05/08/07 More Farm Bill Proposals & Roundup Ready Injunction

The new Farm Bill is progressing. Yesterday Ag Secretary Mike Johanns highlighted an array of changes put forward that would benefit specialty crop growers. Johanns was in Chicago to address the Organic Trade Association and the United Fresh Produce Association. The proposal includes an additional $2.75 billion in Section 32 funds over 10 years to specifically purchase fruits and vegetables for USDA nutrition programs, including the National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs. Monsanto has been halted from planting their genetically engineered Roundup Ready alfalfa. A federal judge in California wants the USDA to do further studies, which could take up to 2 years to complete, before the product can be approved. Alfalfa seed grower Phillip Geertson of Adrian, Oregon, one of two farmers involved in the lawsuit, was very pleased with the ruling. GEERTSON: Well I'm very pleased with it. I think that was the correct ruling. He's affirmed that people that want to grow and feed and have conventional alfalfa have that right to do it without having their farms contaminated with the Roundup Ready gene. Monsanto Company argued that the alfalfa would actually benefit the environment because fewer weed killers would be used. They are looking at their options including the possibility of an appeal. Now with today's Food Forethought, here's Susan Allen. The man seems to be everywhere! How does he do it! One minute he is making appearances at his wife's political campaigns, the next he is golfing with past presidents or globe trotting for some social causes. Former President Clinton's most recent stint was appearing on a cooking show. He surprised the studio audience by taping a segment on the Rachael Ray's daytime syndicated program. . It wasn't a passion for cooking that found him sharing center stage with Rachel, (although he admits to one), it was an opportunity to announce a recently formed partnership between the American Heart Association and the William J. Clinton Foundation to fight childhood obesity. Deemed the Alliance for a Healthier Generation, the main objective is to stop the increase in childhood obesity by 2010 and inspire young people towards healthier habits, through school programs that include revamping vending machines, teacher education and more exercise. Governor Mike Huckabee who, like Clinton, has faced his share of obesity demons will help the former president champion this cause. Thanks Susan. That's today's Northwest Report. I'm Greg Martin on the Northwest Ag Information Network.