Biotech progress, national policy issues
provide
insights to dairy leaders
Rapid advances in biotechnology and their possible impacts on the dairy industry, along with a whirlwind peak inside the political and policy making world of Washington DC, were some of the lessons learned by members of the California Dairy Leaders Class II on a trip to St. Louis and Washington DC Sept. 25-Oct. 2, 2003.
The seven-member class had an “eye-opening” discussion of
the latest advances in biotechnology and the possible impacts on future dairy
production, reported Michael Marsh, CEO of Western United Dairymen. “The pace of
biotechnology research is amazing and the changes we can expect are
extraordinary,” he said. The groups also heard a presentation on the increasing
sophistication and growth of anti-agricultural activist groups and their impact
on public policy.
In Washington DC, members received the latest updates on a broad range of issues. USDA Deputy Secretary Jim Mosley discussed the efforts of the new Homeland Security Department to plan for possible agro-terrorism attacks. The National Milk Federation presented the latest details on the Cooperatives Working Together program, the reauthorization of the Child Nutrition Act and the role of milk, and HR 1659 by Rep. Devin Nunes (R-Tulare.) “We found that the Nunes bill is still being held up by Rep. Jerry Lewis in favor of an Arizona bottling plant and against the California dairy industry,” explained Marsh.
A visit with the U.S. Dairy Export Council explored the
impact of imports and exports on U.S. trade policy and possible ramifications
from the collapse of recent WTO talks in Cancun.
The federal legislative and budgetary process was explored in a series of meetings held with more than 20 Congressional offices. “Our members had the opportunity to meet members of Congress and their staff members and gain a better understanding of the legislative and political process,” said Marsh. He noted the efforts of Jason Larabee of rep. John Doolittle’s office as particularly helpful in outlining the complicated process of budget appropriations.