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Showing posts with label agriculture. Show all posts
Showing posts with label agriculture. Show all posts
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Colorado Department of Agriculture on Facebook
The Colorado Department of Agriculture strives to provide timely, accurate information. We have now joined Facebook to help share those messages. 
Friday, February 26, 2010
Colorado Governor Honors Program that Affects Every Coloradan
“Every citizen and every business has a direct financial interest in seeing that all transactions are fair to both the buyer and seller.” –Steve Bornmann
Governor Ritter has issued a proclamation heralding the Colorado Department of Agriculture’s consumer protection efforts; Colorado’s Weights and Measures Week is March 1-7, 2010.
“From weighing products at the grocery store to weighing coal trains, CDA’s Inspection and Consumer Services division affects almost every person in Colorado,” said Steve Bornmann, division director. “Our goal is to protect consumers and promote equity and integrity in the marketplace. The measurement standards programs and metrology laboratory play integral part in that goal.”
Inspectors and metrologists within the Measurement Standards program ensure the accuracy of scales, meters, and packaged products at supermarkets, warehouses, packing plants, storage facilities, and other retail stores through inspections. CDA’s Metrology Laboratory calibrates the standards used by the inspectors and licensed scale repair companies. Both protect the consumer and help ensure fairness in the marketplace.
“It is the responsibility of weights and measures officials to make tests of commercially used weighing and measuring devices and report their condition to the owners,” continued Bornmann. “If the devices are correct, they are approved and sealed. If incorrect, they are rejected for use until corrected.”
Scales and other measuring devices can become obsolete or out of adjustment just like any other mechanical equipment. Unlike many other devices, they continue to give quantity determinations, although incorrect, until they are tested, corrected, and replaced.
For more information on CDA Weights and Measures programs, visit www.colorado.gov/ag and click on “Measurement Standards” or “Metrology Laboratory.”
The proclamation states:
WHEREAS, The Colorado Department of Agriculture Weights and Measures Programs serve to meet the public need for uniform weights and measures in our state; and
WHEREAS, employees within the Weights and Measures Programs ensure all weighing and measuring devices used in commerce are accurate in both their design and operation; and,
WHEREAS, weights and measures activities have an annual estimated economic impact of more than $75 billion in
WHEREAS, each year the first week in March is set aside as Weights and Measures Week to commemorate the nation’s first Weights and Measures Law – enacted on March 2, 1799 – and to raise public awareness of the importance of this law; and
WHEREAS, the State of Colorado recognizes the dedicated efforts of our state servants who ensure our weights and measures meet the national standard and encourages the public to learn more about this important service and the impact it has on their lives;
Therefore, I , Bill Ritter, Jr., Governor of the State of Colorado, do hereby proclaim March 1 – 7, 2010, WEIGHTS AND MEASURES WEEK in the State of Colorado.
Friday, May 29, 2009
CDA Names New Assistant State Veterinarian
LAKEWOOD, Colo. – Colorado Commissioner of Agriculture, John Stulp, has named Dr. Nick Striegel, of Fort Collins, assistant Colorado state veterinarian.
“We are very pleased to bring Dr. Striegel on as part of our veterinary team and believe that he will be a valuable asset to the livestock industries of Colorado,” said Colorado State Veterinarian, Dr. Keith Roehr. “His career experience and skills will be a significant benefit to the Colorado Department of Agriculture’s Division of Animal Industry.”
Striegel, 54, is currently a veterinarian with the Colorado State University Extension in Boulder County. He also has extensive experience in livestock and small animal practices and is pursuing a Masters of Public Health from The University of Iowa.
“There are many challenges ahead for animal agriculture, the degree that I am pursuing is helping me be better prepared to work in the common arena where animal health and human health overlap,” said Striegel. “It is also enhancing my knowledge and skills in the area of animal emergency management, zoonotic diseases, foreign animal diseases, and epidemiology.”
The principal responsibility of the assistant state veterinarian is to provide support to the state veterinarian in controlling and preventing animal diseases and promoting a profitable agricultural economy. As assistant state veterinarian, Striegel will also oversee emergency animal health and veterinary response teams, participate in rulemaking processes, and provide assistance with animal care and welfare programs.
"I am excited about being able to be involved in the work of the Colorado Department of Agriculture,” continued Striegel. “I look forward to working with livestock producers in the state and in the important task of protecting the health of animals.”
