Sunday, April 13
12:00 noon Registration Tables Open (Live Oaks Hotel Lobby)
5:00 pm Extension and Research Hospitality Suites Open
6:00 pm Reception with Heavy Hors D'oeuvres
(Conference Center, Second Floor, Rooms E&F)
Monday, April 14
7:00 am Breakfast for Conference Partipants (Cafeteria) 7:00 - 9:30 Breakfast for Spouses (Cafeteria) 8:00 am Meeting Begins (Room H, Second Floor, Conf. Center) 12:00 noon Lunch (Cafeteria) 5:00 pm Meeting Adjourns 5:15 pm Hospitality Suites Open 6:00 pm Dinner (Cafeteria) 7:00 pm Depart for Optional Theater Performance
Tuesday, April 15
7:00 am Breakfast for Conference Participants (Cafeteria) 7:00 - 9:30 Breakfast for Spouses (Cafeteria) 8:00 am Meeting Begins 11:45 am Lunch (Cafeteria) 1:00 pm Depart for Educational Tours 5:30 pm Hospitality Suites Open 6:30 pm Beaufort Stew (Pavilion)
Wednesday, April 16
7:00 am Breakfast for Conference Participants (Cafeteria) 7:00 - 9:30 Breakfast for Spouses (Cafeteria) 8:00 am Meeting Begins 12:00 noon Meeting Adjourns
Monday, April 14 |
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| Time | Agenda Items | |
| 8:00 am | 1. | Introductions and Approval of/Additions to Agenda (D. Coston) |
| 2. | Approval of Minutes – agInnovation South – July 14, 1996 and Feb. 3, 1997 (D. Coston) | |
| 3. | Interim Actions of the Chair and Executive Committee (D. Coston) | |
| 8:15 am | 4. | Southern Rural Development Center (J. Lee and L. Beaulieu) |
| 8:30 am | 5. | Analysis of the Southern Region RRF Portfolio; Proposals for New & Continuing Activities (T. Helms; D. Coston) |
| 10:00 am | Break | |
| 10:30 am | 6. | Off-the-Top Funding Requests for FY ’98 |
| 6a. | S-009 Regional Project Budget Proposal | |
| 12:00 | Lunch (Cafeteria) | |
| 1:00 pm | 7. | Orientation on Regional Research; Recommendations on Streamlining the Process (J. Sewell) |
| 1:45 pm | 8. | SRRC Report (J. Sewell) |
| 2:00 pm | 9. | National Agricultural Library/Electronic Publication Policy (T. Helms) |
| 2:30 pm | 10. | Executive Director’s Annual Report (T. Helms) |
| 2:45 pm | 11. | AESOP Report (T. Nipp) |
| 3:00 pm | Break | |
| 3:30 pm | 12. | CSREES Report (R. Koopman for G. Cooper) |
| 3:45 pm | 13. | ARS Report (R. Breeze for C. Onstad) |
| 4:00 pm | 14. | ESCOP Reports |
| 14a. | 1998 Budget Committee (L. Crowder) | |
| 14b. | 1998 Legislative Committee (J. Boling) | |
| 14.c | Environmental Affairs Committee (G. Arkin) | |
| 14d. | Senior ESCOP Representative (G. Arkin) | |
| 14e. | Strategic Planning Committee (ESCOP and agInnovation South) (R. Jones) | |
| 5:00 pm | Adjourn | |
Tuesday, April 15 |
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| 7:00 am | 15. | Chief Operating Officers Meeting – Review Executive Director’s Budget Request and Treasurer’s Report (D. Coston/V. Watson) (Go through Cafeteria Line and take Breakfast to Room J of Conference Center) |
| 8:00 am | 15a. | Report of the Association’s 1997-98 Operating Budget (D. Coston) |
| 8:15 am | 16. | Report of the Nominating Committee (G. Arkin) |
| 8:30 am | 17. | Plans for Southern Regional Mini-Land Grant Meeting (D. Richardson) |
| 8:45 am | 18. | Joint Cotton Breeding Policy Committee/Tecoman Cotton Winter Nursery (J. Wynne/L. Rogers) |
| 9:15 am | 19. | National Cotton Council of America Research Committee (A. Jordan) |
| 10:00 am | Break | |
| 10:30 am | 20. | agInnovation South Management Information System Presentation (A. Cosby/P. Tompkins) |
