Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting

• 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