Legislative and Regulatory Issues
Country of Origin labeling on imported apple juice concentrate.
Fireblight research funding for eight years in a row; $250,000 to MSU and $250,000 to Cornell University.
On-going processing apple sales to USDA including, most recently, the purchase of IQF apple slices for domestic feeding programs.
Annually assist the Michigan Department of Agriculture and growers in obtaining approval for a special use permit or a "Section 18" for use of Mycoshield for fireblight control.
Led the charge in initiating apple market loss assistance programs for crop years 1998, 1999, and 2000 and aided in securing funding totaling $269 million to growers.
Initiated efforts to get a $3.1 billion weather-related disaster assistance passed for losses for crop years 2001 or 2002.
Tree Assistance Program (TAP) – Successfully achieved inclusion in the 2002 farm bill. The program was funded in the amount of $9.7 million and is retroactive to crop year 2000.
Secured $300,000 for USDA ARS position at MSU for post-harvest, non-destructive quality indicator techniques.