MINUTES

BORDER GOVERNORS CONFERENCE
AGRICULTURE WORK TABLE
JULY 15, 2005 MINUTES
TORREON, COAHUILA

Welcome and Introductions

Deputy Commissioner Martin Hubert from Texas opened the meeting by thanking the Coahuila delegation for their warm reception and hospitality.  He requested that as the Texas delegation had to leave early, the agenda order be changed.  There were no objections.

March Meeting Discussions

Discussion of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy

Max Coates, from the Texas Department of Agriculture then provided everyone with an update on the BSE situation in Texas.   On June 29^th a cow was tested positive for BSE.  This cow was pulled from the processing plant and was incinerated. No part entered the food chain for either human or animal consumption.  Additionally, all birth and feed cohorts from this animal were all identified and tested.  All tested negative.

He explained that the USDA was testing a statistically significant amount of cattle throughout herds in the United States.  As of July 13^th, over 405,000 samples had been taken, with 23,000 of those samples coming from Texas.  With this amount of samples taken, it provides up to a 99% probability that additional herds are BSE free.  However, efforts do continue, but the USDA seems satisfied with results at this time.

Dr. Coates continued his presentation about strategies for eradicating foot and mouth disease.  He stated there were five components to Texas’ program:  Prevention, Surveillance, Accurate/Timely Diagnosis, Control Program and Eradication Program.  The first two steps, prevention and surveillance are never ending.

These program steps can be used with any significant animal disease, such as but not limited to FMD, Classical Swine Fever and Avian Influenza.

Texas has orchestrated an emergency plan for disease responses, working with all multi jurisdictional emergency organizations.  Dr. Coates stated that the multi-jurisdictional dimension of possible problems is the most difficult aspect to overcome.  Additionally, the most success comes from involving counties and municipalities to participate in these animal emergencies.

The Texas Emergency plans are available to see on the web:  www.tahc.state.tx.us

Deputy Commissioner Hubert requested final comments on the three letters generated by the co-chairs for increased pink bollworm eradication funding, increased funding for agricultural inspections at the border, and the Waimanalo sterile fruit fly facility in Hawaii.

Several states stated they had not seen the letters in question and requested time to read the letters and respond.

It was agreed that the states in question would respond to Baja California and Texas within one week of the Border Governors’ Conference, should there be any concerns.  The Co-Chairs, (Texas and Baja California) will then sign and submit the letters on behalf of the Agriculture Work Table, once all concerns and questions regarding the letters have been alleviated.

ACTION ITEM:  All states are to submit questions or concerns about the letters in question to Baja California and Texas by July 22^nd.  If the Co-Chairs do not receive changes or objections, they will assume all has been approved and the letters will be signed and sent.

2005-2006 Recommendations and Work Plan

Deputy Director Tom Bagwell started by wishing the New Mexico Department of Agriculture “Happy Birthday” as the agency is turning 50 this year.

He proceeded with an update of the Homeland Security Table Top, for which New Mexico received grant funding.  The Emergency Management program was held June 28-29^th.  They are now working to find dates for the next table top and training workshop.  Suggested dates are in late February. 

ACTION ITEM:  California, New Mexico and Chihuahua will all work on details and send a draft agenda/program to states for comments. A conference call has been arranged for this purpose on July 19^th.

 FOOD SAFETY SEMINAR

Sonoran representative José Camalich reported that the Food Safety seminar, regularly held in Baja California will be moved to Sonora this year.  Tentative dates are March 23-25, either in Hermosillo or San Carlos.

Suggested participants include all government officials, consumer organizations, producers, and universities among others.  Suggestions for topics are most welcomed and appreciated.

ACTION ITEM:  Sonora and Arizona will send out requests for agenda topics in August.

Secretary Kawamura stated that NJ and Texas have control of the lunch program in their states; a huge program in which producers might be able to take advantage.  CA is interested in this concept and is looking into its feasibility in CA.  It is suggested we look at starting a program that highlights education and health, working with industry members to provide this opportunity.  Nothing at this time is coordinated between the states and within Mexico.

After the ensuing discussion, it was decided that California should structure the program a little more and provide more information about their ideas at the next meeting.

ACTION ITEM:  California will work with Chihuahua to develop a program to include a health and nutrition program/recommendation for the Agriculture Work Table.  It will be presented at the next meeting.

New Items/Presentations

Sonora presented and suggested the development of a binational program to stop the spread of the Cactus Moth.

Next Meeting/Adjourn

Sonoran Sub Secretary for Livestock, Jorge Luis Molina thanked everyone in attendance at the meeting and remarked that Sonora was looking forward to its term as Co-Chair with Arizona.

Arizona Director Don Butler “officially” accepted responsibilities as Co-chair and stated that the co-chairs would try to determine the next meeting date.  Director Butler also requested suggestions for the agenda.