Annual/Termination Reports:

[05/16/2018] [05/16/2018] [05/16/2018] [05/16/2018] [05/16/2018] [05/16/2018] [05/16/2018] [06/12/2018] [04/16/2019] [04/17/2020]

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Brief Summary of Minutes

See attached file for NRSP4's 2018 meeting minutes.

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Participants

John Wise, Liwei Gu, Dan Rossi, Mike Bledsoe, Dan Kunkel, Van Starner, Doug Buhler, Cristi Palmer, Tammy Barkalow , Matt Hengel, Debbie Carpenter, Sherri Novack, Alvin Simmons, Sherry Larkin, Amy Upton, Jerry Baron, Rob Hedberg, Herman Waguespack, Barry Tanner, Lori Berger, Armando Monterroso, Ann George, Mike Aerts, Keith Pitts, Alan DeYoung, Alan Schreiber, Bob Simerly, Todd Scholtz

Brief Summary of Minutes

• Mike Bledsoe and John Wise welcomed the group and asked for introductions.

 

• APLU update- Dan Rossi provided some context. The and grant institutions are discussing the various priorities, various grants and they have about 6 main priority areas.  The logic behind a single ask is a marketing approach, but they still expect Congress to fill in the lines for each granting area. They agreed to go in as one voice. There is still some confusion behind it, some deans and directors are still not convinced that that is the best approach.  The 2020 Presidential budget proposal does not seem to have a number for their ONE ASK.

 

Doug Buhler noted that repetition and simplicity is critical in this case.  Some institutions are more concerned about building capacity funds, while others are more focused on competitive funds.      

The message from CARET is that the ONE ASK was not really a single ask. 

 

Todd Scholz noted the time and effort it has taken his group (US Pulse) for them to get the funding.  While funding was authorized in the Farm Bill, the funds were not appropriated until recently.  

 

Doug Buhler said when we look at the system, the funding comes from many different sources.  The federal money fits into MI in different way that what it fits into ID, which again goes back to where capacity is need rather than competitive. Doug Buhler noted that IR-4 has a very strong base. 

 

• CLC & Congressional Subcommittee
  
  
  
  • Bob Simerly reiterated the need to agree with the single ask approach and have one voice. There cannot appear to be infighting amongst the agencies.
  
  
  • Discussion on use of a Lobby firm to help IR-4 with funding challenges.
    
    
    
    • IR-4 was given a proposal by DCLRS. Jay Vroom (retired  CropLife America Executive Director) represented DCLRS.  Proposal include a 3-month trial period ($5,000/month) followed by a yearly retainer of $120,000).  Jay’s idea that industry would be solicited to pay the annual retainer. 
      
      
      
      • There was a number of comments about how the optics would be and Alan Schreiber noted that the link back to IR-4 (MFG funding the lobbyist that then gain funds for IR-4 etc..), the bottom line is who would they be lobbying for IR-4 or the MFGs? 
      
      
      • Alan Schreiber shared an example where he was able to get 30% from other sources that was the “face” of the funding and put them in a light that they were comfortable with. 
      
      
      • John noted that the CLC should probably be running this activity, and not IR-4
      
      
      • Lori Berger noted that other universities have lobbyist and could we use them.  Doug Buhler commented that one thing to keep in mind is that IR-4 would get diluted with all of the other priorities of the university. 
      
      
      • Jerry noted concerns of a lobbyist moving in the forefront and less emphasis on the grass roots, i.e. CLC members.  Alan thought it would only add to the value of the work by the CLC.  They (lobby group) would be more of managing the efforts of the CLC. 
      
      
      • Some discussion about how and who could manage funding for a lobby firm. Keith Pitts  talked about some of the discussion that they have had with DCLRS and volunteered to put a proposal together to collect support/funds.  John Wise reiterated that the CLC should be at the center of the discussion. 
      
      
      
      
    
    
    • Rob Hedberg made it clear that no NIFA funds could be used for lobbying
    
    
    
    
  
  
  • Motion: Mike Bledsoe proposed that the CLC would investigate the potential retention of a lobbyist to help direct IR-4 advocacy actions.  CLC will asks Keith Pitts to lead this activity.Seconded Jerry Baron - APPROVED
  
  
  
  

o   Mike Bledsoe noted that the CLC has voted to accept new members Amy Upton, Michigan Nursery & Landscape Association and Bob Kaldunski Ginseng Board of Wisconsin.  The CLC also has several retiring members including Ray Ratto, Ron Williams and Bruce Buurma

• Motion: Mike Bledsoe for the PMC to approve new members of the CLC Amy Upton and Bob Kaldunski. Second Matt Hengel, APPROVED.

 

 

 

• Motion to reinstate Todd Scholz, Anne George, Bob Simerly, and Paul Schlegel whose terms expired. Seconded Dan Rossi APPROVED

 

• IR-4 Project Update-Jerry Baron
  
  
  
  • “One Ask/Strategic Realignment” - We have been monitoring this proposal.  This will be a topic and discussion point of Doug Steel.    
  
  
  • Jerry reviewed the deliverables for the year from the IR-4 Annual Report.  Jerry discussed some of the delays already in 2019, such as the government shutdown, PRIA expiring, etc.  He also commented on the 2019 research overview, funding for field work residue vs E/CS and crop groups.  Jerry mentioned the impact from the proposal to shut down at certain ARS sites and the impact on not being able to hire replacement staff.  J
  
  
  • Jerry Baron commented that Senator Menendez has picked up IR-4 to support and has continued to support IR-4 in 2019.  He noted that “we worked hard last year and still ended up with a flat budget”.  Being a minor program makes it very hard to get on the radar of Congress etc.  The question is what we can do differently to be successful.  Rob Hedberg noted that persistence eventually pays off. 
  
