Farmers' Market Week challenge: Eat local foods.

by Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer

Farmers’ Market Week starts on Saturday and runs through the following Saturday. Many of Kentucky’s 120 farmers’ markets have special events scheduled during the week to mark the occasion. I’d like to celebrate the week with a challenge to you: Eat local foods.

This is prime time for locally grown fruits and vegetables in the Commonwealth. Kentucky Proud producers also raise mouth-watering meats and produce a wide array of sauces, salsas, mixes, baked goods, beverages and many other fine products. You can find Kentucky Proud foods at farmers’ markets as well as roadside farm markets, groceries, restaurants and state parks.

Take a day to see how much of your food you can buy from right here in Kentucky. A sample menu might be farm-fresh eggs and Kentucky country ham in the morning, a salad with local vegetables for lunch, and a hearty dinner of Kentucky Proud beef. What foods do you like, and how many of them are produced in Kentucky? You may be surprised at the variety and quality Kentucky producers have to offer.

When you serve local Kentucky Proud foods to your family, you can be confident that you know where that food came from. In a time when almost every day brings a new food safety alert, that’s more important than ever. You also will have the satisfaction of keeping your food dollars in the Kentucky economy and helping Kentucky farm families stay on the farm.

For more information about the Kentucky Department of Agriculture's farmers' market program, including a directory of Kentucky farmers' markets, click here.

To find out more about Kentucky Proud, click here.

For locations of Kentucky Farm Bureau roadside farm markets, click here.

Afghan Officials Learn Weights and Measures Regulation in Virginia

As gas prices have risen in the United States, so have complaints about gasoline pumps. Employees with the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) have been particularly busy responding to complaints, as well as inspecting weighing and measuring devices to ensure consumers that a gallon pumped is a gallon received. In the rare cases where consumers aren’t receiving full value, VDACS takes corrective action. But what do consumers do when the weights and measures infrastructure in their country has been dismantled by years of war?

“That’s the situation in Afghanistan right now,” says Todd Haymore, VDACS Commissioner. “I am so pleased that some of our employees were able to help train Afghan engineers who came to the United States to learn how to develop and maintain a system to regulate weighing and measuring devices.” The country recently established the Afghan National Standardization Authority (ANSA). Its goal is to develop the necessary infrastructure for weights and measures standards, metrology and related quality assurance programs in order to establish a strong foundation for industrial development and economic growth.

This summer an ANSA team is in the United States to learn how the U.S. establishes standards, provides certification and manages a regulatory system in the priority areas of food safety, pharmaceuticals, petroleum products, weights and measures, and construction material standards and regulations. A two-man team, Mohammad Reza Khademi and Mujuibullah Qasem, was in Virginia the week of July 21 to learn about legal metrology, which concerns the regulation of weighing and measuring instruments used in commercial transactions.

While in Hanover County, the Afghan officials were able to observe, ask questions and take notes about gas pump inspections, motor fuel quality analysis and other aspects of weights and measures regulation. VDACS inspectors demonstrated how to check a pump for accuracy to ensure that a gallon pumped is a gallon received, how to seal off a malfunctioning pump, how to collect motor fuel samples for lab analysis and more. They also explained how test devices used in Virginia are calibrated to national and international standards. The ANSA team reported that the things they learned will help them establish weights and measures services to provide consumer protection and promote fair competition in Afghanistan.

“The role we’re playing is small,” concluded Commissioner Haymore, “but significant. It will help Afghanistan in its rebuilding efforts, and I am proud that our VDACS employees had this opportunity to meet face-to-face with their counterparts from another country.”

Governor's Chef challenges Virginians to Eat Local for a Day

Jason Babson, chef to Virginia Governor Timothy M. Kaine and the First Family, challenges all Virginians to Eat Local for a Day during Virginia Farmers Market Week, August 3 – 9. Babson is leading the charge for a challenge issued by the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) to pick a day during Farmers Market Week and on that day, eat only products from Virginia for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks.