| 11:45 | Lunch | |
| 1:00 pm | Depart for Educational Tour (Research, Extension, and Spouses) | |
Wednesday, April 16 |
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| 8:00 am | 21. | Southern Regional IPM Committee; SERA-IEG-3 Report (L. Crowder/ D. Teem) |
| 8:30 am | 22. | Sub-Regional MOA/MOU’s for Research (T. Helms) |
| 22a. | OSU/TAMU Research Project Proposal (D. Coston/F. Gilstrap) | |
| 9:30 am | 23. | Report of the Resolutions Committee (V. Watson) |
| 10:00 am | Break | |
| 10:30 am | 24. | Joint Research/Extension Meeting (Room F, Conference Center) |
| 24a. | SERA-TF-10 Image Enhancement (T. Helms) | |
| 24b. | Impact Reporting / GPRA (D. Coston/B. Hicks) | |
| 24c. | Multi-State Programs (D. Coston) | |
| 24d. | New and Continuing SERAs (D. Coston/B. Hicks) | |
| 24e. | Southern Region Aquaculture Center Review (D. Teem/D. Foster) | |
| 11:30 am | 25. | Spring 1998 Meeting Location (D. Coston) |
| 11:45 am | 26. | Concluding Remarks, Announcements, and Adjournment (D. Coston) |
| Gerald Arkin, GA Alberto Beale, PR John Beverly, TX Bob Blackmon, AR James Boling, KY William Brown, LA Robert Cannell, VA Jerry Cherry, GA D. C. Coston, OK Nancy Cox, MS Larry Crowder, OK Elwyn Deal, SC Everett Emino, FL James Fischer, SC Frank Gilstrap, TX |
Tom Helms, Exec. Dir. Richard Jones, FL Gerald Jubb, VA Tom Klindt, TN Fred Knapp, KY George Kriz, NC John Lee, VA James Marion, AL John Neilson, FL Jim Rakocy, VI Anna Marie Rasberry, ~Asst. to Exec. Dir. Don Richardson, TN Larry Rogers, LA |
Charles Scifres, AR Tom Scott, SC John Sewell, TN Helen Shaw, NC Dan Smith, SC David Teem, AL Fred Tyner, MS Philip Utley, GA Vance Watson, MS Greg Weidemann, AR Mary Leigh Wolfe, ~ESCOP Intern, VA Johnny Wynne, NC Eric Young, NC |
BACKGROUND
All members were notified that the agenda brief was available on the agInnovation South homepage prior to the meeting. Additions to the agenda will be considered.
ACTION REQUESTED
Discussion, modification as needed and approval.
ACTION TAKEN
Participants introduced themselves and Dr. Bob Merrifield was welcomed as a guest. There were no additions to the agenda.
BACKGROUND
The minutes of the July 13-14, 1996 and the February 3, 1997 meetings of the Southern Association of Agricultural Experiment Station Directors were posted on the agInnovation South homepage after the meetings. An electronic message was sent to all members to advise that the minutes were available on the web for review.
ACTION REQUESTED
Approval.
ACTION TAKEN
July, 1996 minutes were approved on motion and second by Drs. Marion and Young. February, 1997 minutes were approved on motion and second by Drs. Richardson and Boling.
BACKGROUND
The following Interim Actions were taken by the Chair and Executive Committee on behalf of the association.
- Appointed Dr. Leonard Bull as Administrative Advisor to S-243, “Evaluation of Beef Cattle Germplasm Resources Involving Additive and Non-Additive Genetic Effects”; DC 95-03, “Effect of Genetic and Environmental Interactions on the Reproductive Performance of Beef Cattle” (S-243); and SERA-IEG-15, “Competitiveness and Sustainability of Southern Dairy Industry”.
- Appointed Dr. Vance Watson as Administrative Advisor to IEG-33, “Review of Cooperative Variety Testing Programs in the Southern Region”; and IEG-61, “Cotton Germplasm Acquisition, Evaluation, and Utilization”.
- Appointed Dr. Johnny Wynne as Chair, Joint Cotton Breeding Policy Committee.