Striegel’s projected start date is June 15th. For more on CDA’s Division of Animal Industry, visit www.colorado.gov/ag/animals.
“We are very pleased to bring Dr. Striegel on as part of our veterinary team and believe that he will be a valuable asset to the livestock industries of Colorado,” said Colorado State Veterinarian, Dr. Keith Roehr. “His career experience and skills will be a significant benefit to the Colorado Department of Agriculture’s Division of Animal Industry.”
Striegel, 54, is currently a veterinarian with the Colorado State University Extension in Boulder County. He also has extensive experience in livestock and small animal practices and is pursuing a Masters of Public Health from The University of Iowa.
“There are many challenges ahead for animal agriculture, the degree that I am pursuing is helping me be better prepared to work in the common arena where animal health and human health overlap,” said Striegel. “It is also enhancing my knowledge and skills in the area of animal emergency management, zoonotic diseases, foreign animal diseases, and epidemiology.”
The principal responsibility of the assistant state veterinarian is to provide support to the state veterinarian in controlling and preventing animal diseases and promoting a profitable agricultural economy. As assistant state veterinarian, Striegel will also oversee emergency animal health and veterinary response teams, participate in rulemaking processes, and provide assistance with animal care and welfare programs.
"I am excited about being able to be involved in the work of the Colorado Department of Agriculture,” continued Striegel. “I look forward to working with livestock producers in the state and in the important task of protecting the health of animals.”
Striegel’s projected start date is June 15th. For more on CDA’s Division of Animal Industry, visit www.colorado.gov/ag/animals.
Friday, April 3, 2009
Colorado Department of Agriculture Uses Technology to Connect Colorado Producers with Israeli Buyers
With tough economic times, travelling across the globe may not be an option for Colorado companies interested in selling products to buyers in Israel. However, with the power of new technology, the Colorado Department of Agriculture is connecting producers with buyers from around the world.
In March several Colorado companies gathered in a conference room to meet food buyers from Israel, not in person, but through a webinar. Representatives from Colorado companies talked to buyers in Israel through a computer link that included presentations and Israeli store pictures. One Colorado company even accessed the presentation from South America while he was on a buying trip. This seminar was the first step in connecting Colorado producers with supermarket buyers in Israel.
Now that the foundation has been laid, it is time to get Colorado products to buyers to sample. In April and May the Colorado Department of Agriculture will coordinate efforts to ship products to Israel for a product showcase.
Companies are first asked to have their products and company included in a list of products to be reviewed by the USDA team in Israel. The team will review products and gauge interest from importers.
Companies will then ship products to Israel for a showcase to importers. CDA will arrange shipping via U.S. Embassy mailing address allowing producers to ship samples at domestic postage rates.
Finally, companies will attend the Video Center sampling. Producers will be in Denver on a video connection while the importers and USDA staff are in Tel Aviv sampling products.
“Thanks to the age of technology, producers can export their products without having to travel to foreign countries; this helps Colorado producers and consumers in Israel,” said Tim Larsen, CDA’s International Marketing Specialist. “You can have your products shown to top Israeli food importers while you are in a Colorado studio watching their reaction and talking to them about your products!”
Despite of the global economic slowdown, agricultural and food imports to Israel in 2008 increased 30% compared 2007 (from $3.4 billion to $4.4 billion), $1.81 billion (41%) were food and beverages products. In addition, the depreciating U.S. dollar combined with good economic growth in Israel has increased the competitive advantage of U.S. agriculture and stimulated demand for American food and agricultural products.
Colorado’s processed food exports grew over 36 percent in the past two years, and many of Colorado’s products match the list of best export prospects from the USDA staff in Israel. In 2008, agricultural and food imports to Israel from the U.S. increased 30 percent to a total of $1.81 billion. While there is a small market for non-kosher items, those certified as kosher make up 60-70 percent of the Israeli market.
In March several Colorado companies gathered in a conference room to meet food buyers from Israel, not in person, but through a webinar. Representatives from Colorado companies talked to buyers in Israel through a computer link that included presentations and Israeli store pictures. One Colorado company even accessed the presentation from South America while he was on a buying trip. This seminar was the first step in connecting Colorado producers with supermarket buyers in Israel.