  
  
  

 

• Indirect Cost Situation
  
  
  
  • The earliest to be implemented is FY 2021. We have to request the change now then in FY 2020 (later this year) go to the Hill to request a change in Authorization language changing IR-4 funding line from Special Research Grant to Specific Cooperative Agreement.  It would also change funding  from a 3 year to a 5 year program too.  Jerry Baron and Rob Hedberg spoke Scott Angle and he indicated that the sooner the better to do the change. When the change is made, and IDC is allowed, it would be managed through a cooperative agreement – the annual appropriations is a limit of 10%.  IR-4 is such a business type of program; we could go to submitting a proposal every four years, rather than going through it every 2 years.  There will still be an annual budget aspect with research details etc… 
  
  
  
  

 

• Todd Scholz wanted to go on record that he hates IDC, but the committee agreed as Ann George noted, that it is now “a way of life” of working with the institutions.

 

• Rutgers RCM Update-Jerry Baron and Brad Hillman:
  
  
  
  • The Ag Experiment station has been billed, but so far, payment has not been enforced.  It came to a head this year when HQ was renewing their lease and reluctance to give IR-4 a long-term lease. Jerry and Brad has had several meetings with the Executive Dean and the New Brunswick Chancellor. 
  
  
  • Many feel that the cost for IR-4 (and the ag experiment station) is too high and will continue to negotiate on IR-4’s behalf.  We want to meet in the middle to a reasonable level and arrive at a number that is acceptable to all parties. Still a lot is out of our control.  The VP of finance seems to be more intransigent. 
  
  
  • Brad Hillman is willing to allow IR-4 HQ to sign a 2-year lease. The 2 year extension on the lease will give us more time to work it out.  There is a spring meeting with the budget folks and the chancellor. 
  
  
  • John Wise questioned if the Rutgers Administrators has been transparent about the “billing” formula etc….  Brad Hillman noted that in one sense, they are, and in another sense, they are not, for example, it is hard to understand how they charge IR-4 for space.   
  
  
  
  

 

• Lab Backlog/Lab Efficiency progress-Matt Hengel/Debbie Carpenter noted that the backlog is now manageable and the Labs have really gotten to the root of some of the issues that cause the backlogs. Alvin Simmons discussed the ARS and noted that they are sorting out some of the funding as well as funding increases etc.  Also mentioned the impact from the shutdown. Now allowed to use ARS funds to pay contract work as well as salary increases.  The contract work can help with the ARS backlog.  There is also funding to hire a new staff member for Tifton lab2019

 

• Priority setting workshop plans-Van Starner and Dan Kunkel Week of workshops to be held September 22 in Baltimore.

 

• Tactical Sciences-Mike Bledsoe gave some history.  Sonny Ramaswamy wanted everyone to be a part of it and included IR-4.  A paper resulted from the first meeting and then they had another meeting of 25 reps including IR-4.  Rob Hedberg noted that there was recognition of some of the groups involved in protecting American agriculture. NIFA released a RFA to fund the next level in developing a Tactical Science network.  NIFA has received six grant applications. Mike Bledsoe is participating in the grant review process, where there is $1 million over 5 years. They have picked one proposal, and they should announce the awardee in the coming weeks.  The whole community was well represented.  Rob Hedberg noted the commonalty among all groups.  He also note that support for the US infrastructure (replacing old equipment), maintain communication, and need to train the next generation should be a priority.  

 

• Final Strategies for House Meeting-Mike Bledsoe

Tuesday March 12^th 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm – Visit with House Ag/House Approp. Staff

@ 1302 Longworth House Office Bldg. 

• Welcome and Introduction (Michael Aerts)


• Brief Presentations (5 min.) on Importance of IR-4 to US Specialty Crop Community
  
  
  
  • Mike Bledsoe-Greenhouse Vegetable
  
  
  • Berry Tanner-National Watermelon Association
  
  
  • Armando Monterroso-Tropical Crops
  
  
  • Ann George-US Hops, including export support
  
  
  
  


• Funding Situation
  
  
  
  • Existing Resources/Challenges-John Wise
  
  
  • Stakeholder Recommendations-Robert (Bob) Simerly
  
  
  
  


• Question and Answer

 

• Partner updates
  
  
  
  • APLU/Douglas Steel
    
    
    
    • 1) One Ask approach $125 million with all the lines where does IR-4 fit in? There are 47 Lines in NIFA: IR-4 is not a small line at $12 milion and has the attention of APLU 2). Strategic alignment: APLU was asked to examine its 47 lines and ask if there are redundancies agencies being funded at $10million or more keep a separate line for those. They boiled it down to 14 lines and would consolidate smaller agencies in one line. For example if there were 5 lines at $1 million each they would consolidate the 5 into one line and ask for $5million. APLU is hoping to go down to 6 lines, but IR-4 might lose identity if it is not in a separate line. There might be the possibility of going down to 3 lines: research, academic, and extension. It is critical to justify any increase requested by IR-4; what will the increase be used for?
    
    
    
    
  
  
  
  

 

• USDA-REE: Scott Hutchins: Joined USDA January 19 he is a former Dow Executive and very familiar with agriculture and IR-4. Need to start with the value of the program first and the money will follow.IR-4’s mission is clear and is speedily working on being flexible and agile. Scott will be an advocate for IR-4 he understands its success and value and partnerships with the USDA.

 

• EPA: Rick Kegwin Et.al: Changes to registration process for biopesticides. PRIA 3 moved away from stamping a label to changes made. PRIA 4 will have a clean label review. They will have extra funds for enforcement, QA and compliance. Will be able to hire more people on RD side and registration review. The government shutdown caused double the amount of petitions that need to be reviewed. They will be renegotiating PRIA dates. Registration Review is in its first year of 15 year cycle ending in 2022. Even for products in Registration Review if there is a particular grower need, they’ll work to achieve what is needed.

 

• Approval of minutes, new agenda items. Approved with corrected language from Alvin Simmons

 

• Reports from AAs, NIFA, ARS, CLC, Regions, HQ
  
  
  
  • AA: Doug Buhler reported this is a renewal year. A full strategic plan is not needed. Mid-term financial review was good. All forms are in shape. Jerry Baron is making timely visits to the regions. 5-year rotation is good. We need to keep demonstrating IR-4 value. There were questions in NRSP about whether IR-4 is an NRSP program. Jerry Baron will hit on the value of IR-4 with the Experiment Station Directors during visits. Reaching out at this time is very wise. SOR AA, Sherry Larkin reported that key personnel positions are filled and all is pretty stable at this time. Jerry Baron to visit next week with the directors.
  