- Appointed Dr. Allan Jones as Administrative Advisor to SERA-IEG-17, “Minimizing Agricultural Nutrient Run-Off Losses for Protection of the Water Resources”; and to serve on the Joint Cotton Breeding Policy Committee.
- Appointed Dr. Greg Weidemann as Administrative Advisor to SERA-IEG-8, “Fescue Endophyte Research and Extension”; to the Joint Cotton Breeding Policy Committee; and to the Southern Aquaculture Center Board of Directors.
- Appointed Dr. Thomas Klindt as member of the Advisory Committee for the Southern Rural Development Center.
- Appointed Dr. John Kelly as the Southern Representative to Association of Seed Certification Agencies (AOSCA).
- Appointed Dr. Larry Crowder as Administrative Advisor to AC-12, “Entomology”.
- Appointed Dr. David Teem as Administrative Advisor to SERA-IEG-9, “Aquatic Food Animal from Warm Water Aquaculture”.
- Appointed Dr. William Brown as Administrative Advisor to SERA-IEG-18, “Rice Technical Work Group”.
- Appointed Dr. Steve Lommel as Administrative Advisor to S-258, “Evaluate Cotton Germplasm to Identify Useful Characters for Genetic Mapping”.
- Appointed Dr. Dan Smith as Administrative Advisor to AC-7, “Agricultural Economics”.
- Appointed Dr. Philip Utley as Administrative Advisor to SERA-IEG-7, “Biology and Management of Peanut Insects,” replacing Dr. Max Bass.
- Appointed Dr. Eric Young to replace Dr. D. C. Coston as Administrative advisor to AC-6, “Horticulture.”
- Appointed Dr. Jack Britt to replace Dr. R. B. Muntifering as Administrative Advisor to DC 95-04, “Improving Reproductive Efficiency of Cattle.”
- Appointed Dr. Leonard Bull to replace Dr. R. B. Muntifering as Administrative Advisor to DC 94-01, “Management of Animal Waste in Support of Sustainable Agriculture and Quality Water Resources.”
- Sent letter to Dr. Mortimer Neufville, NASULGC, on behalf of the Association, expressing gratitude for presentation during our joint meeting with the Association of Research Directors.
- Letter to CSREES requesting approval of SRDC 95-06, “Development of Textile Materials for Environmental Compatibility and Human Health and Safety,” as a regional project upon recommendation by SRRC.
- Appointed Dr. Lionel Beaulieu to replace Dr. Verner Hurt as Administrative Advisor to SERA-IEG 16, “Rural Infrastructure as a Cause and Consequence of Rural Economic Development and Quality of Life.”
- Letter to CSREES requesting approval of SRDC 95-02, “Integrated Management of Arthropod Pests of Livestock and Poultry,” as a regional project upon recommendation by SRRC.
- Letter to CSREES requesting approval of SRDC 95-05, “Development and Application of Comprehensive agricultural Ecosystems Models,” as a regional project upon recommendation by SRRC.
- Approved changes in IPM Committee as follows: rotation schedule of three years with members serving as chair their last year; Administrative Advisor of SERA-IEG 3 to serve indefinitely.
- Appointed Dr. Don Richardson to serve on the Program Planning Committee for the 1997 Southern Region Mini Land-Grant meeting.
- Letter to CSREES requesting approval of SRDC 94-01, “Animal Manure and Waste Utilization, Treatment, and Nuisance Avoidance for a Sustainable Agriculture,” as a regional project upon recommendation by SRRC.
- Approved request for IEG-56, “Plant Viruses Transmitted by Whiteflies and Thrips,” to meet outside the Southern Region.
- Letter to CSREES requesting approval of SRDC 94-04 “Rural Restructuring: Causes and Consequences of Globalized Agricultural and Natural Resource Systems,” as a regional project upon recommendation by SRRC.
- Letter to Dr. Vance Watson, on behalf of the Southern Association, congratulating him on appointment as Director of the Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station, and officially appointing him as Treasurer for the agInnovation South, and to Board of Directors for SRDC.
- Appointed Dr. Philip Utley to replace Dr. Max Bass as the Southern Region representative to the American Peanut Research Education Society.
