New Farm Program Start Up & National World Trade Week

New Farm Program Start Up & National World Trade Week plus Food Forethought. I'm Greg Martin with today's Northwest Report. There's a new program to help get land from retiring farmers in the hands of beginning or socially disadvantaged farmers. Signup for this FSA program started this past Monday and Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Kathleen Merrigan says the Transition Incentives Program is a major step in protecting family farms and supporting beginning and socially disadvantaged farmers. MERRIGAN: I think this is a major step forward and our overall effort here at USDA to help out new and socially disabled farmers particularly those who want to start or expand their operation in a sustainable way. It's supporting local economies, providing new opportunities for these folk and really paving the way to rebuilding and revitalizing rural America. As designated by Presidential Proclamation - this is National World Trade Week. In his proclamation the President stated that for our nation to compete and win in the 21st century - we must rebuild our economy on a stronger, more balanced foundation. Part of that effort will require us to boost our exports - which are critical for our long-term prosperity and which support millions of American jobs. The President said World Trade Week is an opportunity for us to reaffirm the importance of trade to our nation's continued economic recovery and growth. Now with today's Food Forethought, here's Lacy Gray. It's a catch twenty-two and a problem I'm not sure anyone really has the correct answer to. I'm referring to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's preparing to instigate new food safety rules, rules that many small farm operations fear will result in a one size does not fit all blanket. With the numerous food safety issues the FDA has been forced to deal with over the last several months there's no question that there's room for improvement in inspecting and regulating food safety. But would requiring small farming operations to adhere to the same food safety regulations and licensing as major food producers result in anything more than driving small farmers completely out of business and into financial ruin; and in many instances result in the loss of a farm that has been in a family for generations? Most small farms deal directly with their local communities, a built in traceability. Should the FDA improve their agency's food safety protocol? Yes. Should all farming operations be considered equal when it comes to regulating and licensing? I don't know. Hopefully the FDA's insight and foresight into this issue will be far better than mine. If not, it could mean a tragic demise to the small family farm in America. Thanks Lacy. That's today's Northwest Report. I'm Greg Martin on the Ag Information Network.