08/23/06 Johanns on PNC and WTO

The federal regulatory working plan for potato cyst nematode is nearing completion. It will result in a federal order that will regulate the interstate movement of potatoes from an area surrounding infested fields near Shelley. US Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns came to the World Potato Congress in Boise yesterday bearing a gift. JOHANNS "We are devoting an additional 13 million dollars that the USDA will dedicate this year, this is money that is now available to fund survey efforts in Idaho relative to potato cyst nematode, PCN." That's in addition to the one point five million dollars already allocated to the state after the discovery of PCN. Johanns says he doesn't support the idea that the 2002 Farm Bill should be extended as is in the wake of the failed WTO talks. JOHANNS "I think that we should be investing in programs that benefit farmers and ranchers. My second issue is that I don't think that we should allow DOHA talks to write our farm policy. Back to PCN for a moment. Some potato growers in eastern Idaho, those in the Shelley area, are urged to take part in field soil surveys. That part of the story tomorrow. Today's Idaho Ag News Bill Scott