal why Europe and
America have arrived on opposite sides of the controversy--and why the gap is
likely to yawn further--he also offers a market-based strategy for accommodating
regulatory diversity in this era of globalization."--David G. Victor,
author of Collapse of the Kyoto Protocol
"Policymakers, scholars, and every citizen concerned about the future of
the environment, hunger, human health, and the world food supply should read
this book."--Ronald Mitchell, University of Oregon
"This book provides a clear and well-developed argument that the successful
development of the agricultural biotechnology sector depends on numerous
decisions that have yet to be taken and would require the alignment of research
and innovation strategies far more closely to consumer and regulatory
requirements than has hitherto been the case."--Erik Millstone, Science
Policy Research Unit, Sussex University
ISBN: 0691113483
Format: Hardcover, 224pp
Price: $39.50 / £26.95
NZ
falling behind EU on legal liability for GM
December 11, 2003
GE Free New Zealand Press Release
www.gefree.org.nz
New Zealand should follow the lead of Europe and establish legal liability of GM
food producers for contaminating other foods.
On Tuesday (see article below) MP’s from the EU called for the European
Commission to draw up new legislation which would require insurance cover
against costs associated with any GM crops contaminating GE-free supplies.
Last month New Zealand food producers were warned that some ingredients,
especially soy, were so contaminated that GE-free labeling was becoming
impossible. If allowed to continue this contamination would effectively deny
consumers the right to choose GE-free foods and undermine the proposals of the
Royal Commission on Genetic Modification.
In order to protect New Zealand’s agricultural sector, it is vital that
companies promoting GE release are required to have insurance and are liable for
damage to GE-free products.
Representatives from industry lobby-group ‘The Life Sciences Network’ claim
that they have never said separation of GE ingredients would be 100% nor that
consumers would be allowed to choose GE-free foods except with thresholds for
contamination.
“This makes a mockery of the Royal Commission’s backing of consumers’
rights to choose GE-free foods, and threatens our international exports,” says
Jon Carapiet from GE Free NZ in food and environment.
Liability and insurance is a basic requirement to encourage the biotech industry
to follow the Precautionary Principle and prevent contamination from ruining our
exports and denying New Zealanders the basic rights that consumers across the
world are demanding.
If the New Zealand government really wants the “ best regulatory system in the
world” to protect our economy and human rights, they should follow the lead of
EU parliamentarians, and legislate.
New Zealand should also withdraw its shameful support for the US case at the WTO
aimed at forcing GE foods onto the European market.
Clean
organic produce from Victoria – Naturally
July 20, 2003
Media release From the Minister for Agriculture
Victoria’s organic food industry has passed Australia’s most comprehensive
survey of certified organic and biodynamic produce with flying colours,
Agriculture Minister Bob Cameron announced today.
Mr Cameron said 100 percent of Victoria’s organic fruit and vegetables passed
when tested for pesticide residues, beating overseas competitors.
“This study could boost exports to high-value markets in a time of increasing
consumer concerns about food safety issues,” Mr Cameron said.
“The Victorian food industry has once again shown it is second to none when it
comes to quality.
“Nationally, the industry has grown from a retail market value in 1995 of $80
million to $165 million in 2001.
“This study is great news for Victoria’s food industry and great news for
consumers. These tests confirm the quality of Victoria’s certified organic
herbs, fruit and vegetables.
“The new data shows Victorian organically-certified produce has fewer
pesticide residues than conventional food crops, and fewer than found in organic
produce surveyed overseas.”
Mr Cameron said Victorian consumers have the enviable choice between world-class
organic produce and Victoria’s conventional produce, which has an impressive
99% record of meeting national food safety standards.
“Both conventional and organic Victorian produce are healthy choices. But if
you wish to minimise your dietary exposure to pesticides even further, you can
choose Victorian certified organic or biodynamic produce with confidence,” Mr
Cameron said.
“Victoria has more than 300 certified organic farms that supply a rapidly
growing market for organic and biodynamic produce in Australia and around the
world.
