ASPARAGUS UPDATE
Michigan Asparagus Advisory Board

www.asparagus.org
P.O. Box 550, 12800 Escanaba Drive, Suite A
DeWitt, Michigan 48820
Phone (888) 669-4250 Fax (517) 669-4251
Email: maab@michiganasparagus.org

May 2008

Farm Bill
Ten months ago, when it became apparent that there would be no relief provisions for the U.S. asparagus industry in the Peru Free Trade Agreement, we approached Senator Stabenow about some other form of compensation that could be contained in the new Farm Bill. We proposed a Market Loss Program modeled after one the U.S. Apple Industry received for damage resulting from a surge of Chinese imports. Senator Stabenow, who holds a key position on the Senate Ag Committee, agreed to champion the cause and we began working with her staff on crafting language. At the same time, we also began working through the National Asparagus Council to garner support from Senators and Congressmen from all of the asparagus producing states.

Over the past 8 months Senator Stabenow has been tireless in her efforts to fight off repeated attempts to strip the bill of the Asparagus Market Loss Program, first through the Senate Ag Committee, then on the Senate Floor and just recently through the House - Senate Conference Committee.

I am excited to report that the $15 million Asparagus Market Loss Program will be part of the 2008 Farm Bill. More details will follow as we better understand exactly how the program will be administered. For now I would just like to acknowledge the extraordinary effort of Senator Stabenow in guiding this through on your behalf. I would also like to acknowledge Congressmen Hoekstra's strong support on the House side.
(Note- as of May 15th both chambers have passed the bill but the President has not yet signed it.)

Ag Labor
As we start the 2008 harvest season there is again widespread concern over adequate skilled labor to harvest, pack, and process our crop. Since our labor shortages of 2007, Congress has failed to enact any new legislation that would insure U.S. farmers of an available and affordable labor pool.

We were able to take advantage of an unfortunate situation last year, using TV, radio, and newsprint, to tell the story, many of you experienced, of having to mow off a perfectly good crop because help was not available to harvest it. Thank you to those of you that took the time to tell reporters your story. Through the experience of last year we learned a couple of key points that resonate with the public:

Michigan Asparagus Industry Development Program - MAAB Referendum
In February of this year Michigan growers voted overwhelmingly to support a 5 year renewal of the program with 87% of the producers representing 92% of the volume casting ballots in favor.

Michigan Asparagus Advisory Board (MAAB) Assessments for 2008
At the March 18, 2008 meeting the board set the assessment rate for the 2008 growing season at 1.5 cents per pound (paid weight) the same as last year.

This assessment is due from every producer or farm selling over $800.00 of asparagus per year. The processor or packer that you deliver to normally deducts the assessment. If you market your own asparagus or deliver your crop to someone who does not deduct the assessment, you are personally responsible for the reporting and payment of the fee. Reporting forms can be obtained by calling the office at (888) 669-4250.

USDA Purchase
The Michigan Asparagus Advisory Board decided against pursuing a pre-season purchase announcement this year because of the perceived high demand for both processed and fresh asparagus. We will monitor this situation closely through the season and will initiate a purchase request if it appears that we have surplus asparagus.

Asparagus Research
The following asparagus handlers have voluntarily supported asparagus research in the state with a $3.00 / ton contribution on the 2007 crop: Burnette Foods, Coloma Frozen Foods, Todd Greiner Packing LLC, Honee Bear Canning, Michigan Freeze Pack, North Bay Produce, Peterson Farms, and Ridgeview Packing. THANK YOU!

If you do not see your handlers listed please speak to them and encourage them to contribute.

We are embarking on an ambitious new project directed at improving yields and bed longevity in replanted asparagus ground and need everyone's support. Our MSU researchers have done an excellent job in using Michigan grower and processor dollars to leverage additional grant funding. Grant dollars pledged for 2008 total nearly $100,000 from Michigan's Project GREEEN, Michigan Vegetable Council, and WSU / Federal funds.

Fresh Market Support
Supplies of "Michigan's Amazing Asparagus" brochures are available for those of you who market Michigan Asparagus. These brochures contain recipes, nutritional facts and information on our industry.

The MAAB is once again participating in the "Select a Taste of Michigan" campaign. This promotion is designed to draw attention to products that are grown here in Michigan. The asparagus promotion will be held in participating supermarkets around the state, late May - early June. For brochures or additional information on any of the programs call 1-888-669-4250.

ASPARAGUS FRESH HANDLERS:

Asparagus Documentary:
The Asparagus Documentary Film is now available on DVD. If you are interested in purchasing a copy please log onto our website at www.asparagus.org and click the icon in the bottom left corner of the home page.
Please call the office if you do not have internet access.