  
  
  

 

• NIFA-Rob Hedberg was interested in discussing the Cooperative agreement, President’s Budget, NIFA Relocation, Hemp studies and Citrus Greening.

 

• 2021 is target for request for cooperative agreement that will allow indirect costs. The RFA deadline is April 3. The 2020 Budget on the NIFA side there were no surprises. NIFA is getting $50 million to reinvest in facilities (which is enough to build half a science building). ARS also received $50 million. Status of 2019 RFA/timelines: Put the 2019 start day as the day after the expiration date of 2018 funding.
  
  
  
  • Action Item: Rob will pursue changing the 2021 RFA to use a cooperative agreement that allows limited indirect costs and four year agreements rather than two year agreements.
  
  
  • Action Item: There may be an opportunity for IR-4 to attend at the APLU Annual Agriculture Research Exhibit on May 15, 2019. Contact Wendy Fink wfink@aplu.org
  
  
  
  

 

• There is a lot of uncertainty surrounding the NIFA relocation. The agency received 136 expressions of interest which was whittled down to 67 which is expected to be down to 5 or 6 locations with an expected decision in May. With staff shortages things will move much slower than in the past. Please have patience. There will remain a cadre of people (40) in DC in order to interact with agencies in DC. These people have significant knowledge management in inter government relations.

 

• Where do we stand on working on hemp? The2018 Farm Bill legalized the production of hemp as an agricultural commodity while removing it from the list of controlled substances. It can be studied as an authorized project under the Agricultural Marketing Service or in State authorized projects. Each state is different therefore, IR-4 should be aware of State limitations on its work on industrial hemp. There are different rules in different states. IR-4 allowed to fund hemp research for seed treatment, foliar and efficacy and crop safety in NY, NC, ND, WV and KY. Still not sure how to do residue research.

 

• Citrus Greening, IR-4 might have an opportunity to help the industry navigate the regulatory system. SCRI strongly recommends working with IR-4 through the RFA. This may allow IR-4 to receive funding for their help.

 

• ARS: Alvin will send Jerry corrected language for the fall 2018 PMC minutes. ARS was under a hiring restriction. They were able to hire a temporary lead scientist in Tifton who has now become permanent. There is a renewed excitement in ARS. They can now see “light at the end of the tunnel” in regards to the lab backlog. Being able to hire contract labs was a big help. ARS is able to provide $85K for contractual work. The monies for QA & Ornamental work through RU remains the same. ARS is hiring a replacement for Joh Harvey and a new lab person in Wapato. The 35-day government shutdown not only had an impact on work stoppage but also on work start-up.

 

• CLC: welcomed new members. The GASc team will meet to discuss hiring a lobbying firm. Follow up from the Congressional House briefing would be to “plant” questions for further discussions in the future.

 

• NER: report in materials all things are going well and Marylee Ross is leading the Regional Field Coordinator meetings.

 

• SOR report in materials: Roger Batts is interim Regional Field Coordinator until May 1 when Janine will become full time RFC. Sherry Larkin is the new AA for SOR. Gail Mahnken is now permanent Lab research Director. Field is going well 2019 field trials are more than 2018in food use. The labs have 3 outstanding ASRs (with 2 in prep) 5 are defined as backlogged. QA going well. The SOR will reach out to the Citrus Greening leads to offer IR-4 help. They are aware of IR-4 and the abilities within the program. Robin Federline’s job has been posted to be filled in 2 months. Robin will stay on for 5 months.

 

• WSR report in materials: field is on track. WSR received a grant from the California Department of Food and Agriculture. The PI from Oregon State resigned in spring 2018. Michael Horak is on the search committee with interviews beginning in March 2019. The lab is in good shape and finished 23 projects. One much needed instrument was offered to the lab from another department on campus. The only stipulation was the lab had to pick it up and deliver it to the WSR offices and were responsible for getting it set up and tested. QA is going well and they were able to help out with QA in Wapato ARS lab.

 

• NCR report in materials. Anthony VanWoerkom, a former NC region FRD was hired to replace RFC Satoru Miyazaki, who retired in 2018. Field trials are down. Biopesticide and EnvironHort is about the same. They are working to get the new RFC up to speed. The lab is really close to eliminating the backlog. Labs helping each other has changed the culture. Some newer techs are really good at fixing equipment. The region also participated in two process improvement exercises, one focusing on the field the other on the lab.

 

• HQ: Jerry Baron thanked all those who participated in the Congressional Briefing. While there were fewer attendees he is optimistic about their interest. Many were taking notes as the panel spoke. Marija Arsenovic retired in November 2018, Keith Dorschner to retire April 1.Roger Batts will take over Marija Arsenovic’s studies on May 1.Thomas Pike will take on the entomology duties. HQ held a fruitful training for the new RFCs. Rutgers approved a 2 year lease for us to sign. Jerry Baron visited with new NIFA Director, Scott Angle. Jerry Baron also visited with USDA-FAS Administrator, Ken Isley regarding prohibition of IR-4 submitting additional TASC grants. Due to change in the Farm Bill, prohibition of new TASC grants have been eliminated. Jerry Baron also visited with Rick Keigwin and Mike Goodis at EPA. Jerry Baron has been asked to sit on the ARS review panel April 2. HQ and NER grants are moving forward.

 

• Pending Research/Quality Issues
  
  
  
  • Food Program report in materials. IR-4 was able to garner 918 uses in 2018 from 27 chemicals, The government shutdown in 2019 will set EPA by over 3 months. Received a registration for trifluralin on rosemary fresh leaves, rosemary dried leaves and rosemary oil.in 2018 submissions on 24 products addressed 160 PR#s. So far there are 3 AI submissions. There were no crop group changes. In 2018 388 field trials, 100 E/CS trials. In 2019 planning 436 fields trials in 73 studies, 95 E/CS trials in 44 studies and was slightly over budget, and 5 studies in Integrated Solutions under budget so funds were given to biopesticides and performance. Late 2018 FDB could have been QAed at HQ during the down time. 63 studies are waiting to be submitted. ASRs are still back logged. Nine have been sent to contract labs.
  