- Appointed Dr. Tom Scott to replace Dr. Leonard Bull as Administrative Advisor to SERA-IEG 15, “Competitiveness and Sustainability of the Southern Dairy Industry.”
- Appointed Dr. John Beverly as Administrative Advisor to S-275, “Animal Manure and Waste Utilization, Treatment, and Nuisance Avoidance for a Sustainable Agriculture.” (Replacing Dr. Leonard Bull/DC 94-01)
- Appointed Dr. Don Richardson to replace Dr. Leonard Bull as Administrative Advisor to SRDC 95-03, “Effect of Genetic and Environmental Interactions on the Reproductive Performance of Beef Cattle.”
- Appointed Dr. Vance Watson to serve as Chair of the 1997 Resolutions Committee.
- Appointed Dr. Frank Gilstrap to serve as member of the 1997 Resolutions Committee.
- Appointed Dr. John Sewell to ESCOP Regional Research Coordination Task Force (C-9 Replacement).
- With concurrence of Dr. Walt Walla, Chair of ASRED, appointed Drs. Elwyn Deal and William Brown to ECOP/ESCOP Agricultural Weather Task Force.
- Appointed Dr. Philip Utley to replace Dr. Max Bass as Administrative Advisor to S-255, “Development of Sustainable IPM Strategies for Soybean Arthropod Pests.
- Appointed Dr. Dan Smith as Administrative Advisor to DC 96-02 (S-216), “Food Demand and Consumptive Behavior”.
- Appointed Dr. John Kelly as Administrative Advisor to DC 96-05, “Quality Maintenance and Nutritive Aspects of Vegetables During Handling, Processing, and Storage”.
- Appointed Dr. Gerald Arkin to replace Dr. David Kissel as Administrative Advisor to SERA-IEG-11, “Review and Coordination of Oilseed Rape Research Programs in the Southern Region”.
- Appointed Dr. Fred Knapp to replace Dr. Lowell Frobish as Administrative Advisor to DC 95-02, “Management of Arthropod Pests of Livestock and Poultry”.
- Appointed Dr. Ray Frisbee as Administrative Adviser to SERA-IEG-26, “Fire Ants”.
- Appointed Dr. Lavaughn Johnson to replace Dr. J. C. Headley as Administrative Advisor to IEG-10, “Southern Natural Resource Economics Committee”.
- Appointed Dr. James Boling to represent the Southern Region on the ESCOP 1999 Budget Committee.
- Appointed Dr. Johnny Wynne as the Administrative Advisor to SERA-IEG-25, “Turf”.
- Appointed Dr. Greg Weidemann to membership on the Southern Region Research Committee.
- Appointed Dr. Tom Klindt as the Administrative Advisor to S-259, “Rural Labor Markets in the Global Economy” replacing Dr. Fred Tyner.
- Appointed Dr. Jim Marion as the Administrative Advisor to S-276, “Rural Restructuring: Causes and Consequences of Globalized Agricultural and Natural Resource Systems” replacing Dr. Fred Tyner.
- Appointed Dr. Janet Johnson as the Administrative Advisor to S-263, “Enhancing Food Safety Through Control of Foodborne Disease Agents”, and to SERA-IEG-2, “Food Safety” replacing Dr. Graham Purchase.
- Appointed Dr. Eric Young as the Administrative Advisor to S-207, “Mineralogy and Charge Properties of Readily-Dispersible Fractions from Selected Soils and Sediments” to replace Dr. John Neilson.
- Appointed Dr. O. W. Barnett as the Administrative Advisor to IEG-51, “Mycotoxins in Food and Feed Grains” replacing John Neilson.
- Appointed Dr. D. C. Coston as the Administrative Advisor to DC96-05, “Quality Maintenance and Nutritive Aspects of Vegetables During Handling, Processing, and Storage” replacing Dr. John Kelly.
- Appointed Dr. Jack Britt as the Chair, Southern Regional Research Committee, replacing Dr. Ike Sewell.
ACTION REQUESTED
Approval
ACTION TAKEN
Interim actions were approved on motion and second by Drs. Arkin and Rogers.