“Certification is the only guarantee for consumers wishing to purchase genuine
organic or biodynamic produce – so check the label to ensure that the
certifying organisation is identified.”
The chairman of the Organic Federation of Australia (OFA), Sid Cowling, welcomed
the results of the study.
“It proves what we have been saying for a long time – if you want to
minimise pesticides in your food, the best way is to buy certified organic fresh
produce,” Mr Cowling said.
“OFA congratulates the Victorian Government on conducting this study and urges
other states and territories to undertake similar research.”
The work involved collecting 300 one-kilogram samples of organically-certified
fruits, nuts, vegetables, herbs and some grains from Victorian wholesale outlets
between August 2002 and April 2003.
The samples were tested by the Department of Primary Industries’ State
Chemistry Laboratory for 50 different potential contaminants.
Commission
fines members of organic peroxides cartel
December 10, 2003
European Commission – Press Release
IP/03/1700
http://europa.eu.int/rapid/start/cgi/guesten.ksh?p_action.gettxt=gt&doc=IP/03/1700|0|RAPID&lg=en&display=
Brussels - In a decision adopted today, the European Commission has imposed
fines totalling nearly €70 million on Atofina, Peroxid Chemie, Laporte (now
known as Degussa UK Holdings), Perorsa and AC Treuhand AG for operating a cartel
in the market for organic peroxide products, a chemical used in the plastic and
rubber industries. This is the longest-lasting cartel ever uncovered by the
Commission and the fine would have been much higher had not Akzo, which also
participated in the price-fixing agreement, received full immunity for being the
first to confess its existence to the Commission. AC Treuhand is not a producer
but a Swiss-based consultancy company. Because it played a key role in the
cartel from the end of 1993, organising meetings and hiding incriminating
evidence, it was also found to have violated EU law.
According to the evidence gathered by the Commission, between January 1971 and
the end of 1999 the main producers of organic peroxides in Europe conspired to
raise prices and share out markets for organic peroxides, or double oxygen bond
organic chemical products for the production of plastic and rubber. The market
is worth around €250 million a year in the European Economic Area.
The cartel was founded by Akzo, Luperox (later absorbed by Atochem which, in the
meantime, has been renamed Atofina) and Peroxid Chemie.
Peroxidos Organicos (Perorsa) of Spain joined the cartel in 1975 and Laporte
(bought by Degussa and renamed as Degussa UK Ltd. in 2001) joined in 1992, after
it took full control of Peroxid Chemie.
With a total duration of 29 years, this is the longest-lasting cartel ever
uncovered by the Commission.
Swiss consultancy AC Treuhand played a key role in the cartel from 1993
organising meetings, often in Zurich, producing 'pink' and 'red' papers with the
agreed market shares which could not be taken outside AC Treuhand's premises and
even reimbursing the travel expenses of participants to avoid leaving any traces
about the illegal meetings.
The Commission found that the cartel was a very serious violation of Article
81(1) of the European Union Treaty and Article 53 of the EEA Agreement.
It imposed the following fines:
* Atofina S.A. €43.47 million
* Peroxid Chemie GmbH & Co KG. €8.83 million
* Degussa UK Holdings Ltd. and
Peroxid Chemie GmbH & Co KG (jointly and severally) €16.73 million
* Peroxidos Organicos S.A (Perorsa) € 0.5 million
* AC Treuhand AG €1,000
* Akzo (Akzo Nobel Polymer Chemicals B.V,
Akzo Nobel N.V, Akzo Nobel Chemicals International B.V) €0
The fines for Atofina, Degussa UK Holdings and Peroxid Chemie were increased
significantly to take into account that this is not the first time that they
have been caught in cartel agreements.
Atofina was involved in four other cartels before: Peroxygen products (Decision
of 23 November 1984) Polypropylene (Decision of 23 April 1986), LdPE (Decision
of 21 December 1988), PVC (Decisions of 21 December 1988 and of 27 July 1994).