Part II of the challenge is to make a video of what you ate, where you bought it and how much you enjoyed it. Send it to EatLocalVa@vdacs.virginia.gov by September 2, 2008 for a chance to win a deluxe Virginia prize pack and to see your video featured on VDACS’ Web site and YouTube. Look for complete details at http://www.virginiagrown.com/, where you will also find locations to purchase or pick-your-own Virginia Grown fruits and vegetables, a produce availability chart, great recipes and much more. Find a listing of Virginia processed foods at www.vdacs.virginia.gov/food&beverage/index.shtml.

Take your pick from the delicious array of Virginia Grown and locally made foods and beverages available at farmers markets, roadside stands and pick-your-own farms, as well as grocery and specialty stores. The list of possibilities includes Virginia fruits, vegetables, wine, candies, cheeses, condiments, pasta, poultry, seafood, snacks, honey, herbs, meats, jams, eggs, dairy products, baked goods and more.

“First Lady Anne Holton encourages me to buy locally every week,” said Babson, “so this challenge adds an interesting dimension to a well-established habit. I encourage all Virginians to eat local for a day and submit your video, but don’t stop there. Make delicious Virginia products a part of your meal-planning all year long.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
For more information contact:Bill Clary
(502) 564-4696

FRANKFORT, Ky. — The Kentucky Department of Agriculture’s exhibits will be located along a new section of “Main Street Kentucky” inside the Kentucky Exposition Center at the 104th Kentucky State Fair Aug. 14-24 in Louisville.

Agriculture information booths and two of the most popular displays, the chick hatch and the kid-popular replica tractor cab, have been moved near the center of South Wing B. This year’s theme is “The Kentucky Department of Agriculture: Working for You.”

“We hope the change will expose some fairgoers who may not have visited our exhibits in the past to our message of how important agriculture is to their everyday lives,” Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer said.

The KDA’s exhibits in the West Wing again will feature its one-of-a-kind rollover tractor simulator and booths representing the Kentucky Proud marketing program and KDA’s Department of Consumer and Environmental Protection, which invites fairgoers to handle Madagascar hissing cockroaches. Also back for the second straight year will be confection vendors selling candies and cookies, along with the annual exhibits of fruits, vegetables, bees, tobacco, hay and grain; and a second chick hatch.

KDA staff will work the livestock shows, check health papers for all animals competing in the shows, spray for mosquitoes and inspect amusement rides for safety.

Hungry fairgoers can enjoy homegrown food in the Great Kentucky Cookout Tent, located between the Pavilion and Broadbent Arena, and purchase Kentucky Proud products under a tent near the midway.

The state fair will kick off Aug. 14 with the Commodity Breakfast, an annual salute to Kentucky’s farm commodity organizations. The champion youth country ham will be auctioned at the Commodity Breakfast, and the grand champion ham will be auctioned for charity at the Kentucky Farm Bureau Country Ham Breakfast on Aug. 21.

The World’s Championship Horse Show, attracting more than 2,000 horses and people from all over the world and awarding more than $1 million in premiums, is Aug. 17-23 at Freedom Hall. The State Fair Miniature Horse Show on Aug. 21-23 is free and open to the public.

Through midnight Aug. 13, fairgoers can purchase discount tickets online at www.kystatefair.org at $5 for adults and $2 for children ages 3-12 and seniors 55 and over, a savings of $3 per adult and $2 per child/senior compared to admission at the gate. The discounts are also available with a Kroger Plus card at Kroger stores throughout Kentucky and southern Indiana beginning July 6. Parking is $6 per vehicle.

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Visit KDA's Show and Fair Promotion Division here.

Visit the Kentucky State Fair here.

