Topic:
AGRICULTURE (GENERAL); APPOINTMENT TO OFFICE; EXECUTIVE AND LEGISLATIVE NOMS. COMMITTEE; EXECUTIVE AGENCIES; STATE OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES;
Location:
EXECUTIVE AND LEGISLATIVE NOMINATIONS COMMITTEE;

OLR Research Report


January 24, 2007

  

2007-R-0137

QUESTIONS FOR THE AGRICULTURE COMMISSIONER NOMINEE

By: Joseph R. Holstead, Associate Analyst

COMMISSIONER OF AGRICULTURE (CGS § 22-6)

• Encourages and promotes the development of agriculture

• Investigates practical methods of husbandry

• Publishes (1) information and statistics about agriculture and animal industries and interests and (2) bulletins in cooperation with the University of Connecticut

QUESTIONS

American Farm Bureau Federation president, Bob Stallman, recently noted that the livestock industry “is under attack” and must reach out to the public on animal care issues. In particular, he reportedly cited Arizona's Proposition 204, which bans veal stalls. The Connecticut General Assembly is currently considering a bill that proposes to ban certain chicken cages. Is the livestock industry under attack in Connecticut? What can the department do to educate the public about livestock industry issues?

What is the status of horses at UConn that recently showed clinical signs of equine herpes virus infection? What measures did the department take upon discovery of these signs?

Please explain the criteria the department uses in deciding who receives matching grants under the Agricultural Viability Program and the Farm Transition Program (CGS §§ 22-26j and 22-26k).

Has there been an initial response to the Connecticut Farm Link program, which reportedly became operational January 22, 2007? How many farmers and agricultural land owners are currently in the database?

How would you describe the current situation of Connecticut dairy farmers in terms of viability and competitiveness in the region?

What is the department doing to help improve aquaculture?

Have worries about avian fly, “mad cow disease,” and tainted produce, negatively impacted Connecticut agriculture? If so, what has the department done to assure the public that the safety measures it takes will protect public health? Could the department do more?

Does the department have plans to assist farmers interested in crops that could be used for bio-fuels? Is there a benefit to the state in supporting bio-fuel initiatives?

JH: ts