Laporte (now Degussa UK Holdings) and Peroxid Chemie were also part of the
peroxygen cartel.
The sanction against AC Treuhand is limited in amount because of the novelty of
the approach. But the message is clear: organisers or facilitators of cartels,
not just the cartel members, must fear that they will be found and heavy
sanctions imposed from now on.
Akzo Nobel Chemicals was the first to approach the Commission in early 2000 with
decisive information on the cartel and, therefore, escaped a fine, according to
the Commission's 1996 Leniency Notice(1). The Commission enhanced its policy in
this respect in February 2002 (2002 Leniency Notice (2)) to further destabilise
and eradicate cartels.
Atochem (Atofina) also approached the Commission with information but could not
receive full immunity because it was not the first to do so. Instead it got a
reduction of the fine as did other participants for co-operating in the
Commission's investigation.
Background
When calculating fines in cartel cases the Commission takes account of the
gravity of the infringement, its duration and the existence of any aggravating
or mitigating circumstances. It also takes account of a company's share of the
market concerned and its overall size. The fine can never go beyond 10 percent
of a company's total annual turnover, as set out in the applicable Regulation.
Akzo and Atochem are the largest producers of organic peroxides in the world. In
Europe, Akzo's share is around 43 %, Atochem has around 25 %, Laporte has around
20 %. Perorsa has a market share of around 3% but is the market leader in Spain.
(1) HYPERLINK "http://europa.eu.int/comm/competition/antitrust/legislation/96c207_en.html"
http://europa.eu.int/comm/competition/antitrust/legislation/96c207_en.html
(2) HYPERLINK "http://europa.eu.int/comm/competition/antitrust/legislation/entente3_en"
http://europa.eu.int/comm/competition/antitrust/legislation/entente3_en Official
Journal J C 45 of 19 February 2002
PANUPS:
Resource Pointer #348 (Going organic: Transitioning yourfarm)
December 10, 2003
Pesticide Action Network Updates Service
http://www.panna.org/
For copies of the following resources, please contact the appropriate
publishers or organizations directly.
-
Organic Research Web site http://www.organic-research.com/. Provides subscribers
access to a database of over 120,000 scientific documents on organic agriculture
in both temperate and tropical climates. Site also offers research opportunities
to non-subscribers including links to farming education courses, farm web sites,
and organic farming legislation. A free email newsletter updates subscribers to
the latest news and research in organic agriculture. Subscription rates range
from $150 for personal subscription to $890 for 4 user corporate subscription.
Contact, Customer Services, CABI Publishing, CAB International, Wallingford,
Oxfordshire, OX10 8DE, UK; phone (44 14 9) 183-2111; fax (44 14 9) 182-9292;
email orders@cabi.org.
-
Opportunities in Agriculture: Transitioning to Organic Production, 2003
Sustainable Agriculture Network (SAN). Provides an overview of considerations to
be made before and during a transition to organic agriculture. Outlines the key
characteristics of a successful organic farmer and includes stories of
transitions to organic. Summarizes organic farming certification, transition
approaches, farming methods, and economic considerations associated with
transition to an organic production model. 32 pages. Available for free download
at: http://www.sare.org/bulletin/organic/. Contact UC SARE Program, 1 Shields
Avenue, Davis, CA 95616; hone (530) 752-7556; fax (530) 754-8550;
email sarep@ucdavis.edu; Web site http://www.sarep.ucdavis.edu/.
-
Organic Fruit Growing, 2003 K. Lind, G. Lafer, K. Schloffer, G. Immerhofer, and
H. Meister. Presents a step-by-step guide to planning, cultivating, maintaining,
processing, and marketing organic fruit. 281 pages. US $100.Contact CABI
Publishing, Wallingford OX10 8DE, United Kingdom; phone (44 01 49) 183-2111; fax
(44 01 49) 183-3508; email cabi@cabi.org; Web site http://www.cabi-publishing.org/.