Commissioner Farmer invites Kentuckians to celebrate Farmers’ Market Week.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, July 28, 2008
For more information contact:Bill Clary
(502) 564-4696



FRANKFORT, Ky. — Farmers’ market customers can enjoy live music, cooking demonstrations, children’s activities and other attractions to go with Kentucky Proud foods at their favorite markets during Farmers’ Market Week Aug. 2-9.

First Lady Jane Beshear and Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer will commemorate the week at the Lexington Farmers’ Market Aug. 5 at noon. Several other markets have scheduled special activities during the week to honor Kentucky’s 120 farmers’ markets. The celebration is sponsored by the Kentucky Farmers’ Market Association.

“Farmers’ markets are a great source of fresh Kentucky Proud fruits and vegetables,” Commissioner Farmer said. “Many also sell canned goods, meat, dairy products, crafts, flowers and other products. Those products are made close to home by your friends and neighbors. I invite all Kentuckians to go to your local farmers’ market and see what all the excitement is about.”

On Aug. 2, Paducah’s Downtown Farmers’ Market will stage a scavenger hunt for kids and cooking demonstrations for adults. Customers at the Northern Kentucky Regional Farmers’ Market can enjoy a bluegrass band, a beekeeping demonstration, pony rides, a magician and other activities. Local chefs will compete in a cook off at the Beechmont Open Air Market in Louisville using items from the market. The Lawrence County Farmers’ Market will host cook offs for youths and adults.

The Phoenix Hill Farmers’ Market in Louisville will offer live music, cooking demonstrations, children’s activities and special customer appreciation gifts for everyone who spends more than $10 at the market during its Farmers’ Market Week festival Aug. 5 from 3-6:30 p.m.

The Rockcastle County Farmers’ Market customer appreciation event will be held Aug. 6 in conjunction with the Brodhead Little World’s Fair. Vouchers for produce will be distributed to customers. Pressure canning equipment will be given away and tested, and information on pressure canning will be offered.

On Aug. 9, 4-H members will display their projects at the Woodford County Farmers’ Market.

Kentucky’s farmers’ markets rang up more than $8 million in sales last year despite an April freeze and a summer drought.

Many other markets are planning Farmers’ Market Week activities. For more information, go to the Kentucky Farmers’ Market Association Web site, www.kentuckyfarmersmarket.org.

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For more information about the Kentucky Department of Agriculture's farmers' market program, click here.


Here is the complete list of Kentucky Farmers' Markets.


Visit Kentucky Proud here.

Granholm Visits Capitol Farmers' Market, Underscores Benefits of Supporting Local Economy

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 24, 2008
Contact: Jennifer Holton, MDA
517-241-2485 or holtonj@michigan.gov

LANSING - Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today visited the "Buy Fresh, Buy Local - Select Michigan" farmers' market on the State Capitol lawn to underscore the benefits of purchasing local agricultural products. Granholm said supporting local farmers' markets is a great way to ensure that money stays in Michigan and, in some cases, can be a money-saver for the consumer since local products aren't being shipped long distances, which can increase fuel costs that are passed along to shoppers.

"Buying locally means consumers receive fresher, high-quality foods, and these local purchases support local farmers, agri-businesses, rural communities, and Michigan's economy," Granholm said. "In fact, if every Michigan household spent just $10 per week on Michigan-produced food, it would generate nearly $40 million each and every week in economic activity."

In her efforts to help citizens save money in the face of a tight economy, Granholm encouraged citizens to visit the SaveMoney feature on the state Web site, which offers an easy way to find a u-pick or farmers' market location based on product, county, or region. Earlier this month, Granholm unveiled the new feature that combines information from throughout state government into one, easy-to-find location at www.michigan.gov/savemoney to help Michigan citizens save money.

Michigan grows more than 200 agricultural commodities, making it the second-most diverse state in the nation and generating $63.7 billion for the state. Michigan has more than 160 community farmers' markets statewide, with more starting every season as the demand for local products grows.