  
  
  

 

• Quality Assurance/GLP Compliance report in materials. 4 EPA audit notifications in 2018. Decommissioning of University of Arkansas. Spring QA meeting was held in Dallas to discuss the 2019 field season, workload distribution, final report scheduling and other topics.

 

• International Activities report in materials. New CODEX working groups. The Global Minor Use Foundation held its first Board meeting. Awaiting the status of 501(c)(3). Expecting deposits soon. Received a small STDF grant to support some travel for Michael Braverman. The TASC grant matured in 2018. IR-4 was told not to submit again, however, the Farm Bill changed rules on TASC grant and Jerry Baron met with FAS Administrator and funds may become available.

 

• Integrated Solutions- slide set available on the website. This program utilizes biopesticides and conventional pesticides to create pest control programs to address pest control voids. Creating a database to post protocols and final reports.

 

• Environmental Horticulture Program (including Pollinator Protection) report in materials. The 2018 Farm Bill reintroduced language that requires a 1:1 match for SCRI funds.  The Land-Grant University exemption was removed.  This change is threatening IR-4 SCRI grant application for Downy Mildew in the EH program.  Action Item: Cristi Palmer to determine the actual gap and whether the DM SCRI Stakeholder panel is able to address this gap. If not, withdraw the proposal. Update: The FY2019 SCRI proposal for Downy Mildew management was withdrawn from further consideration.

 

• Biopesticide and Organic Support report in materials. 6-BA for avocado was completed in 2018. (reviewed in BPPD/RD) Valent will submit in CA. Reviewed 2019 research priorities. 1) Viruses and viroids in tomato 2) SWD attract/kill 3) Downy mildew in basil-working on this for four years and now there are resistant basil line. 4) weed screening 5) fruiting vegetable bacterial diseases 6) Varroa mite/RNA; have been asked to provide regulatory support for RNAi mosquitoes (males only) for release. Working on invasive species registration of microorganism for management of spotted lantern fly on Tree of Heaven

 

• Communications report in materials. Decided to reconvene the website team on quarterly basis for website feedback and updates. YES with a one-page format completed, also materials for CLC to use when educating Congress.

 

• ACAC/Analytical Laboratory Report in materials. Backlog: 10 in TIR, 4at YAR, 0 CAR, 9 at MIR. 7 at FLR for a total of 30. Expect the state labs to be out of backlog by summer, YAR coming along TIR is struggling.

 

• Process for handling new backlog. Define what a backlog is. Matt Hengel, along with Debbie Carpenter put together a document on the process for handling backlog going forward.

 

• Potential 2019 funding distribution Jerry Baron shared a spreadsheet. NIFA holdback will be the same as last year. Motion to accept funding distribution as presented was tabled. Update-Funding Distribution was later approved during the Executive Session.

 

• Impact of NEC on Regional Budgets-at this point there are no dates or a venue.
  
  
  
  • John Wise will be stepping down from the Education and Training Committee
  
  
  
  

 

• Motion: Jerry Baron - To accept new members on the Education & Training Committee: Christina Marconi, FRD Southern Reg., Stephen Flanagan, Assist RFC Western region, and a Western region FRD (to be confirmed by Michael Horak) to replace Peter Sturman (OR) - second Matt; approved

 

• Plans for NRSP-4 Renewal submit proposal by September of 2019 to regions decouple this with the strategic plan. Discuss this at the summer PMC meeting. Jerry Baron will follow up.

 

• Challenges of administrating non-NIFA grants moved to an offline discussion

 

• Upcoming Meetings, Summer PMC via Zoom week of July 7. Most preferred July 8 &9 1-4pm Eastern time each day

 

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Participants

PARTICIPANTS
Mike Aerts; CLC
Jerry Baron; IR-4 Executive Director
Michael Bledsoe; CLC/Chair
Tom Bewick; USDA-NIFA
Doug Buhler; Administrative Advisor-NCR
Jill Calabro; CLC
Ann George; CLC
Liwei Gu; Regional Director-SOR
Matt Hengel; Regional Director-Western Region
Bob Jones; CLC
Dan Kunkel; Senior Associate Director
Bob Kaldunski; CLC
Sherry Larkin; Administrative Advisor-SOR/Chair
Armando Monterroso; CLC
Dan Rossi; Regional Director-NER
Steve Salisbury; CLC (by phone)
Todd Scholz; CLC/Vice Chair
Bob Simerly; CLC (by phone)
Alvin Simmons; USDA-ARS
Berry Tanner; CLC
Amy Upton; CLC
Herman Wagnespack: CLC
John Wise; Regional Director-NCR/Chair PMC

GUESTS
Scott Angle
Tammy Barkalow
Michael Braverman
Debbie Carpenter
Nancy Fitz
Scott Hutchins
Moses Kairo
Rick Keigwin
Ray McAllister
Chris Novak
Cristi Palmer
Van Starner
Simon Zebelo

Brief Summary of Minutes

Joint CLC & PMC Session

1. Comments from the Chairs:

Mike Bledsoe

• Thanked the CLC for his re-election.


• He has enjoyed his first term and is looking forward to the next.


• IR-4 faces many challenges—funding, move, and public perceptions.


• CLC is working hard to move us forward.


• Very proud of the membership—formation of the GASC


• Accomplished reestablishing presence with increase in Presidents budget.

John Wise

• Reminded the PMC about the training conference—excellent conference and was encouraged by the younger attendees who were engaged, qualified, capable.


• Funding is important to give the next generation a chance.

 

1. New Member Approvals

• Bledsoe explained that the CLC need to formally approve these new members so the PMC could approve them also.