-
Selling Directly to Restaurants and Retailers, 2003 Gail Feenstra, Jeri Ohmart,
and David Cheney, University of California (UC) Sustainable Agriculture Research
and Education Program (SARE). Presents the proceedings of a November, 2002
workshop discussing successful direct marketing strategies for sustainable
farmers. Provides a step-by-step guide to develop and maintain a sales
relationship with restaurants and retailers and a list of resources.
Available for free download at:
http://www.sarep.ucdavis.edu/cdpp/farmersmkt.htm. Contact UC SARE Program, 1
Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616; hone (530) 752-7556; fax (530) 754-8550;
email sarep@ucdavis.edu; Web site http://www.sarep.ucdavis.edu/.
-
Organic Farm Certification and the National Organic Program, 2002 George Kuepper.
Provides a summary of organic certification based on the National Organic
Program guidelines. Discusses the procedure necessary to achieve certification
and the associated costs. 7 pages. Available for free download at: http://attra.ncat.org/organic.html.
Contact Appropriate Technology Transfer for Rural Areas (ATTRA), National Center
for Appropriate Technology, 3040 Continental Drive, Butte, MT 59701; phone (406)
494-4572; fax (406)
949-2905; email info@ncat.org; Web site http://attra.ncat.org/.
United
States standards for grades of sweet potatoes
December 10, 2003
[Federal Register: (Volume 68, Number 237)]
[Page 68860]
[DOCID:fr10de03-35]
[Docket Number FV-04-302]
AGENCY: Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA.
ACTION: Notice.
SUMMARY: The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), prior to undertaking research
and other work associated with revising an official grade standard, is
soliciting comments on a possible revision to the United
States Standards for Grades of Sweet Potatoes. At a recent meeting of the Fruit
and Vegetable Industry Advisory Committee, AMS was asked to review all the fresh
fruit and vegetable grade standards for usefulness in serving the industry. As a
result, AMS has noted that the size requirements for sweet potatoes are complex
and may be difficult to apply. Therefore, AMS is soliciting comments on the
possible revision of the size requirements. Additionally, AMS is seeking
comments regarding any other revisions that may be necessary to better serve the
industry.
DATES: Comments must be received by February 9, 2004.
ADDRESSES: Interested persons are invited to submit written comments to the
Standardization Section, Fresh Products Branch, Fruit and Vegetable
Programs, Agricultural Marketing Service, U.S. Department of
Agriculture, 1400 Independence Ave., SW., Room 1661 South Building,
Stop 0240, Washington, DC 20250-0240; Fax (202) 720-8871, E-mail FPB.DocketClerk@usda.gov.
Comments should make reference to the dates and page number of this issue of the
Federal Register and will be made available for public inspection in the above
office during regular business hours.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: David L. Priester, at the above address or call
(202) 720-2185; E-mail: David.Priester@usda.gov.
United
States standards for grades of greenhouse tomatoes
December 10, 2003
[Federal Register: (Volume 68, Number 237)]
[Page 68859-68860]
[DOCID:fr10de03-34]
[Docket Number FV-04-301]
AGENCY: Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA.
ACTION: Notice.
SUMMARY: The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), prior toundertaking research
and other work associated with revising official grade standards, is soliciting
comments on the petition to revise the United
States Standards for Grades of Greenhouse Tomatoes. At a recent meeting of the
Fruit and Vegetable Industry Advisory Committee, AMS was asked to review all
fresh fruit and vegetable grade standards for usefulness in serving the
industry. As a result, AMS has noted that the method for determining percentages
of defects and size classifications for greenhouse tomatoes needs to be revised
to stay in line with current marketing practices. Additionally, AMS is seeking
comments regarding any other revisions that may be necessary to better serve the
industry.
DATES: Comments must be received by February 9, 2004.