"Farmers' markets are an excellent way to experience the freshness, variety, and value of products grown and produced in our state," said Don Koivisto, Michigan Department of Agriculture (MDA) director. "So, make sure to visit your local farmers' market to purchase more tasty Michigan products."

More than 50 Michigan farmers and specialty food and agriculture producers displayed and sold their wares at the market. Patrons were able to purchase a wide variety of products from fresh Michigan fruits and vegetables to jams, honey, maple syrup, lamb, fresh baked goods, wool products, Lake Superior whitefish, and more. Farmers also sold a wide variety of cut flowers, annuals, perennials, and herbs.

This event is the first of three special farmers' markets planned this year to promote the benefits of local foods. Special markets will also be held August 22 at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit and on "Select Michigan Day" at the State Capitol in Lansing on September 18.

This is the fourth year a Michigan farmers' market has been held at the Capitol. It was sponsored by MDA's Select Michigan Program and the Michigan Food & Farming Systems with funding from the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service, and additional support from the Michigan Farmers Market Association and the Food Bank Council of Michigan.

For more information regarding the Michigan Farmers' Market Association, visit www.farmersmarkets.msu.edu. Information about the Select Michigan Program can be found at http://www.selectmichigan.org/.

Jeanne Lipe, MDA development specialist, at 517-373-9790 can answer questions concerning the upcoming special farmers' markets in Detroit and Lansing.
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Commissioner Farmer says FDA must speed up salmonella investigation.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
For more information contact:Bill Clary
(502) 564-4696


FRANKFORT, Ky. — Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer today demanded that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration speed up its investigation into the salmonella outbreak that has sickened more than 1,200 people nationwide. He said the agency is harming farmers whose products are not involved in the outbreak, as it did when it implicated tomatoes in June.

Last week the FDA advised consumers to avoid eating raw jalapeno peppers or foods made with raw jalapeno peppers after a single pepper tested positive for Salmonella Saintpaul. The pepper came from a produce distribution center in McAllen, Texas, and was traced back to a farm in Mexico.

“There is no evidence that any peppers grown in Kentucky are contaminated,” Commissioner Farmer said. “The FDA again has issued overly broad advice to consumers that will have severe consequences for growers. We know of one Kentucky farm family that lost a contract to sell jalapeno peppers to a major retailer because of the FDA’s guidance, and now they’re in danger of going out of business, even though they grew their peppers under Good Agricultural Practices guidelines and there is nothing connecting their products to this outbreak.”

Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) is a program to educate fruit and vegetable growers and processors on best practices for growing, transporting and handling produce to minimize the risk of food contamination. The state and the University of Kentucky launched GAP last year. Since then, 855 Kentucky producers have been trained on GAP principles.

In June, the FDA advised consumers to avoid eating certain tomatoes in an attempt to stem the outbreak. As a result, produce buyers stopped buying tomatoes from Florida, resulting in an estimated $100 million loss to that state’s tomato industry. Since then the FDA has changed its advice to say that tomatoes now available in the domestic market are not involved in the outbreak.

Kentucky Proud fruits and vegetables are available at farmers’ markets, roadside stands, Kentucky state resort parks and some grocery stores and supermarkets.

Texas Agriculture Commissioner Announces "Operation Spotlight" Results

Texas Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples held a press conference in Austin Tuesday to announce the results of “Operation Spotlight.” The investigation into Petroleum Wholesale, L.P.’s fuel stations, who operates under the name Sunmart, found numerous gas stations have cheated Texas consumers by giving them less fuel than they purchased.

Commissioner Staples initiated “Operation Spotlight” after becoming aware of some egregious violation patterns that pointed to the possibility of Sunmart intentionally shortchanging Texas drivers. The three-day operation ended on Sunday, July 20, with the following results:

· 990 of Sunmart’s 1,704 fuel pumps cheated consumers (58 percent)
· 47 Sunmart stations cheated customers on more than half of their pumps
· 15 of those 47 stations had every single pump cheating drivers.
· TDA shut down all of the non-compliant pumps.