BACKGROUND
The Southern Rural Development Center provides an annual update on activities of the Center and other matters related to rural development in the South. Recruitment for the new Director of the Center was recently completed with announcement by the Board of Directors that Dr. Lionel J. “Bo” Beaulieu has accepted the position of Director effective August 1, 1997.
ACTION REQUESTD
For information only.
ACTION TAKEN
Drs. Lee and Beaulieu gave an overview of Center activities. As new incoming Director, Dr. Beaulieu emphasized that the Center will continue to serve as a facilitator of both extension and research economic development.
BACKGROUND
A brief analysis of the Southern Region’s RRF portfolio will be presented. See “Participation in Regional Projects” and the list of “RRF Supported Projects” available on the agInnovation South homepage.
Requests were presented for establishing or modifying the activities below as indicated. According to Association policy, copies of preproposals were sent to the agInnovation South Executive Committee (in lieu of Planning Groups) and to Administrative Advisers of select Advisory Committees for review and recommendation.
ACTION REQUESTED
Vote by full membership of agInnovation South is requested to approve formation of activity indicated.
| Recommendations of Advisory Groups & Executive Committee and Final Actions of the agInnovation South | |||
| DC | S-009(1998) | Plant Genetic Resource Conservation and Utilization | AC 1 and 6 approved. Exec. Comm. approved. FINAL ACTION: Approved DC97-12. |
| DC | S-103(1998) | Technical & Economical Efficiencies of Producing and Marketing Landscape Plants | AC 6 and 7 approved request. Exec. Comm. voted to approve. Comments: Could S-103 and IEG-63 join together? FINAL ACTION: Approved DC97-01. |
| DC | S-145(1998) | Nutrition & Management of Swine for Increased Reproductive Efficiency | AC 2 approved. Exec. Comm. voted to approve. FINAL ACTION: Approved DC97-02. |
| DC | S-213(1997) | Reproductive Performance of Turkeys | AC 2 approved. Exec. Comm. voted to approve. Comments: Could S-213 and S-233 join together? FINAL ACTION: Approved DC97-03. |
| DC | S-220(1998) | Improved Systems of Control for Pecan Arthropod Pests | AC 1 voted 10-1 to approve. AC 6 and 12 voted approval. AC 11 review pending. Exec. Comm. voted to approve. FINAL ACTION: Approved DC97-04. |
| DC | S-222(1998) | Economic Issues Affecting the U.S. Fruit & Vegetable System | (No distribution for review by AC 6 and 7 or Exec. Comm. due to request being received 4/9/97.) FINAL ACTION: Approved DC97-05. |
| DC | S-228(1998) | Forage Legume Viruses: Identification and Genetic Resistance for Improved Productivity | AC 1 voted 13-0 to approve. AC 11 review pending. Exec. Comm. voted to approve. FINAL ACTION: Approved DC97-06. |
| DC | S-233(1998) | Genetic Relationships to Growth & Reproduction in Diverse Poultry Populations | AC 2 approved. Exec. Comm. voted to approve. Comment: Could S-213 and S-233 join together? FINAL ACTION: Approved DC97-07. |
| DC | S-251(1997) | Genetic Enhancement of Health and Survival for Dairy Cattle | AC 2 approved. Exec. Comm. voted to approve. FINAL ACTION: Approved DC97-08. |
| DC | S-254(1997) | Behavior, Fate, and Bioactivity of Acetolactate Synthase (ALS)-Inhibiting Herbicides | AC 1 voted 11-1 to approve. Exec. Comm. voted to approve. FINAL ACTION: Approved DC97-09. |
| DC | S-255(1997) | Development of Sustainable IPM Strategies for Soybean Arthropod Pests | AC 12 approved. Exec. Comm. voted to approve. FINAL ACTION: Approved DC97-10. |
| DC | S-256(1998) | An Evaluation of International Markets for Southern Commodities | AC 7 approved. Exec. Comm. voted to approve. FINAL ACTION: Approved DC97-11. |
| IEG(new) | S-257(1998) | Classifying Soils for Solute Transport as Affected by Soil Properties and Landscape Position | AC 1 voted 12-0 to approved. AC 5 and 6 approved. Exec. Comm. voted to approve. FINAL ACTION: Approved IEG-73 to begin in 1998 with expiration of S-257. |
| IEG(new) | DC 95-04(1997) S-248 (1996) |
Enhancing Reproductive Efficiency in Cattle | AC 2 approved. Exec. Comm. voted to approve. FINAL ACTION: Approved IEG-72 |