Now that the foundation has been laid, it is time to get Colorado products to buyers to sample. In April and May the Colorado Department of Agriculture will coordinate efforts to ship products to Israel for a product showcase.
Companies are first asked to have their products and company included in a list of products to be reviewed by the USDA team in Israel. The team will review products and gauge interest from importers.
Companies will then ship products to Israel for a showcase to importers. CDA will arrange shipping via U.S. Embassy mailing address allowing producers to ship samples at domestic postage rates.
Finally, companies will attend the Video Center sampling. Producers will be in Denver on a video connection while the importers and USDA staff are in Tel Aviv sampling products.
“Thanks to the age of technology, producers can export their products without having to travel to foreign countries; this helps Colorado producers and consumers in Israel,” said Tim Larsen, CDA’s International Marketing Specialist. “You can have your products shown to top Israeli food importers while you are in a Colorado studio watching their reaction and talking to them about your products!”
Despite of the global economic slowdown, agricultural and food imports to Israel in 2008 increased 30% compared 2007 (from $3.4 billion to $4.4 billion), $1.81 billion (41%) were food and beverages products. In addition, the depreciating U.S. dollar combined with good economic growth in Israel has increased the competitive advantage of U.S. agriculture and stimulated demand for American food and agricultural products.
Colorado’s processed food exports grew over 36 percent in the past two years, and many of Colorado’s products match the list of best export prospects from the USDA staff in Israel. In 2008, agricultural and food imports to Israel from the U.S. increased 30 percent to a total of $1.81 billion. While there is a small market for non-kosher items, those certified as kosher make up 60-70 percent of the Israeli market.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
For Immediate Release: December 30, 2008
Contact: Jennifer Holton, 517-241-2485 or holtonj@michigan.gov
Michigan’s Agri-Business Sector on the Grow in 2008
Ag-based businesses poised for job creation, business expansion
LANSING, MI –Michigan Department of Agriculture (MDA) Director Don Koivisto today highlighted a sample of agriculture successes in 2008 from agri-food business expansion to job creation and noted ag-based businesses are important components for diversifying Michigan’s economy in the long-term.
“Michigan’s agri-business sector is more than just cows, plows, and overalls. It’s a cutting edge, growing business industry generating more than $38 billion in direct economic activity, $64 billion in total economic activity, and employs 1 million people,” said Koivisto. “As a matter fact, if Michigan’s agri-food sector appeared on the Fortune 500 list, it would rank 62nd, which speaks volumes on the importance of agriculture to Michigan’s economic health.”
From 2006 through 2011, the state could see an additional $1 billion economic boost from Michigan’s agri-food sector and create up to an additional 23,000 new jobs annually, according to a 2006 study by Michigan State University’s Product Center. Also, Michigan’s agricultural economy expanded at a rate of more than one full percentage point above the growth rate of the general economy (5.9 percent vs. 4.8 percent) between 2004 and 2006 and has continued to grow.
“Michigan’s agri-food business industry is changing and expanding at a rapid pace. By investing in the agri-food industry with incentives such as Agricultural Processing Renaissance Zones, we are significantly contributing to the state’s economic development,” said Koivisto. “These expansions are creating good paying opportunities for Michigan’s skilled workforce in areas such as food research and development and food science.”
The following showcases a small sample of Michigan’s agri-business success stories in 2008:
Agricultural Innovation Grant Program
MDA’s Agricultural Innovation Program, funded through the 21st Century Jobs Fund, had a $10 million total appropriation, with $5 million earmarked for FY07 grants, with the charge to accelerate the growth of Michigan’s $63.7 billion food and agriculture industry.
This grant program helps establish, retain, expand, attract, or develop value-added
processing and production operations in Michigan through innovative financing assistance to processors, agri-businesses, producers, local units of government, and legislatively-authorized commodity boards in Michigan.
Thanks to the investment in these 40 companies, MDA has been able to leverage state funds to private industry investment at an 8:1 ratio helping to create nearly 120 new jobs. This program has helped generate more than $36 million in private capital investment in the agri-food sector - the state’s fastest growing economic sectors.
Business Expansion:
Gerber Products Company, Fremont
Thanks to a two-year public-private partnership, Gerber Products Company, headquartered in Fremont, was awarded an Agricultural Processing Renaissance Zone (APRZ) as part of their expansion plans and commitment to Michigan. Gerber’s expansion includes modernization of the existing manufacturing facility, the addition of production lines, purchasing of new equipment, and a new warehouse and distribution center.
