In This Issue:
Calendar
Apple Quality Loss Assistance Sign-up Closing
New Restrictions on Guthion & Phosmet
Azinphos Methyl (Guthion) Decision
Grower Input Needed
Ohio Fruit & Vegetable Organization Websites
Ohio Fruit & Vegetable Scholarships at OSU
Canadian 5 A Day Label Ban Delay
Terminal Wholesale Fruit Prices
October Preliminary Climatological Data
November 16: Sweet Corn School, presented by the Ohio State University Extension Vegetable Team and offered at four locations: Columbus, Piketon, Vandalia, and Wooster. Fee is $30 and includes lunch, morning and afternoon refreshments, and course handouts. To register contact Melissa Fitzpatrick, Piketon Research and Extension Center, 614-292-4900 or fitzpatrick.73@osu.edu.
January 10, 2002: MSU Bramble School, Kalamazoo, Michigan. For more information contact Al Gaus at 616-944-4126, Bob Tritten at 810-732-2177, or Gary Thornton at 231-946-1510.
January 28-30, 2002: Indiana Horticultural Congress, Indianapolis. For more details visit http://www.hort.purdue.edu.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has established Friday, Nov. 9, as the closing date for the apple quality loss assistance program. USDA will accept applications until the close of business Friday, Nov. 9, from growers who suffered weather-related quality losses to their 1999 and/or 2000 apple crops. If reported losses exceed the 38 million dollars appropriated for the apple quality loss assistance program, payments will be prorated.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has developed new restrictions on the use of two agricultural pesticides, azinphos-methyl and phosmet, to increase protection of agricultural workers, and assure that vital agricultural pest control needs are met.
Azinphos-methyl and phosmet, first registered over 35 years ago, are important pest control tools for certain food crops. For azinphos-methyl, 28 crop uses are being canceled, seven crop uses are being phased-out over four years, and eight crop uses will be allowed to continue "time-limited" registration for another four years. Prior to the expiration of the four-year period, EPA will conduct a comprehensive review of these eight crop uses, based on the latest scientific information, to determine if it should continue to allow registration. Azinphos-methyl is registered by Bayer AG and Makhteshim-Agan Industries. The crop uses being phased out in four years include those for: almonds, tart cherries, cotton, cranberries, peaches, pistachios, and walnuts; the crops with time-limited registrations include: apples/crab apples, blueberries, sweet cherries, pears, pine seed orchards, brussels sprouts, cane berries, and the use of azinphos-methyl by nurseries for quarantine requirements.
For phosmet, three uses are being voluntarily canceled, nine crops are being authorized for use under specific terms for five years, and 33 crops are being approved for continued use. The new measures on phosmet are being implemented under an agreement with the registrant, Gowan Co. The three voluntary cancellations include use on: domestic pets, household ornamentals, and household fruit trees; phosmet, however, is used infrequently for these applications. For phosmet, a group of nine crops will be authorized for use for five years under specific terms: apples, apricots, blueberries, crab apples, grapes, nectarines, peaches, pears and plums/dried plums.
"The new measures announced today on azinphos-methyl and phosmet will help decrease pesticide exposure and provide additional health protection for agricultural workers," said Stephen L. Johnson, EPA Assistant Administrator for Prevention, Pesticides, and Toxic Substances. "The best scientific expertise has been incorporated into these new precautions, and new health effects monitoring of agricultural workers will be required to determine if it is necessary to impose additional restrictions. Today's decision also provides time for farmers to make the transition to safer alternatives for the uses that are critical for crop production."
To enhance protection of agricultural workers during the phase-out and time-limited registration periods, a variety of stringent new precautions are being implemented to reduce exposure, including longer periods before a worker can enter a treated area, significantly limiting the number of applications, and prohibiting aerial application for almost all uses. During this period, EPA will also require that studies on the potential health effects on workers be conducted to help ensure that they are not exposed to unacceptable levels of these pesticides. If new information shows unreasonable risks, the Agency could take immediate action to remove any of these uses. For the 28 crop uses being canceled for azinphos-methyl, there will be no phase-out period since there are viable alternatives.