• Jennifer Clarke, CA Leafy Green Research Program


• Bill Frantz—replace Terry Humfeld


• Kam Quarles, National Potato Council

 

1. CLC Government Affairs Sub-Committee (GASC) Recap–Bob Simerly (via phone)

• Background of the subcommittee—formed to continue the effort throughout the year


• Restored funding last year—zeroed budget in Presidents proposal


• Laura Phelps, Jerry Baron, Keith Pitts—visited Ruth Saunders


• Increased request in Presidents Budget to $17 Million


• Organized the Lunch and Learn—Committee helps, especially Amy Upton


• Support for the IR-4 Move and considerations


• Professional Assistance/Considered professional lobbying firm


• Not proper for USDA Agency to hire a lobbyist
  
  
  
  • CLC should organize a subcommittee formally.
  
  
  • GASC will serve as leadership for CLC efforts
  
  
  
  

1. IR-4 2019 Year End Summary (Baron)

• International Year of Plant Health is 2020!


• Discussed the 2019 IR-4 Annual Report


• IR-4 data supported 1545 new registrations in 2019, a record that included a 35-day shutdown of EPA


• Residue studies for Hemp—


• Export issues remains an issue


• Public Acceptance of pesticides


• President’s budget includes a funding bump for IR-4 NIFA funds. First time an increase is proposed. Proposed cut for ARS’s umbrella funds.  It is believed that OMB visit by Laura Philips, Keith Pitts and Baron contributed to the proposed NIFA increase. 


• Turnover—Lots of staff changing within the IR-4.
  
  
  
  • Tifton lab has a new director
  
  
  • More changes in personnel to be expected this year
  
  
  • Younger faces within IR-4
  
  
  
  


• Lobbyist question—Determined it is not good use of funds

 

1. Update on THE MOVE  (Baron)

Northeast Region

• Rutgers also declined to continue to support IR-4 Northeast Region- so considered our options.


• Dan Rossi reached out to different universities in NE region-1864 institutions generally not interested


• Began some dialogue with others including University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES)

IR-4 HQ

• Move has made progress but taking longer than expected
  
  
  
  • Recruiting is taking double the time expected.
  
  
  • Jerry moved on January 2, Small office suite.
  
  
  
  


• Looking to add Weed Scientist, two study directors and entomologist as first hires.


• National Operations Manager is in future.


• NC State team is hospitable and welcoming. They try to help you by working through solutions


• Recently some progress with Rutgers on transferring funds


• Baron introduced Dr. Steve Lommel, Director of NC Agriculture Research Service who is Baron’s direct supervisor. Steve will join the PMC as Advisor.


• Bledsoe explained that CLC has had voice in employee selection process; he has been engaged. Rich Bonanno, former Chair of CLC, who is now NC Cooperative Extension Service Director is a formal member of the Search and Selection Committees

 

1. Indirect Cost Situation/Conversion to Special Cooperative Agreement
   
   
   
   • Baron discussed process of conversion to an appropriation with overhead.
   
   
   • CLC has two asks on the Hill; increase funding to $20 Million in FY 2021 and change to Special Cooperative Agreement to allow 10% overhead.
   
   
   • NPL for NIFA will be Tom Bewick. He replaces Rob Hedberg.
   
   
   
   

 

2. Strategies for the Lunch and Learn (Bledsoe)
   
   
   
   • Plan to do program similar to last year, Mike Aerts is the moderator
   
   
   • Other talking points
     
     
     
     • New technology
     
     
     • Office of Urban Agriculture
     
     
     
     
   
   
   
   

 

3. Partner Update

• USDA (S. Hutchins and S. Angle)


• Chris Novak (CropLife America)
  
  
  
  • Served at Syngenta, Corn Growers, Pork Producers
  
  
  • Strategic planning—Tools and technologies
  
  
  • Important topics
    
    
    
    1. Use the word Pesticide—not Crop Protection. Crop Protection means crop insurance to public.
    
    
    2. Key Policy
    
    
    
    
  
  
  
  

• Trade Barriers

1. State Issues


2. Product specific bans


3. Preemption is strategy

• Endangered Species


• PRIA/EPA. Funding & PRIA V Reauthorization

1. Need strong federal system to keep states from stepping in


2. Pendulums swing—Investigating Carbon footprint of pesticide use.

• EPA (R. Keigwin), OPP Management


• Last week 4.5 Million hits for disinfectants for coronavirus


• IR-4 had a phenomenal year—1545 registrations compared to 1100


• Retirements and departures— Losing great people but many of the new hires are rock stars


• EPA opening science center in RTP—marriage with toxics


• Registration/ongoing well-known products, including Pyrethroid, Triazines, Rodenticides, Neonics. EPA seems to have saved the hard ones until the end.


• Endangered Species Work under ESA-InterAgency Task force in statute


• Draft Biological Opinions—Carbaryl and Methomyl, Glyphosate, triazines, and Atrizine
  
  
  
  • Change in pesticide use data—New with these reviews
  
  
  • Not the answer but better review
  
  
  • Recommends participation in public comment—back up facts with data.
  
  
  
  


• EPA is moving from Potomac Yards this fall. Done in mid-November. OPP will spread between three buildings in Federal Triangle. Fiscally it will make sense. EPA currently pays $1.25 Million per floor in just rent space at Potomac Yards. Historical building will be a bit different. Space is harder to make into functional offices


• EPA OPP will probably not return to 900 people, net head count of hiring vs losses is not yet positive. Looking to gain 100 positions to about 700 people. PRIA commitments are based on 900 employees

 

Wednesday March 11^th: 8:00 am to 5:15 pm

4. Approval of minutes, new agenda items. (Wise)

• Minor changes in Minutes were suggested by Alvin Simmons

5. Reports

• AAs
  
  
  
  • Sherry Larkin- stepping down as AA to pursue position with SeaGrant. Will be at Southern Region Directors Meeting next week to be supportive of IR-4
  
  
  • Doug Buhler-North Central Director meeting first week of April
  
  
  • Baron invited to present at Western Region Directors meeting. Rossi will cover
  
  
  • Brad Hillman is stepping down as NJAES Director- Hillman to check with Peg Brennen about assuming the IR-4 AA role from the NE.
  
