Panama Trade & Snow Time

Panama Trade & Snow Time plus Food Forethought. I’m Greg Martin with today’s Northwest Report.

U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk announced that the U.S.-Panama Trade Promotion Agreement will enter into force October 31st. U.S. Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack says Panama is an important market for America’s farmers and ranchers.

VILSACK: We anticipate and expect under the Panamanian Agreement that we’ll see %$500-million dollars of exported activity and it will become one of the fastest growing opportunities for us in Latin America. That of course will promote more agricultural trade and economic growth and help to create and support additional jobs here at home.

The announcement follows completion of a thorough review by the U.S. and Panama of their respective laws and regulations related to the implementation of the agreement.

Well you knew it would happen eventually. Warm summer temps have given way to cooler conditions and even some light rain. Harvest is well underway for late varieties and now...time for some snow. Some mountain areas have been getting snow into some of the lower elevations but even areas like Spokane have been seeing reports and one weather watch posted yesterday. Time to start thinking about getting out those snow tires and chains and preparing your emergency kit.

Now with today’s Food Forethought, here’s Lacy Gray.

Is it really possible to enjoy a healthy Halloween. Halloween is about the candy, right? Well, if you’re a kid it is. So how do we grownups help our little “monsters” have a healthier and still enjoyable Halloween? For starters, how about some nice warm veggie soup with whole grain crackers and a slice of cheese before they head out the door to go trick or treating. That way they aren’t out collecting candy on an empty stomach. Next, whether you’re walking the neighborhood trick or treat route, or one of the many downtown merchant or mall treat nights, it is a way to get some exercise, and the kids are having so much fun they won’t even notice if you have them do some extra laps around the area. As far as handing out goodies to the trick or treaters that come to your front door, you can always go the non-food route by giving them stickers, temporary tattoos, pencils, creature shaped erasers, or those safety conscious glow bracelets. Remember when you get back to the house with your trick or treaters to go through and check the candy and goodies together, and set limits; two or three pieces of their Halloween candy per day should keep them in sweets almost up until the New Year!

Thanks Lacy. That’s today’s Northwest Report. I’m Greg Martin on the Ag Information Network.