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IR-4 in Montana. Amy Bamber Montana Department of Agriculture March 2009. What we’ll cover. Brief description of my role Current state of IR-4 in Montana How the 2009-2013 draft Strategic Plan intersects with our needs Summary. Montana Department of Agriculture. Section Supervisor
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IR-4 in Montana Amy Bamber Montana Department of Agriculture March 2009
What we’ll cover • Brief description of my role • Current state of IR-4 in Montana • How the 2009-2013 draft Strategic Plan intersects with our needs • Summary
Montana Department of Agriculture • Section Supervisor • Groundwater Protection Program • Special Pesticide Registrations (18/24(c)) • Threatened and Endangered Species • Vertebrate Pest Control • Other duties…
IR-4 in Montana • Reeves Petroff • Gap • Mary Burrows • Inclusion of camelina in oilseed crop grouping • Request for transfer of canola tolerance to camelina for Poast. IR-4 is still not recognized as a resource by most people involved in agriculture in Montana at this time.
Minor Crops in Montana • Grains—some wheat, malt barley, feed barley, oats • Pulses—dry beans, dry peas, Austrian winter peas, lentils • Oilseeds—camelina, canola, flaxseed, mustard seed (juncea), safflower, sunflower • Other Crops—alfalfa seed, hay, seed potatoes, sugar beets, sweet cherries
2009-2013 Draft Strategic Plan Three initiatives fit our needs very well: • Global harmonization of MRLs • Increased pest management capacity for organic production • Comparative performance trials
Global Harmonization of MRLs In 2008, Montanans harvested approximately 5,470,000 acres of wheat, over 164 million bushels, valued at over a billion dollars. 80% of Montana’s grain is sold overseas Montana makes up at least 50% of all PNW port’s Hard Red Winter Wheat Shipments.
MRL Harmonization • 1 in 3 bushels of Montana wheat goes to Japan. • Our barley markets are expanding into Mexico, South America, and may soon include Cuba. • Biggest CURRENT issue is the use of paraquat on wheat.
Ornamentals • Another area of concern in Montana is export requirements for fumigation of plant parts and the loss of fumigation options in the US. • Ornamental pests of concern include European pine shoot moth, Emerald Ash Borer, and to a lesser degree light brown apple moth.
Organics According to recent data, Montana ranks: • 1st among states in the production of certified organic wheat, and • 2nd in organic production of all grains, peas, lentils and flax. We also have certified growers of cherries, apples, wine grapes, herbs, farmer’s market vegetables, mushrooms, sprouts, hard squash, livestock...etc.
Comparative Performance Trials IMO, we are losing state expertise in this area. • Sweet cherries/ fruit fly management example • Small grains—seed treat; field applications; choosing pesticides when faced with limited practical application of Ag IPM/ loss of broad spectrum products/ new pests; loss of new product field trials.
Alternative Crops • Many Montanans would like to see more alternative crops available for use in small grain rotations • Disease, pest, nutrient, moisture management • Better able to respond to changing market economics • It is vital that pest management considerations are included in new crop development at an early stage, so that new crops are not marketed to our producers without appropriate pest management options.
Summary • Montana primarily grows minor crops • Montana is a leader in production of some organic commodities • Many factors (i.e. geographical distance, inputs, lack of major in-state processing, and pressure to convert land to non-ag uses) contribute to our need to add value to our agricultural productivity.
Questions or Comments? Amy Bamber Montana Department of Agriculture abamber@mt.gov 406-444-3676