  
  
  


• NIFA
  
  
  
  • Tom Bewick-NIFA does not have the bandwidth to do minor administrative changes, e.g. change in the IR-4 Principal Investigator from Baron to Kunkel.  NIFA is focusing efforts on outstanding 2019 grant award that still need attention
  
  
  • Plan to process the NC, South and Western Regions as a Continuation Award. HQ and Northeast Region will have to go through a Non-competitive award process submitted by NC State and UMES. 
  
  
  • NIFA needs progress reports 60 days prior to end of 2019 grant award to ensure progress on the 2020 awards
  
  
  
  

 

• ARS
  
  
  
  • Will be hiring a Ph.D level entomologist to assist Alvin with IR-4 work
  
  
  • Tifton still waiting on nitrogen generator
  
  
  • FY 2020 funding will be the same as FY 2019
  
  
  • Lost funds for IR-4 in 2021 Presidential budget-umbrella account
  
  
  • Will be establishing a new cooperative agreement with IR-4 @ NCSU
  
  
  • Tom Hendrick retired; Tamara Snipes took as Lab Research Director. ARS/Tifton will be hiring a new scientist to replace Hendrick.  They have already hired some lower level positions at Tifton
  
  
  • John Harvey still classified at Field Research Director at Wapato. Still working, training his replacement, Dwane Larson who attended the National Education Conference
  
  
  
  

 

• CLC


• Approved d new membership list yesterday


• Lunch and Learn went extremely well, thanks to Amy Upton. Mike Aerts did a wonderful job in serving as MC


• Many Hill visits by CLC


• Bledsoe/Scholtz reelected as Chair/Vice Chair of CLC


• CLC would like IR-4 to explore new technology i.e. new injection technology, peptides, new RNA technologies, vertical agriculture, etc.

,

• NER


• Annual Report submitted


• Reduction of field trials in 2020


• Five new researchers


• Great improvement of field coordinators coordination


• Relocation of NE Region will be a topic for tomorrow

 

• SOR,


• Detailed report submitted


• All 2018 field data books have been received; 66% of 2019 field data books are in


• Janine visited all sites in 2019


• SLR meeting in June in Atlanta


• Analytical Lab, submitted 14 ASR
  
  
  
  • 4 backlogged/all done by August
  
  
  • Analytical instruments are getting old, 15 years old being replaced
  
  
  • Goal for 20 ASR in 2020
    
    
    
    • QA is complete with 2019 work
    
    
    
    
  
  
  
  

 

• WR


• Detailed report submitted


• Field program in good shape, on target with timelines


• New people in field sites, e.g. Oregon State


• Working through problems at NM state


• SLR meeting in April will be on-line


• Laboratory is doing alright, number of project is going down
  
  
  
  • Instruments will hopefully be moved this year with entire group finally in one place
  
  
  • Re-upped with LC/MS/MS lease, purchased new equipment
  
  
  • Has done significant amount of training for other facilities
  
  
  
  


• Martin/Sherita continue to do a great job with QA

 

• NCR


• Detailed report submitted
  
  
  
  • Field Residue program is down in 2019
  
  
  • Consolidating field trials in the Dakota (Greg Rich)
  
  
  • 43 EH trials/wide range of FRDs
  
  
  • A few biopesticide projects/integrated solutions (organic basil & hemp)
  
  
  • Laboratory getting near eliminating backlog
  
  
  • QA having a busy year, Michael Chen is supporting other regions
  
  
  • Two new analysts in laboratory
  
  
  
  

 

 

 

• HQ
  
  
  
  • NRSP-4 Renewal proceeding, thanks to Dan Rossi for significant efforts
  
  
  • Status of 2020 RFA/timelines
  
  
  • Uncertainty about how the 2020 funds will be handled. Tom Bewick will talk to Sue Bowman to find out what is the best mechanism, a non-competitive grant to NC State and UMES for HQ and NE Regions or a grant into Rutgers followed by a transfer to the new institutions. 
  
  
  
  

 

2. Program update. IR-4 HQ et.al
   
   
   
   • Food (Kunkel/Carpenter/Starner/Barkalow –All See slides/annual report for details
     
     
     
     • Buhler– the numbers of new research work has really dropped over time due to funding; between 2010 vs 2020 we have lost 150 trials.
       
       
       
       • Kunkel it is actually worse as IR-4’s efforts are supported by additional funding Stat of California and TASC funds
       
       
       • Starner – in the performance program we are receiving $30 K for extra XDE performance trials, and $42K for BASF for projects for BASF compounds. 
       
       
       
       
     
     
     • IR-4 starting to explore alternative plans for Food Use Workshop
     
     
     • Barkalow detailed concerns about recent EPA audit at Weslaco. The RFCs need to have the support they need to find out problems early. Much more difficult to discover problems at the end of study 
       
       
       
       • Kunkel brought up that a lot the information was provided during the training session in San Diego and we’ve updated the IR-4 handbook to share the information and implement within the program.  
       
       
       • Barkalow people have to understand what the expectations are, there has always been what we perceive as capacity, but one of the issues is timing. FDB for 2019 are just now coming in – I anticipate within 4-6 weeks QA will be in the field, and the FDB will start stacking up, how do we move them in a more timely manner. 
       
       
       • Wise – QC is also frustrated. Nicole’s time starts to get pinched because she is shifted to field. People have other demands, and we want to respect that, we need to have time to schedule other work, a soft touch helps to persuade, if that is not sufficient, if it is a system level problem, we can put it on the agenda, do we need to make a formal request, I don’t think we have done that to date, that is what I have going on in the background.  If it is a new reality, we need to talk about it.
       
       
       • Kunkel when we started the 30-month timeline we had 6 weeks after samples were shipped for the FRD will send the notebook to the regional office,
       
       
       • Wise – suggesting may not be enough, how strong a stick is too strong, we don’t want people to quit. Everyone is under pressure.
       
       
       • Carpenter- there has been a huge shift, and additional education may be needed, In the past we waited for ASRs for 2-3 years, it didn’t matter when the field data books came in.  Now it does.  
       
