From Washington, DC; Tuesday, March 12, 2013
Written by Lynda Gould, Luke McKelvie, & Mike Shane
Greetings IALF alumni and supporters.
The Class of 2014 has successfully and enthusiastically concluded the third day of its National Travel Seminar in Washington DC.
United States Department of Agriculture
The day began at the USDA’s Whitten Building where the class heard from Michael Scuse, Acting Under Secretary; Dr. Skip Hyberg, Ag Economist; Tom Christensen, Regional Conservationist; Michael Alston (IALP ’08), Deputy Administrator; and Jim Duffield, Ag Economist.
Mr. Scuse welcomed the group and provided them with insight on the innerworkings of the USDA and how the agency is organized to assist farmers, ranchers, and agriculturists. Dr. Hyberg gave the group an enthusiastic summary of how CRP efforts have benefited the ag community and the environment. In a related discussion, Tom Christensen provided the class with best methods for optimizing the technical expertise of their local NRCS agent and implementing conservation efforts on their own land. Mike Alston, a 2008 IALP graduate, gave the class candid thoughts on how the Risk Management Agency contributes to urban and rural well-being, in addition to good-humored reminiscing on his class’s trip to the nation’s capital. The morning concluded with Jim Duffield providing an update on renewable fuels and efforts toward attaining long-term goals related to cellulosic fuels.
Federal Trade Commission / Department of Justice / Environmental Protection Agency
After a spirited policy lunch discussion in the Secretary’s Dining Room, the group reconvened at the Federal Trade Commission. Neil Averitt began the afternoon with his presentation about antitrust policy, mergers, and monopolies. Mark Tobey followed with his perspective on the Department of Justice’s stance on similar issues. Our next speaker, Ellen Gilinsky from the EPA Office of Water, focused on how policy can positively impact water quality and how the EPA is working with communities to develop best policy. Our last speaker of the afternoon was Dr. Steven Bradbury of the Office of Pesticide Programs. He highlighted the laws and acts that govern the use of farm chemicals.
Embassy of Australia
We then adjourned for a reception at the Embassy of Australia. Dr. Chris Parker, Minister Counselor for the embassy, hosted and briefed the group on the basics of agriculture in Australia, including Australia’s differences and similarities with United States agriculture. Crop Life America (CLA) co-hosted the program and provided great ideas on how each of us can personally affect change in our communities and local governments.
Our group dispersed to visit a variety of excellent restaurants and other establishments. It is a treat for our class members to be able to enjoy each others’ company in a more casual setting; as well as enjoy the cuisine available in such a vibrant city. We are looking forward to a full day tomorrow at the World Bank and the Department of Transportation.
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