Seven crops are being allowed to continue for four years to facilitate transition to viable alternatives. Also, the Agency will allow a time-limited registration for four years for eight specific uses of azinphos-methyl. This four year period will allow farmers and others to develop and implement viable alternatives. Prior to the expiration of the time-limited registrations, the Agency will consider whether to authorize any further extension.
During the period that these uses remain for azinphos-methyl and phosmet, EPA will require new health effects data, new information relating to the potential benefits, and any other information which provides for more accurate assessment of the potential risks and benefits. As the Agency moves forward with these decisions, it will work with the manufacturers, growers, farm workers, and other affected parties to assure that these important actions are implemented in an expeditious and effective manner.
EPA has been evaluating azinphos-methyl and phosmet as part of the Agency's ongoing process to individually review the organophosphate pesticides and take necessary risk reduction measures as required under the Food Quality Protection Act. The Interim Reregistration Eligibility Documents (IREDs) for both azinphos-methyl and phosmet are now being issued, since extensive risk assessments for these pesticides have been completed. EPA will accept comments for 60 days on these IREDs, which will be available soon on EPA's web site at http://www.epa.gov/pesticides.
EPA distributes its Pesticide Program Updates to external stakeholders and citizens who have expressed an interest in OPP activities and decisions. We have established an electronic listserve for people who want to keep abreast of pesticide issues and decisions. This update service is part of EPA's continuing effort to improve public access to Federal pesticide information. To subscribe or unsubscribe to our automatic mailing list, visit http://www.epa.gov/oppfead1/cb/csb_page/form/form.html.
For general questions on pesticides and pesticide poisoning prevention, contact the National Pesticide Telecommunications Network (NPTN) toll-free at 1-800-858-7378, by e-mail at nptn@ace.orst.edu, or by visiting their website at http://ace.orst.edu/info/nptn/.
For information about ongoing activities in the Office of Pesticide Programs, visit our homepage at http://www.epa.gov/pesticides or call or write us directly at:
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced today that it intends to require U.S. apple growers to implement a series of mitigation measures as a condition of extending the use of azinphos methyl (Guthion®) on apples for an additional four years. These measures are directed at worker risk concerns regarding use of azinphos methyl. Additionally, EPA intends to require Bayer Corporation and Makhteshim Agan, the registrants of azinphos methyl, to conduct a series of studies to refine the farm worker risk assessment. The agency intends to require the registrant to petition EPA for continued registration of azinphos methyl after four years.
EPA indicated that it will accept public comments on the impact of proposed mitigation measures on growers over the next 60 days. USApple plans to provide growers with specific information on how to comment when that information is available. USApple plans to continue to provide information to EPA, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the registrants that may refine the farm worker risk assessment and economic benefits assessment and to provide the agency with information on the potential impact of the proposed mitigation measures. Mitigation measures that EPA expects apple growers to implement follows.
Label rates: Maximum of 1.0-1.5 lb ai/A per application; maximum of 4.5 lb ai/A per year; minimum of 7 days between applications.
Current REI: 14 days hand harvesting and hand thinning; 2 days for all other activities
Current PHI: 14 days (rates 1.0 lb ai/A); 21 days (rates > 1.0 lb ai/A)
Proposed mitigation:
The Ohio Vegetable and Small Fruit Research and Development Program is designed to improve the profitability and marketability of vegetable and small fruit crops through research and development. The primary purpose of this program is to provide funding for crop research to assist producers in developing new varieties, new cultural practices, and other activities that will enhance the profitability of vegetable and small fruit crops.
The OVSFRDP Board will meet Wednesday, November 7. One key agenda item is to evaluate research needs that surfaced over this year's growing season. These needs will be considered with longer terms research issues and communicated to vegetable and small fruit researchers.
OVSFRDP welcomes grower comments on problems experienced this year that deserve research attention. Please contact our office by e-mailing growohio@ofbf.org no later than Monday, November 5 to have your input considered by the OVSFRDP Board.