| IEG(extend) | IEG 25(1997) | Plant Root Environment | (No distribution for review by AC 1, 6 and 13 or Exec. Comm. due to request being received 4/9/97.) NC region’s group will merge with IEG-25. FINAL ACTION: Approved extension. |
| IEG(extend) | IEG-51(1997) | Mycotoxins in Food and Feed Grains | AC 4 and Exec. Comm. voted to approve. FINAL ACTION: Approved extension. |
| SERA-IEG(new) | IEG-63(1995) | Nursery Production | AC 6 approved. Exec. Comm. voted to approve. Comment: Could IEG 63 join with S-103? Adm. Advisers were asked to consider having these groups meet together occasionally. FINAL ACTION: Approved SERA-IEG-27. |
| SERA-IEG(extend) | SERA-IEG-11(1997) | Review and Coordination of Oilseed Rape Research Programs in the Southern Region | AC 1 voted 10-2 to approve. AC 11 review pending. Exec. Comm. voted to approve. FINAL ACTION: Approved extension. |
| SERA-IEG(extend) | SERA-IEG-12(1997) | Southern Forest Insect Worker Conference | AC 12 and 13 and Exec. Comm. voted to approve. FINAL ACTION: Approved extension. |
| SERA-TF(new) | n/a | Utilization of University-Based Food Processing Centers | AC 2, 4 and 6 approve. AC 8 review pending. Exec. Comm. voted to approve. Comment: Would an IEG rather than TF be appropriate? Since mission-oriented should be a TF. FINAL ACTION: Approved SERA-TF-11. |
ACTION TAKEN
Dr. Helms distributed handouts (copies available from the ED office) regarding Southern Region participation in regional research funded projects. These handouts prompted discussions of the importance of accountability regarding participation of individual stations.
BACKGROUND
The following off-the-top funding requests for 1998 are to be considered by the association.
| Activity(Southern Adviser) | Title | FY 98 RRF Requested | Comments/Recommendation |
| NRSP-1 (Koonce) | Research Planning Using the Current Research Information System | $219,398 | Dr. Helms presented draft material reflecting new CRIS classification schemes being considered. Directors were asked to review and make comments prior to 4/28 when the CRIS Enhancement Working Group would convene for finalization. FINAL ACTION: Funding approved (noting caveat below*) unanimously on a motion and second by Drs. Emino and Kriz. |
| NRSP-3 (Brown) | The National Atmospheric Deposition Program – Long Term Monitoring Program in Support of Research of Effects of Atmospheric Chemical Deposition | $118,101 | Discussions reflected concern over major users being other than production agriculture; questions of validity of data; and that research base is toward “trends” with most “trend” analysis done by scientists outside SAES. FINAL ACTION: Motion** for approval was rejected on vote of 3 in favor/9 opposed/2 abstaining/1 absent. |
| NRSP-4 (Thompson) | A National Agricultural Program to Clear Pest Control Agents for Minor Uses | $547,415 | FINAL ACTION: Funding approved (noting caveat below*) unanimously on a motion and second by Drs. Kriz and Emino. |
| NRSP-5 (Coston) | Develop and Distribute Deciduous Fruit Tree Clones Free of Virus and Virus-Like Agents | $239,231 | SRRC reported a unanimous approval of new project proposal. FINAL ACTION: Following a motion/second by Drs. Jubb/Cannell, funding approved (noting caveat below*) on vote of 12 in favor/0 opposed/1 abstention. |
| NRSP-6 (Young) | Introduction, Preservation, Classification, Distribution and Evaluation of Solanum Species | $171,655 | Considering SRRC’s review of the project and subsequent approval on vote of 3 to 2, a motion and second by Drs. Young/Emino requested funding approval on the condition that a comprehensive review be implemented. FINAL ACTION: Motion*** for approval was rejected on vote of 2 in favor/11 opposed/1 abstention/1 absent. |
| NRSP-8 (Boling) | National Animal Genome Research Program | $380,000 | FINAL ACTION: Funding approved (noting caveat below*) unanimously on a motion and second by Drs. Boling and Kriz. |
| S-009 (Arkin) | Plant Genetic Resource Conservation and Utilization | $261,180 | FINAL ACTION: Funding approved (noting caveat below*) unanimously on a motion and second by Drs. Arkin and Wynne. |
*Using FY 1997 funding as a base for comparison, the Association approves FY 1998 funding at the level requested or a percentage change the same as the change in Hatch funding, whichever is smaller.