While the investigation remains ongoing, TDA estimates the company could be fined more than $100,000 as a result of their irresponsible actions.

Besides Texas, Petroleum Wholesale, L.P. operates Sunmart fuel stations in Oklahoma, Kansas, Colorado, Utah and Arizona. Commissioner Staples has alerted regulatory officials in these states to inform them of this investigation.


News coverage of "Operation Spotlight"

KEYE - Austin, TX July 22, 2008

WFAA - Dallas, TX July 22, 2008

KTRK - Houston, TX July 22, 2008

KXAN - Austin, TX July 22, 2008

KTBC - Austin, TX July 22, 2008

KDFW - Austin, TX July 22, 2008

Houston Chronicle - Austin, TX July 22, 2008

Kentucky's CPH-45 program joins Kentucky Proud.

"We believe CPH-45 and Kentucky Proud make excellent partners," Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer said...more.

Kentucky Agricultural Heritage Center will tell the story of farming in Kentucky.

Top: From right, Governor Steve Beshear, Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer, and State House of Representatives Agriculture and Small Business Committee Chairman Tom McKee (D-Cynthiana) present a symbolic check representing the state's contribution to the building of the Kentucky Agricultural Heritage Center. (Chris Aldridge photo). Bottom: Artist's rendering of the center, to be built in Mercer County.

International marketing expert named to help Kentucky companies export to Mexico.

Silvia Alonso

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, July 10, 2008
For more information contact:

Ted Sloan
(502) 564-4696
Mandy Lambert
(502) 564-7670

FRANKFORT, Ky. — An experienced international trade specialist is the new director of Kentucky’s trade office in Mexico.

Silvia Alonso began work July 1. She is working under a contractual agreement between the state and Global Business Partners Mexico, of which Alonso and Efren Flores are co-founders. The Mexico trade office is a joint venture of the Kentucky Department of Agriculture and the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development.

“Silvia Alonso brings valuable experience to this important position,” Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer said. “With a weak dollar, this is an opportune time for Kentucky producers to look at expanding their markets beyond our borders. I am pleased to have someone with Ms. Alonso’s qualifications to help our producers sell more fine Kentucky Proud products in Mexico.”

“We are pleased to have Global Business Partners Mexico and Ms. Alonso represent the Commonwealth in Mexico,” said John Hindman, secretary of the Cabinet for Economic Development. “Their track record of generating business opportunities and closing deals with both public agencies and private sector enterprises will go far in ensuring the continued growth of Kentucky exports into Mexico.”

“I am very excited to have the opportunity to develop new business opportunities for Kentucky companies,” Alonso said. “I hope more Kentucky businesses will think globally and start with Mexico.”

Alonso, 31, previously worked for Pennsylvania’s Mexico trade office, where she worked with some 200 Pennsylvania businesses on market research, business assistance, customs and tariff assistance, cooperation agreements with federal and state governments, and market entry strategies. She holds a master’s degree in administration and marketing and an undergraduate degree in international business.
Global Business Partners Mexico provides professional consulting services to foreign companies seeking to market their products or services in Mexico and Latin America.

The Kentucky Agricultural and Commercial Trade office, based in Guadalajara, provides Kentucky companies with market research, trade leads, business appointments, and exhibit space at the main trade shows in Mexico. The office also provides Kentucky companies advice and support to open new markets throughout Mexico. The state has maintained an international trade office in Guadalajara since 1997.

Mexico is Kentucky’s third-largest trading partner, after Canada and France. Exports from Kentucky to Mexico in 2007 totaled $1.4 billion, of which exports of agricultural products were $30.5 million. Total exports for the first quarter of 2008 were $305 million, including $11.3 million from agricultural products.

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For more information on Kentucky's trade office in Guadalajara, Mexico, click here.

For more information on the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, click here.

For more information on Kentucky Proud, click here.

For more information on the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development, click here.