Gerber Products Company will invest $75 million in the Fremont facility, maintain 1,100 jobs, and create an additional 200 new jobs. Indirect jobs may also be created as the Company purchases 61,000 tons of produce for their product line from more than 200 Michigan growers. Additionally, they purchase $36 million in packing and raw materials from 11 key Michigan-based suppliers.
W.K. Kellogg Institute for Food and Nutrition Research (WKKI), Battle Creek
WKKI is the epicenter of Kellogg’s global research, development, and innovation activities. New product innovations created at WKKI are eventually produced and marketed all over the world. The largest percentage of commodities used at WKKI is from United States producers. Based on 2006 data, approximately 18 percent of grain, flour, fruit, honey, and other food products are purchased from Michigan agri-business producers.
In February 2008, an APRZ was approved. The APRZ guarantees $54 million in private investment over the next decade and the addition of 300 jobs in the food science research and development field. This designation enables Kellogg Company to continue to fuel top-line growth through additional pilot plant space, enhanced process scalability, and additional space for a flexible team environment and total technical community. Many of the new products WKKI creates will be manufactured in Battle Creek, Grand Rapids, and Wyoming. Kellogg also utilizes Michigan co-manufacturers to produce products created at WKKI.
Michigan Milk Producers Association (MMPA), Ovid
MMPA, the largest dairy cooperative in Michigan, represents 1,430 of Michigan’s approximate 2,500 dairy farms. In 2007, Michigan dairy farms produced approximately 7.5 billion pounds of milk, and MMPA member farms accounted for approximately 3.7
billion of those pounds. In addition, MMPA owns and operates two processing facilities in Michigan - Constantine and Ovid.
With slightly over five million pounds of daily processing capacity, the Ovid plant could process 25 percent of the state’s current annual milk volume of 7.5 billion pounds.
MMPA has committed to investing $35 million in their existing Ovid facility, maintaining 86 existing jobs, and creating 10 new jobs. Additionally, 166 indirect and induced jobs will be created by their commitment to Michigan as well as 344 construction jobs. MMPA is also considering an additional investment of $25-27 million for a new spray dryer for manufacturing milk products, which brings their total new expansions and private investment to approximately $62 million within the designated APRZ.
In the long-term, MMPA’s investment will lead to $182.6 million in both direct and indirect economic impact according to the MSU Product Center for Agriculture and Natural Resources.
“These are just a few examples of what Michigan’s homegrown businesses are doing to attract new investment and create jobs in our local communities,” said Koivisto. “When government and private business work together, great things can be accomplished for Michigan’s business community.”
For more examples of growth and expansion in Michigan’s agri-food sector, visit the MDA Web site at http://www.michigan.gov/.
###Editor’s Note: Director Koivisto’s last name is pronounced Coy-Vis-Toe.
Contact: Jennifer Holton, 517-241-2485 or holtonj@michigan.gov
Michigan’s Agri-Business Sector on the Grow in 2008
Ag-based businesses poised for job creation, business expansion
LANSING, MI –Michigan Department of Agriculture (MDA) Director Don Koivisto today highlighted a sample of agriculture successes in 2008 from agri-food business expansion to job creation and noted ag-based businesses are important components for diversifying Michigan’s economy in the long-term.
“Michigan’s agri-business sector is more than just cows, plows, and overalls. It’s a cutting edge, growing business industry generating more than $38 billion in direct economic activity, $64 billion in total economic activity, and employs 1 million people,” said Koivisto. “As a matter fact, if Michigan’s agri-food sector appeared on the Fortune 500 list, it would rank 62nd, which speaks volumes on the importance of agriculture to Michigan’s economic health.”
From 2006 through 2011, the state could see an additional $1 billion economic boost from Michigan’s agri-food sector and create up to an additional 23,000 new jobs annually, according to a 2006 study by Michigan State University’s Product Center. Also, Michigan’s agricultural economy expanded at a rate of more than one full percentage point above the growth rate of the general economy (5.9 percent vs. 4.8 percent) between 2004 and 2006 and has continued to grow.