ADDRESSES: Interested persons are invited to submit written comments to the
Standardization Section, Fresh Products Branch, Fruit and Vegetable
Programs, Agricultural Marketing Service, U.S. Department of
Agriculture, 1400 Independence Ave., SW., Room 1661, South Building,
Stop 0240, Washington, DC 20250-0240; fax (202) 720-8871, e-mail FPB.DocketClerk@usda.gov.
Comments should make reference to the dates and page number of this issue of the
Federal Register and will be made available for public inspection in the above
office during regular business hours.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: David L. Priester, at the above address, or
call (202) 720-2185; e-mail David.Priester@usda.gov.
Notice
of filing a pesticide petition to establish an exemption from the requirement of
a tolerance for a certain pesticide chemical in or on food
December 10, 2003
[Federal Register: (Volume 68, Number 237)]
[Page 68915-68919]
[DOCID:fr10de03-81]
[OPP-2003-0351; FRL-7332-7]
AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Notice.
SUMMARY: This notice announces the initial filing of a pesticide petition
proposing the establishment of regulations for residues of a certain pesticide
chemical in or on various food commodities.
DATES: Comments, identified by docket identification (ID) number OPP-
2003-0351, must be received on or before January 9, 2004.
ADDRESSES: Comments may be submitted electronically, by mail, or through hand
delivery/courier. Follow the detailed instructions as provided in Unit I. of the
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Leonard Cole, Biopesticides and
Pollution Prevention Division (7511C), Office of Pesticide Programs,
Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW.,
Washington, DC 20460-0001; telephone number: (703) 305.5412; e-mail address:
cole.leonard@epa.gov.
Bacillus
thuringiensis Cry2Ab2 protein and the genetic material necessary for its
production in cotton; Notice of filing a pesticide petition to amend a tolerance
exemption for a certain pesticide chemical in or on food
December 10, 2003
[Federal Register: (Volume 68, Number 237)]
[Page 68911-68915]
[DOCID:fr10de03-80]
[OPP-2003-0361; FRL-7336-2]
AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Notice.
SUMMARY: This notice announces the initial filing of a pesticide petition
proposing the establishment of regulations for residues of a certain pesticide
chemical in or on various food commodities.
DATES: Comments, identified by docket ID number OPP-2003-0361, must be received
on or before January 9, 2004.
ADDRESSES: Comments may be submitted electronically, by mail, or through hand
delivery/courier. Follow the detailed instructions as provided in Unit I. of the
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Leonard Cole, Biopesticides and
Pollution Prevention Division (7511C), Office of Pesticide Programs,
Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW.,
Washington, DC 20460-0001; telephone number: (703) 305-5412; e-mail address:
cole.leonard@epa.gov.
United
States standards for grades of frozen celery
December 10, 2003
[Federal Register: (Volume 68, Number 237)]
[Page 68858-68859]
[DOCID:fr10de03-33]
[Doc. No. FV-04-328]
AGENCY: Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA.
ACTION: Notice.
SUMMARY: The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) of the Department of
Agriculture (USDA) is establishing the United States Standards for Grades of
Frozen Celery. USDA received a petition from a grower and a processor of celery
to create grade standards for frozen celery that will include a description of
the product, style, sample unit size, grades, ascertaining the grade by sample,
and ascertaining the grade by lot. The standard is intended to provide a common
language for trade, and a means of measuring value in the marketing of frozen
celery.
EFFECTIVE DATE: January 9, 2004.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Karen L. Kaufman, Processed Products Branch,
Fruit and Vegetable Programs, Agricultural Marketing Service, U.S. Department of
Agriculture, STOP 0247, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20250-0247;
fax (202) 690-1087; or e-mail karen.kaufman@usda.gov.
United
States standards for grades of field grown leaf lettuce
December 10, 2003
[Federal Register: (Volume 68, Number 237)]
[Page 68858]
[DOCID:fr10de03-32]
Docket Number FV-04-303]
AGENCY: Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA.
ACTION: Notice.
