Food Safety Bill & Ethanol Campaign

Food Safety Bill & Ethanol Campaign plus Food Forethought. I'm Greg Martin with today's Northwest Report. The U.S. ethanol industry has launched its first-ever national TV ad campaign to promote the renewable, domestic fuel. With this campaign – Growth Energy Advisory Board Member Jim Nussle says the ethanol industry is talking directly to the public. NUSSLE: America's ethanol industry hopes to engage the American people and the conversation about America's energy security. For too long ethanol has allowed – really its opponents to define the debate when it comes to ethanol and when it comes to energy security, well that ends today. We're fighting back. We're not going to take it anymore. A host of agricultural related organizations are part of an effort to urge the Senate to make important amendments to its food safety bill so that it will improve food safety while minimizing unnecessary burdens to small-scale, local food producers. In a letter, the 87 organizations state in part: - all of the well-publicized incidents of contamination in recent years – whether in spinach, peppers, or peanuts – occurred in industrialized food supply chains that span national and even international boundaries. The food safety problems in this system can and should be addressed without harming the local food systems that provide an alternative for consumers. Now with today's Food Forethought, here's Lacy Gray. Has anyone ever said to you, "that's easy for you to say"? Like me, you probably answered yes. I've had experience on both ends of that statement, and it definitely comes easier to offer advice than to utilize it. My last birthday put me into that special group defined as "middle aged". This age group has also found themselves referred to as the "sandwich generation"; old enough to have parents that now need our assistance, and young enough to still have children needing our assistance; be it financial or emotional. One of the most difficult things to do is talk with aging parents about their future and the future of a family farm, or business. Thankfully, there are people out there who can help with such talks and transitions. At the Farmer's For the Future Conference just such a specialist was on hand addressing young farmers about the inevitable succession discussion many of them will one day be facing. A code of conduct was offered up for family members faced with discussing the future of the family farm. And though the points of the conduct code seem obvious, many of us still need to be reminded of them when we are dealing with family members; treat each other with respect, honesty, and civility. Thanks Lacy. That's today's Northwest Report. I'm Greg Martin on the Northwest Ag Information Network.