Texas Agriculture Commissioner Featured on FOX News Channel

With gas prices at an all time high, it's important consumers only pay for the gasoline they actually receive. That's why the Texas Department of Agriculture wants to educate drivers on what to look for when fueling up. If you have a 20 gallon tank and you pump 22 gallons you maybe getting shortchanged. Also if you are filling up and you notice the readout charges you before you ever put fuel into your vehicle that is called "pump jumping" and it is illegal.

TDA take all complaints very seriously because we believe one cheated consumer, is one too many. Texas Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples talked about his recent experience of being overcharged during an interview with Alexis Glick on Your World with Neil Cavuto on Fox News Channel Wednesday.

You can watch the clip here:


Click here to read the transcript.

USA Today article quoting COSDAnauts

Check out the July 1 issue of USA Today for the article called "More motorists blame the pump":
http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2008-06-30-gaspumpcomplaints_N.htm or copied below. It quotes several state information directors, from Departments of Agriculture and other agencies.

By Andrew Seaman, USA TODAY
As gas prices continue to rise, so do the number of calls to state complaint lines about problems with gas pumps.

Despite the increase in consumer complaints about pump accuracy, state Department of Agriculture weight and measurement officials say the number of problem pumps is no higher today than it was a year ago.

A USA TODAY review found that Maryland, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina and Washington received about twice as many complaints in May compared with the same month in 2007. Florida, Maine, Oklahoma, Texas, Virginia and Wyoming also reported big increases.
Elaine Lidholm, director of communications for the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, said complaints are up 55% from 70 in May of last year to 109 this May. But, she said, only 10 of this May's complaints, or 9%, have been justified so far compared with 13% of last year's.

Bryan Black, spokesman for the Texas Department of Agriculture, said his state received 268 complaints this May, up 74% from a year ago. Just 5% of complaints have had merit, he said.
FIND MORE STORIES IN: Washington Oklahoma Pennsylvania Maryland South Carolina Oregon Hurricane Katrina Maine Wyoming Public Safety Consumer Services Texas Department of Agriculture New Jersey Attorney General Anne Milgram Division of Consumer Affairs Virginia Department of Agriculture Automotive Repair Association
State officials say consumers often feel they are charged for more fuel than they pumped. An e-mail complaint Black received last month said: "I filled my car with 18 gallons of gas when I had a quarter of a tank left. My tank just holds 18 gallons total!"

Another person, Black said, noted that he had filled up a 2.5-gallon container but was charged for 3 gallons of gas. Others may question the octane level of the fuel purchased.

An increase in complaints led New Jersey to form a task force to check gas stations for violations, said Jeff Lamm, spokesman for the state's Division of Consumer Affairs.

The additional complaints can strain state resources. Carol Fulmer, director of consumer services for South Carolina's Department of Agriculture, said his department tries to check every gas pump once a year, but with 19 field inspectors and 140 complaints a month, it can be difficult.

"There are only so many inspections you can do in a day," Lidholm said.

Black said the rising cost of gas is behind the increase in complaints.
"When you see $4 a gallon, people are very serious about making sure they get exactly what they are paying for," Black said.

"Consumers deserve to get what they pay for," said New Jersey Attorney General Anne Milgram, "especially when they are paying record-setting prices for gasoline."
Lidholm said complaints have surged before. "The last time was September (and) October 2005, after Hurricane Katrina," she said.

In most cases, states decide how often station pumps are checked for accuracy, said Marta Gates, director of operations for the State Service Dealers of America and the Washington, Maryland, Delaware Service Station and Automotive Repair Association.
In Texas, for example, state law requires pumps to be checked every four years and re-checked if a complaint is received, Black said.

Dick Piper, director of the Colorado Division of Oil and Public Safety, said most of the complaints are from people who believe they have been cheated by the pump. However, he said, when a problem is found, it is usually the gas station owner losing out.

"More than 50% of the time (the problem) does favor the customer," he said.