SUMMARY: The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), prior to undertaking research
and other work associated with creating an official grade standard, is
soliciting comments on the petition to create the United States Standards for
Grades of Field Grown Leaf Lettuce. At a recent meeting of the Fruit and
Vegetable Industry Advisory Committee, AMS was asked to review all the fresh
fruit and vegetable grade standards for usefulness in serving the industry and
identify commodities that may be better served if a grade standard was
developed. As a result, AMS has noted that the industry is interested in the
creation of standards for field grown leaf lettuce.
DATES: Comments must be received by February 9, 2004.
ADDRESSES: Interested persons are invited to submit written comments to the
Standardization Section, Fresh Products Branch, Fruit and Vegetable
Programs, Agricultural Marketing Service, U.S. Department of
Agriculture, 1400 Independence Ave. SW., Room 1661 South Building, Stop
0240, Washington, DC 20250-0240, fax (202) 720-8871, E-mail
FPB.DocketClerk@usda.gov. Comments should make reference to the dates and page
number of this issue of the Federal Register and will be made available for
public inspection in the above office during regular business hours.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: David L. Priester, at the above address or call
(202) 720-2185, e-mail David.Priester@usda.gov.
Agnet is produced by the Food Safety Network at
the University of Guelph and is sponsored by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture
and Food, Plants Program at the University of Guelph, Agricultural Adaptation
Council (CanAdapt Program), AGCare, Canadian Council of Grocery Distributors,
ConAgra Foods, Inc., Pioneer Hi-Bred Limited (Canada), Ag-West Biotech, Inc.,
Monsanto Canada, Meat and Livestock Australia, National Pork Board, Pew
Initiative on Food and Biotechnology, Syngenta Seeds, Inc., Council for
Biotechnology Information, Canadian Animal Health Institute, Croplife Canada,
Syngenta Seeds Canada, Inc., Canadian Food Information Council, Saskatchewan
Agriculture, Food and Rural Revitalization, JIFSAN, National Cattlemen's Beef
Association, National Food Processors Association, Ontario Agri-Food
Technologies, Institute of Environmental Science and Research, Ltd., BC Ministry
of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries, Feedlot Health Management Services, Syngenta
Crop Protection, Ontario Corn Producers' Association, DuPont Canada, Inc.,
Office of Consumer Affairs, Burger King, Sobeys Ontario, McCain Produce Inc.,
Canadian Institute for Food Inspection and Regulation, Canadian Wheat Board,
National Meat Association, Seminis Vegetable Seeds, Ontario Soybean Growers,
Bunge, Ltd., UC Davis Biotechnology Program, Consumer Federation of America
Foundation, Optibrand, University of Idaho Department of Microbiology, Molecular
Biology and Biochemistry, Tactix Government Consulting, Inc., Plant Bioscience
Ltd., CanAmera Foods, Hospitality Institute of Technology and Management, Inc.,
Hartono and Company, Agri Business Group, Inc., and Global Public Affairs.
To subscribe to the html version of Agnet (subscription is free), send mail to:
listserv@listserv.uoguelph.ca
leave subject line blank
in the body of the message type:
subscribe agnet-L firstname lastname
i.e. subscribe agnet-L Doug Powell
(replace agnet-L with agnettext to subscribe to the text version of agnet)
To unsubscribe to the html version of Agnet, send mail to:
listserv@listserv.uoguelph.ca
leave subject line blank
in the body of the message type:
signoff agnet-L
(replace agnet-L with agnettext to unsubscribe to the text version of agnet)
For more information about the Agnet research program, please contact:
Dr. Douglas Powell
Associate Professor
dept. of plant agriculture
University of Guelph
Guelph, Ont.
N1G 2W1
tel: 519-824-4120 x54280
cell: 519-835-3015
fax: 519-763-8933
dpowell@uoguelph.ca
http://www.foodsafety.ksu.edu
The Food Safety Network's bilingual toll-free line for obtaining food safety
information: 1-866-50-FSNET (1-866-503-7638)
archived at "http://131.104.74.73:96/agnet-archives.htm