“Michigan’s agri-food business industry is changing and expanding at a rapid pace. By investing in the agri-food industry with incentives such as Agricultural Processing Renaissance Zones, we are significantly contributing to the state’s economic development,” said Koivisto. “These expansions are creating good paying opportunities for Michigan’s skilled workforce in areas such as food research and development and food science.”
The following showcases a small sample of Michigan’s agri-business success stories in 2008:
Agricultural Innovation Grant Program
MDA’s Agricultural Innovation Program, funded through the 21st Century Jobs Fund, had a $10 million total appropriation, with $5 million earmarked for FY07 grants, with the charge to accelerate the growth of Michigan’s $63.7 billion food and agriculture industry.
This grant program helps establish, retain, expand, attract, or develop value-added
processing and production operations in Michigan through innovative financing assistance to processors, agri-businesses, producers, local units of government, and legislatively-authorized commodity boards in Michigan.
Thanks to the investment in these 40 companies, MDA has been able to leverage state funds to private industry investment at an 8:1 ratio helping to create nearly 120 new jobs. This program has helped generate more than $36 million in private capital investment in the agri-food sector - the state’s fastest growing economic sectors.
Business Expansion:
Gerber Products Company, Fremont
Thanks to a two-year public-private partnership, Gerber Products Company, headquartered in Fremont, was awarded an Agricultural Processing Renaissance Zone (APRZ) as part of their expansion plans and commitment to Michigan. Gerber’s expansion includes modernization of the existing manufacturing facility, the addition of production lines, purchasing of new equipment, and a new warehouse and distribution center.
Gerber Products Company will invest $75 million in the Fremont facility, maintain 1,100 jobs, and create an additional 200 new jobs. Indirect jobs may also be created as the Company purchases 61,000 tons of produce for their product line from more than 200 Michigan growers. Additionally, they purchase $36 million in packing and raw materials from 11 key Michigan-based suppliers.
W.K. Kellogg Institute for Food and Nutrition Research (WKKI), Battle Creek
WKKI is the epicenter of Kellogg’s global research, development, and innovation activities. New product innovations created at WKKI are eventually produced and marketed all over the world. The largest percentage of commodities used at WKKI is from United States producers. Based on 2006 data, approximately 18 percent of grain, flour, fruit, honey, and other food products are purchased from Michigan agri-business producers.
In February 2008, an APRZ was approved. The APRZ guarantees $54 million in private investment over the next decade and the addition of 300 jobs in the food science research and development field. This designation enables Kellogg Company to continue to fuel top-line growth through additional pilot plant space, enhanced process scalability, and additional space for a flexible team environment and total technical community. Many of the new products WKKI creates will be manufactured in Battle Creek, Grand Rapids, and Wyoming. Kellogg also utilizes Michigan co-manufacturers to produce products created at WKKI.
Michigan Milk Producers Association (MMPA), Ovid
MMPA, the largest dairy cooperative in Michigan, represents 1,430 of Michigan’s approximate 2,500 dairy farms. In 2007, Michigan dairy farms produced approximately 7.5 billion pounds of milk, and MMPA member farms accounted for approximately 3.7
billion of those pounds. In addition, MMPA owns and operates two processing facilities in Michigan - Constantine and Ovid.
With slightly over five million pounds of daily processing capacity, the Ovid plant could process 25 percent of the state’s current annual milk volume of 7.5 billion pounds.
MMPA has committed to investing $35 million in their existing Ovid facility, maintaining 86 existing jobs, and creating 10 new jobs. Additionally, 166 indirect and induced jobs will be created by their commitment to Michigan as well as 344 construction jobs. MMPA is also considering an additional investment of $25-27 million for a new spray dryer for manufacturing milk products, which brings their total new expansions and private investment to approximately $62 million within the designated APRZ.
In the long-term, MMPA’s investment will lead to $182.6 million in both direct and indirect economic impact according to the MSU Product Center for Agriculture and Natural Resources.
“These are just a few examples of what Michigan’s homegrown businesses are doing to attract new investment and create jobs in our local communities,” said Koivisto. “When government and private business work together, great things can be accomplished for Michigan’s business community.”
For more examples of growth and expansion in Michigan’s agri-food sector, visit the MDA Web site at http://www.michigan.gov/.
###Editor’s Note: Director Koivisto’s last name is pronounced Coy-Vis-Toe.
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