       
       
       
     
     
     
     
   
   
   
   

 

• Environmental Horticulture (Palmer)- see slides


• Biopesticides research & regulatory support –see slids


• Communications
  
  
  
  • Baron - I met at the licensing people at NC State; they recognize that IR-4 is unique and questioned if we should have all of the partners logos on materials. Agreed to add lo add Regional units logos to webpage, please forward to Palmer. Wise questioned if we should go beyond Regions
  
  
  • Kunkel I like what we have on the back cover of our annual report “major funding is provided by…. “
  
  
  
  


• International Activities
  
  
  
  • Kunkel - Codex Committee of Pesticide Residues was cancelled, so this year MRLs will be pushed back.
  
  
  • Baron– we continue to hear promising words from USDA-FAS for what we have been doing and that they want to expand the work because MRL harmonization is so important. 
  
  
  • Kunkel–we don’t have someone at HQ to do a quick summary and passing it on to Codex, and that is one area I’d like to see, but there are a lot of positions before that. 
  
  
  
  

 

 

 

3. Report on National Education Conference - Starner

• The two-day conference was successful, just shy of 120 participants


• Many members off the Training and Educational Committee. Need to replace ASAP as the planning of the NEC takes significant time. 

 

4. Field and laboratory performance issues

Backlog –

• Hengel- IR-4 lab interactions have evolved into a much more cooperative network, Everyone is trying to pull in the same direction. Backlog is on a downward trend overall. To get rid of the backlog, we still have some work on defining backlog.  


• Wise –When inexcusable backlog exists, if there is not some kind of hammer, it doesn’t mean anything. If backlog is reasonable and attitudes are right, we do not want to demoralize people. 


• Baron- if there is a situation happening it is good for all of us to know. If there is a feedback system, maybe people can help.  


• Hengel – but we still have our ACAC committee, and it was formed to help with analytical issues, you have a broader group to weigh in on it, we haven’t utilized the committee to that extent, but we may do that in the future with the transition. 


• Wise – whether it is once a year or more, keeping the information in front of us does have value, but I’m not hearing anyone say that we need to take severe action. Knowing that the PMC is reviewing has some effect as well. 


• Baron- maybe it should be discussed under quality, people make mistakes, but when it is beyond mistakes, we have to police ourselves or someone else does. 

Quality –

• Carpenter - concerns about study quality was discussed extensively at NEC. In practice, way too many issues being found at the end of review.  Should be discovered earlier, people need to do their job. You can train someone to ask questions, it isn’t obvious if they don’t have the raw data, they can’t look at it,


• Gu – Suggest we have lab directors serve in the role of QC of other lab’s data.


• Carpenter You can’t evaluate it unless you have the raw data. 


• Gu – we can put it in the cloud drive.


• Hengel–Not everyone has the same acquisition software, and you have to train people for the packet they are doing, a chromatogram is a chromatogram, where in Gail’s data do I see if it was chromatically integrated. We just updated the operation handbook for the phase, we need to do the lab guidance document, what is going to be acceptable.  Overall we have the same requirements, but little nuances – maybe we need to have a step back and we write and an SOP on data quality.  How would we do it without scanning everything, the chromatograms and send them off.  Then you would get a more true check in the ASR. 


• Gu – the major hurdle is different labs, if we have expert QC it would help.


• Wise – we might decide to talk about in the executive session is the motion to call on the ACAC to develop a QC process, we wouldn’t micromanage the process.

 