ACTION REQUESTED
Review and discussion of each funding request with recommendations of the Executive Committee will be considered. One vote per state will determine the agInnovation South’s recommendation on the FY 98 budget request for each project.
ACTION TAKEN
Final actions and discussions are noted in the table above. Information regarding specific motions follows:
** NRSP 3 — Original motion/second requesting funding approval made by Drs. Brown/Cherry. After discussion, a motion/second by Drs. Cherry/Young to table the original motion was approved. Drs. Cherry/Boling motioned to remove NRSP 3 and 6 from table for immediate action on original motion.
***NRSP 6 — Original motion requesting approval was tabled on motion/second by Drs. Marion/Young. Later action by motion/second from Drs. Cherry/Boling removed NRSP 3 and 6 from table for immediate vote.
Discussions of NRSP funding led to additional issues being raised regarding the agInnovation South procedure of NRSP project review. These discussions resulted in the following action:
A motion by Dr. Kriz, seconded by Dr. Richardson, was unanimously approved to adopt the following guidelines regarding NRSP Proposal/Funding:
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BACKGROUND
Genetic resources representing over 1,200 new accessions were received, increasing the Unit holdings to in excess of 78,000. New introductions represented a broad range of genera and species. Over 7,500 seed regenerations were accomplished at Griffin or through cooperators across various sites. In response to more than approximately 1,000 requests, more than 35,000 distributions were made (approximately 90% were supplied to domestic users). Over 300 oligomers were distributed as molecular markers to profile (‘type’) accessions and map useful traits. In complement, additonal effort was placed on documentation and database development of the Germplasm Resources Information Network (GRIN).
In collaboration with crop experts, evaluation studies were conducted on morphological and agronomic/horticultural traits in forage and grain legumes, forage and turf grasses, sorghum, peanut, watermelon, and pepper. Associated characterizations were conducted in all regenerations by all curators.
Various genetic analysis techniques (PCR-based), i.e., RAPDs, AFLPS, and SSRs, are being applied to established genetic identity, relatedness, and structure of accessions held in ex situ plant genetic resources repositories in the U.S. (investigations focused on holdings from Griffin, Mayaguez, Miami, Ames, and Geneva). Based on our experiences to date, we have improved efficiency, simplified protocols, increased the level of automation, and decreased unit costs of each assay. This genetic analysis is conducted in collaboration with Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Perkin-Elmer Applied Biosystems Division, AgraTech Seeds, and Linkage Genetics.
Significant effort went to infrastructure improvement during 1996. Renovation of the -20C seed storage facility was completed. Computer hardware, software, and peripherals were purchased for installation. The local area network is in the final stage of completion and all staff will be on line by April 1997. To support controlled pollination efforts, an addition 55 cages were purchased and will be used for 1997 regenerations of vegetable and annual forage legumes.
SUMMARY OF PROJECTED PLANS FOR THE NEXT FISCAL YEAR (1998)
Operational priorities for FY98 include significantly expanding seed regeneration, back-up, and documentation activities, particularly for peanut, sorghum, forage and turf grasses, forage and grain legumes, and vegetables. In complement, genetics and plant pathology efforts will be directed to support curatorial functions.
As in the recent past, the Unit’s research support group will continue to reduce to practice molecular approaches for gene and genotype identification. Particular emphasis will be placed on sorghum, peanut, vegetable crops, and forage and turf grasses. Information obtained from these efforts will be integrated into either the current GRIN database or relevant plant genome databases. In addition, molecular diagnostics will be integrated with complementary classical plant disease assays to improve virus detection efforts.