The Ohio Apple Marketing Program (OAMP), Ohio Fruit Growers Society (OFGS), Ohio Vegetable and Potato Growers Association (OVPGA) and Ohio Vegetable and Small Fruit Research and Development Program (OVSFRDP) have all developed a presence on three coordinated web sites.
OAMP uses http://www.ohioapples.org that started mid-August and primarily targets consumers. Media, teachers, students, apple growers and apple marketers will also find valuable information. Apple recipes, health and nutrition information, festivals, a grower directory, and uses of Ohio's favorite apple varieties are available for consumers. Numerous web links, curriculum ideas, and print-and-use activities are featured for teachers and children. Apple growers and marketers will find complete information about the Ohio Apple Marketing Program on this site. OFGS uses http://www.ohiofruit.org and OVPGA uses <www.ohiovegetables.org> as their association web sites. Fruit and vegetable growers are the primary target audience for these sites. Information about the associations, Today's Grower, Ohio Fruit and Vegetable Growers Congress/Ohio Roadside Marketing Conference, research, legislative and regulatory issues, industry calendars, and grower discussion forums are the highlights of these sites. The discussion forums will take a little longer to be operable. Both association sites will have "Members Only" sections that require a username and password. These will be e-mailed to paid members who have provided such information to the Ohio Fruit and Vegetable Growers office.
OFGS and OVPGA plan to include grower directories for Cardinal and Buckeye members, respectively, by Spring 2002. Members should watch their membership renewal notices for details on this new member benefit. Those wanting a model of how this will look should see the grower directory at http://www.ohioapples.org. Information for media and consumers will also be available on these sites.
OVSFRDP is included in the http://www.ohiovegetables.org web site. One click on the home page and complete information about this program, including administration and research results, are available to the public. Starting with the 2000 research results, this will be where results are made available to growers who fund the program.
The Gene Wittmeyer Vegetable Scholarship Endowment was established with gifts from the Ohio Vegetable and Potato Growers Association along with alumni and friends honoring Professor Emeritus Gene Wittmeyer, who joined The Ohio State University in 1950. This fund currently contains just under $5,000, and additional support from the state's vegetable industry will move this fund to its ultimate goal of $25,000 by 2004. An anonymous donor will match all contributions dollar for dollar up to $6,000. This fund will support scholarships for undergraduate or graduate student(s) enrolled in the OSU College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences who demonstrate an interest in vegetable crops and/or association or involvement with the Ohio vegetable industry.
The Ohio Fruit Growers Society Fred O. Hartman Endowment Fund was established with gifts from The Ohio Fruit Growers Society along with alumni and friends honoring Professor Emeritus Fred O. Hartman, who joined the University in 1951. The Board of Directors of The Ohio State University Foundation formally approved this endowment on June 29, 2001 and the endowment currently is funded at over $27,000. This fund will support scholarships for an undergraduate or graduate student(s) enrolled in the OSU College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences who demonstrate an interest in fruit crops and/or association or involvement with the Ohio fruit industry.
Please join in supporting the following fund(s):
The Gene Wittmeyer Vegetable Endowment Fund, *Fund #410395
The Ohio Fruit Growers Society Fred O. Hartman Endowment Fund, *Fund #645320
For more information, contact:
OSU College of Food, Agricultural, & Environmental
Sciences
Office of Development
152 Howlett Hall
2001 Fyffe Court
Columbus, OH 43210
1-614-292-0473
Canada has decided to delay its ban on the 5 A Day for Better Health logo for six months. The ban on the use of the logo on U.S. produce shipped to Canada was supposed to begin Dec. 1, but has now been delayed until Sept. 1, 2002. In August the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) said the 5 A Day logo on U.S. produce violated the country's food regulations because it implied a health claim. The U.S. produce industry has said the ban will cost the industry $25 million because it will require major changes in packaging.
United Fruit & Vegetable Association (United) commended the Canadian government on their decision to respond favorably to United and produce industry requests to extend the deadline.