5. Potential 2019 funding distribution


6. Upcoming Meetings

• Unless something changes, we will have the Summer PMC meeting via Zoom


• Food Use Workshop-may need alternative plans


• Fall PMC/NRPM Likely to be in New Jersey

Accomplishments

<p>Food Program</p><br /> <p style="padding-left: 30px;">IR-4&rsquo;s main accountability matrix, the number of potential pesticide use registrations on specialty crops and specialty uses was at an all-time high of 1545. IR-4&rsquo;s previous one-year high mark was 1175 in 2015. Other performance milestones include:</p><br /> <ul><br /> <li>72 residue studies/414 residue study field trials</li><br /> <li>43 product performance projects/89 product performance field trials. &bull;</li><br /> </ul><br /> <p style="padding-left: 30px;">IR-4 launched its first research with the Integrated Solutions initiative in 2019. Integrated Solutions (IS) research has the goal of developing a system of one or more chemical or bio-based pesticides to solve a critical pest management situation. This includes 1) development of products for managing pest resistance to pesticides, 2) screen products to manage hard to control pests, 3) residue reduction/residue mitigation, and 4) organic production. &bull;</p><br /> <p style="padding-left: 30px;">Progress has been made to reduce the backlog of unanalyzed residue samples in the five core IR-4 analytical laboratories (Michigan State University, University of Florida and University of California-Davis, USDA-ARS labs in Tifton, GA and in Wapato, WA). This was accomplished with a combination of implementing processes to improve efficiency in the laboratories and utilizing contract research laboratories to temporary reduce workload at the IR-4 laboratories and reduce the backlog. &bull;</p><br /> <p style="padding-left: 30px;">IR-4 submitted 22 petitions to EPA that address 130 specific requests. &bull;</p><br /> <p style="padding-left: 30px;">There has been unprecedented expansion of hem production in 2019. EPA and USDA has solicited IR-4&rsquo;s involvement in efforts to register pesticides. IR-4 has funded several studies for chemical and bio-based pesticides to manage critical pests on hemp. Additionally, IR-4 is proposing extrapolation models to expedite provide muchneeded products for hemp pest management. &bull;</p><br /> <p style="padding-left: 30px;">IR-4 continues to cooperate with Canada on joint research projects. Canada contributed 29 field trials to the joint program that supports registrations in the U.S. and Canada. IR-4 estimates this cooperative research save IR-4 approx. $500,000 annually. &bull;</p><br /> <p style="padding-left: 30px;">IR-4 remains involved in global capacity building; the development of expertise to conduct field and laboratory pesticide residue studies under Good Laboratory Practices in Asia, Africa and Latin America. The last report from IR4 initial involvement in the Global Residue Data Generation Project was submitted in 2019 to various global regulatory authorities. New projects are being considered for 2020 and beyond. Success at a Glance IR-4&rsquo;s Food Program produced a RECORD BREAKING number of successes in 2019: 1545 based on 24 actions by EPA. EPA proposed that the crops in the current &ldquo;Crop Group 19: Herbs and Spices Group&rdquo; will be separated into two new crop groups: &ldquo;Crop Group 25: Herb Group&rdquo; and &ldquo;Crop Group 26: Spice Group&rdquo;. IR-4 initiated six Integrated Solutions research projects in 2019. This new initiative combines the best aspects of chemical and bio-based pesticides into a program approach IR-4&rsquo;s Environmental Horticulture Program prepared and submitted 22 research project summaries. IR-4 implemented 673 field trials. US EPA issued three registrations supporting 2665 crop uses.</p><br /> <p>Environmental Horticulture Program</p><br /> <p style="padding-left: 30px;">The EHC complied 22 research project summaries. In addition to the research project summaries, the IR-4 EHC Program also posted a final project summary for the Downy Mildew Biology and Management Project funded by USDA-APHIS &bull;</p><br /> <p style="padding-left: 30px;">During the third year of the SCRI Protecting Pollinators Project, the research team continued to examine bee visitation to common annuals and herbaceous perennials. They also studied the movement of systemic insecticides into pollen and nectar of treated model EHCs. The initial findings were presented to EPA to assist with the neonicotinoid pollinator risk assessments and have developed updated recommendations for growers and landscape managers.</p><br /> <p>General/ Plans for 2020 &amp; Beyond &bull;</p><br /> <p style="padding-left: 30px;">IR-4 is entering into a second decade of static funding and has had to scale back new research to match increased expenses. The Commodity Liaison Committee continues to advocate for increased federal funding while IR-4 explores opportunities to compete for resources from new sources. &bull;</p><br /> <p style="padding-left: 30px;">In July 2019, The IR-4 Project Management Committee approved a proposal submitted by North Carolina State University to host IR-4 Project Headquarters from October 1, 2019 to September 30, 2029. Rutgers University could no longer afford to contribute to the cost to host the IR-4 Headquarters unit. A Memorandum of Agreement was signed by Rutgers University and NC State to begin the transition of IR-4 Headquarters to the new institution by September 30, 2021. &bull; In September 2019, IR-4 conducted a listening/input workshop to gain feedback from stakeholders to help develop a new five-year strategic plan. Additional input from stakeholders will be solicited. IR-4&rsquo;s goal is to have a new strategic plan approved by October 1, 2020 with implementation shortly thereafter. &bull;</p><br /> <p style="padding-left: 30px;">Every five years, IR-4 is formally assessed by the Directors of the State Agricultural Experiment Stations. IR-4 has submitted a proposal/management plan for the renewal National Research Support Program-4 to maintain IR-4&rsquo;s involvement with the Land-Grant University system. &bull;</p><br /> <p style="padding-left: 30px;">Rutgers University also declined to continue to host the IR-4 Northeast Region business operations. IR-4 is having dialogue with other institutions in the Northeast/Mid-Atlantic area to find a suitable host institution.</p><br /> <p style="padding-left: 30px;">IR-4 successfully merged its stand-alone priority setting workshops for the Food Use Program (including residue research, product performance, Integrated Solutions) and Environmental Horticulture Program into a multiday &ldquo;Week of Workshop&rdquo;. This new format encouraged more crossover and integration between programs as well as substantial cost savings. &bull;</p><br /> <p style="padding-left: 30px;">Research plans for 2020 include: o</p><br /> <p style="padding-left: 60px;">65 New Residue Studies/448 Field trials</p><br /> <p style="padding-left: 60px;">44 Product Performance projects/93 field trials o</p><br /> <p style="padding-left: 60px;">15 Integrated Solutions projects/36 field trials o</p><br /> <p style="padding-left: 60px;">25 Environmental Horticulture protocol/650 greenhouse and field trials</p>

Publications

<p>PUBLICATIONS</p><br /> <p>Baron, J.J. and D. Kunkel. 2019. The IR-4 Program Update, 2019. The Northeastern Plant, Pest, and Soils Conference, Hunt Valley, MA, Abstract.</p><br /> <p>Kumar, V., G. Kakkar, C. L. Palmer, W. Myers, C. L. McKenzie, L. Osborne. Chilli thrips, Scirtothrips dorsalis (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) &ndash; small player with big damage. Acta Horticulturae 1232:247-251. DOI: 10.17660/ActaHortic.2019.1232.3</p><br /> <p>Kunkel, D.L., R. B. Batts, M. J. Braverman, J. Baron. 2019. IR-4 Project: Update and New Programs to Address Specialty Crop Grower Needs. Weed Science Society of America, 2019 Abstract #97.</p><br /> <p>Kunkel, D.L, W. Barney, and J. Baron. Progress on Global Crop Grouping for Extrapolation of Pesticide Residue Studies and Outcomes from the third Global Minor Use Summit. 2018 ACS meeting Boston. Abstract # AGRO 10.</p><br /> <p>Kunkel, Daniel L., and J. Baron Global joint reviews: Considerations and advances for minor uses, 2018 ACS meeting Boston. Abstract # AGRO 192</p><br /> <p>Kunkel, D.L., J. Baron, W. Barney. Taking Advantage of Global Field Trial Exchangeability and Crop Grouping for Pesticide Residue Studies: Weed Science Society of America, 2018 Abstract #331</p><br /> <p>Kunkel, D.L. 2018, Chair. SYMPOSIUM: INTEGRATING NEW TECHNOLOGY TO MEET THE FUTURE CHALLENGES OF AGRICULTURE: A SHARING OF EXPERIENCES 2018. NEPPSC 2018 Proceedings.</p><br /> <p>Williams, M.M., M. Arsenovic, W. Barney, D. Kunkel. 2019. An IR-4 Collaboration Success Story: Edamame. Weed Science Society of America, 2019 Abstract #459.</p>

Impact Statements

1. Enhanced Pest Mnagement

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