"While there is still much work to be done, this a good indication that our industry's concerns are being heard," said Robert Guenther, United vice president for government and public affairs. "We look forward to working together with government officials from both countries over the coming months to find a more permanent solution and build upon the historically strong trade relationship between our two nations."
In recent action, the U.S. Senate Produce Caucus chairs, Senator Gordon Smith (Ore.) and Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.) along with U.S. House of Representatives horticulture co-chairs, Representative Richard Pombo (Calif.) and Representative Allen Boyd, Jr. (Fla.) took action to elevate produce industry opposition to the ban through written correspondence to key Bush administration officials. In meetings that followed, administration representatives provided reassurances to the U.S. produce industry that every effort would be taken to expedite action on the request to delay enforcement of the ban. United Fruit and Vegetable Association President and CEO Tom Stenzel remarked in a letter to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency that ". . such (a) delay in enforcement (of the label ban) will allow parties a much more reasoned period to review the underlying label review and reach a more sensible decision for Canadian consumers."
Chicago http://www.ams.usda.gov/mnreports/HX_FV010.txt
Detroit http://www.ams.usda.gov/mnreports/DU_FV010.txt
Pittsburgh http://www.ams.usda.gov/mnreports/PS_FV010.txt
| Chicago | Detroit | Pittsburgh | |
| Apples, cartons, traypack | |||
| No grade marks Jonathan | MI 88s 16.00-17.00
100s 16.00-17.00 |
||
| No grade marks Paula Red | MI 88s 16.00
100s 14.00-16.00 |
||
| Apples, cartons celpk | |||
| U.S. Extra Fancy Empire | NY 100s 15.00-16.00 | ||
| U.S. Extra Fancy McIntosh | NY 100s 19.50-20.00
120s 15.50-16.00 |
NY 100s 15.00 | |
| U.S. Fancy McIntosh | NY 80s 12.00-13.50
100s 10.00-12.00 120s 10.00-11.00 | ||
| U.S. Fancy Paula Red | WI 112s 15.00 | ||
| Apples, cartons, 12 3-lb filmbags | |||
| U.S. Fancy Empire | MI 2½" min. 10.00 | ||
| U.S. Fancy Golden Delicious | MI 2¼" up 11.00 | PA no size mark 9.00 | |
| U.S. Fancy Idared | MI 2½" min. 10.00 | ||
| U.S. Fancy Jonathan | PA no size mark 9.00 | ||
| U.S. Fancy Paula Red | WI 2½" min. 10.50 | ||
| U.S. Fancy Jersey Mac | WI 2½" min. 10.50-11 | ||
| U.S. Fancy McIntosh | NY 2½" min. 9.00-11.50 | ||
| U.S. Fancy Red Delicious | MI 2¼" up 10.00 | PA 2½" min. 9.00 | |
| U.S. Fancy Rome | MI 2½" min. 10.00 | PA no size mark 9.00 | |
| U.S. ExFancy Empire | MI 2½" min. 11.50-12.00 | ||
| U.S. ExFancy Gala | MI 2½" min. 12.50-13.50 | ||
| U.S. ExFancy Golden Delicious | MI 2½" min. 10.00-12.00 | ||
| U.S. ExFancy Jonathan | MI 2½" min. 11.50-12.00 | ||
| U.S. ExFancy McIntosh | MI 2½" min. 10.00-12.00 | ||
| U.S. ExFancy Red Delicious | MI 2½" min. 10.00-12.00 | NY 2½" up 10.50 | |
| U.S. ExFancy Rome | MI 2½" min. 10.50-11.00 | ||
| Apples, bushel cartons, loose | |||
| U.S. Fancy Empire | MI 2¾" up 11.50-12.00
MI 3" min. 10.00 MI 2½" up 11.50-12.00 |
||
| U.S. Fancy Gala | MI 2¼" up 12.00 | ||
| U.S. Fancy Golden Delicious | IL 2¼" up 12.00
MI 2¼" up 13.00-14.00 |
MI 2¾" up 10.00-12.00
2½" up 11.50-12.00 |
|
| U.S. Fancy Idared | MI 3" min. 10.00
MI 2½" up 11.50-12.00 |
||
| U.S. Fancy Jonagold | MI 3" min. 10.00 | ||
| U.S. Fancy Jonathan | MI 2¼" up 12.00 | ||
| U.S. Fancy McIntosh | MI 2¾" up 11.50-12.00
MI 2½" up 10.00 |
||
| U.S. Fancy Paula Red | IL 2¼" up 12.00 | ||
| U.S. Fancy Red Delicious | MI 2¾" up 11.50-12.00
3" min 10.00 2½" up 9.50-10.00 |
||
| U.S. Fancy Rome | MI 3" min. 10.00 | ||
| No grade mark Golden Delicious | PA no size mark 9.00 | ||
| No grade mark Jonathan | PA no size mark 9.00 | ||
| No grade mark Rome | PA no size mark 9.00 | ||
| No grade marks Red Delicious | MI 2¼" up 13.00 | PA no size mark 9.00 | |
| Weather Station Location | Monthly Precip. | Normal Monthly Precip. | Year-to-Date Precip. | Normal Year-to-Date Precip. | Average High | Normal High | Average Low | Normal Low | Mean Temp. | Normal Mean |
| Akron-Canton | 4.54 | 2.35 | 27.73 | 30.86 | 62.1 | 62.1 | 44.1 | 42.7 | 53.1 | 52.4 |
| Cincinnati | 6.73 | 2.86 | 39.19 | 34.72 | 65.9 | 66.0 | 44.4 | 44.2 | 55.1 | 55.1 |
| Cleveland | 5.56 | 2.54 | 29.21 | 30.37 | 62.0 | 62.1 | 46.7 | 43.5 | 54.4 | 52.8 |
| Columbus | 3.32 | 2.15 | 30.17 | 32.01 | 65.7 | 64.5 | 45.8 | 42.9 | 55.7 | 53.7 |
| Dayton | 4.99 | 2.48 | 35.68 | 30.64 | 63.9 | 64.5 | 45.7 | 43.6 | 54.8 | 54.1 |
| Fremont | 6.45 | 2.26 | 28.73 | 29.19 | 62.8 | 63.6 | 42.0 | 40.9 | 52.4 | 52.2 |
| Mansfield | 4.79 | 2.34 | 28.29 | 33.07 | 61.8 | 62.3 | 43.9 | 43.1 | 52.8 | 52.7 |
| Norwalk | 5.02 | 2.21 | 27.40 | 29.96 | 62.0 | 62.7 | 45.1 | 40.7 | 53.5 | 51.8 |
| Piketon | 3.14 | 2.40 | 20.93 | 35.8 | 68.2 | 65.8 | 40.7 | 41.1 | 54.4 | 53.6 |
| Toledo | 6.26 | 2.10 | 29.77 | 27.23 | 62.9 | 62.4 | 44.3 | 40.0 | 53.6 | 51.2 |
| Wooster | 4.42 | 2.25 | 23.61 | 30.64 | 64.4 | 63.8 | 43.7 | 40.6 | 54.1 | 52.2 |
| Youngstown | 3.62 | 2.62 | 24.23 | 31.28 | 62.5 | 60.9 | 44.4 | 41.5 | 53.4 | 51.2 |
Temperatures in degrees F, Precipitation in inches
Record Low Temperatures: Mansfield; 7th - 31, 8th - 27
Table Created by Ted W. Gastier, OSU Extension from National Weather Service Data, OARDC, and local data
Websites http://iwin.nws.noaa.gov/iwin/oh/climate.html
http://www.oardc.ohio-state.edu/centernet/stations/wohome.html
Ted W. Gastier
Extension Agent, Agriculture
Tree Fruit Team Coordinator
Ohio State University Extension Huron County
180 Milan Avenue
Norwalk, OH 44857
Phone: (419)668-8210
FAX: (419)663-4233
E-mail: gastier.1@osu.edu
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