FUNDING REQUEST FOR FY98
A. S-009
| FY 96 | FY 97 | REQUESTED FY 98 | |
| Personnel | $195,459 | $207,187 | $219,618* |
| Travel | 500 | 500 | 500 |
| Operations | 36,851 | 39,062 | 39,062 |
| Equipment | 2,000 | 2,000 | 2,000 |
| TOTAL | $234,810 | $248,749 | $261,180 |
*This category includes an average 6% increase in salaries based on projections established by the University of Georgia.
B. USDA/ARS
| FY 96 | FY 97 | PLANNED FY 98 | |
| Personnel | $1,032,974 | $1,041,938 | |
| Travel | 22,277 | 18,000 | |
| Operation | 451,940 | 478,104 | |
| Equipment | 18,700 | 5,000 | |
| Construction | 0 | 0 | |
| Transfer of Funds(Services rendered) | 216,801 | 60,385 | |
| TOTAL | $1,742,692 | $1,603,427 |
ACTION REQUESTED
FY98 budget approval of $261,180.
ACTION TAKEN
Dr. Arkin reported that a joint ARS/SAES program review will be conducted in August. ARS’ Area Director, Roger Breeze, reported on ARS’ participation and input on the project. Dr. Breeze also announced that USDA/ARS is considering moving their Plant Genetics Resource Conservation Unit (PGRCU) from Griffin to Athens, GA. The PGRCU has played an integral role in S-9 collaboration and partnershipping.
Funding was approved with standard caveat as expressed in table accompanying Agenda Item 6.
BACKGROUND
During the February, 1997, meeting of agInnovation South, the membership requested that the Southern Regional Research Committee investigate ways to streamline the process through which new projects are approved. As a result of this request, information will be presented to enhance the process.
- STREAMLINING THE PROJECT DEVELOPMENT/APPROVAL PROCESSSRRC Committee Report
Discussion - RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE ADVISOR IN PROJECT DEVELOPMENTTasks
CSREES requirements
Schedule of events and timetable
ACTION REQUESTED
For discussion and adoption of changes as appropriate.
ACTION TAKEN
Dr. Sewell distributed two handouts (copies available from ED office):
- “Regional Research Orientation” which includes a comprehensive outline of the duties of an administrative adviser. A timetable of 34 weeks from first draft of a proposal to CSREES action is outlined. Also noted in this handout is the importance of using the Manual for Cooperative Regional Research (Oct. 92) and its March 2, 1995 update to provide guidelines for format and to identify common problems found in project outlines. Familiarity with guidelines and policies will help keep timeline to a minimum.
- “SRRC Evaluation” is the standard evaluation form that the SRRC uses in making its reviews of proposed projects. Administrative Advisers are encouraged to give copies of the form to writing committees.
Dr. Shaw, as a member of the SRRC, distributed a handout (copy available from ED office) entitled “Streamlining RRF Project Development Process”. Resulting action follows:
On a motion/second by Drs. Jubb/Teem, the association unanimously adopted the following new policy:Requests for development committees (DCs) will be accepted for consideration at any time of the year following the procedure below:
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The handout further defines the steps that a project proposal takes in order to be submitted to CSREES for final approval.
BACKGROUND
The Southern Regional Research Committee presents the following report of activities:
- Project Approved by CSREESGlobalized Restructuring: Causes and Consequences of Globalized Agricultural and Natural Resource Systems
S-276 replacing S-246
Fred Tyner (MS) - Project Approved by SRRC and Submitted to agInnovation South Chairman for ApprovalDevelop and Distribute Deciduous Fruit Tree Clones that are Free of Known Graft-Transmissible Pathogens
NRSP-5/IR-2 for continuation - Projects Submitted to SRRC for ReviewFood Demand, Nutrition, and Consumer Behavior
DC 96-02 to replace S-216
Daniel B. Smith (SC)
National Atmospheric Deposition Program
NRSP-3/IR-7 for continuation
William H. Brown (LA) - Complete Project Submitted to SRRC Chair and Awaiting Peer Reviews — Not Submitted to SRRC for ReviewMineralogical Controls on Colloid Dispersion and Solid-Phase Speciation of Soil Contaminants
DC 96-01 to replace S-207
John T. Neilson (FL) - Project Under Development — Not Submitted to SRRCSubtropically Adapted Sire Breed and Maternal Additive Genetic Influences on Cow Reproduction and Maternal Performance
DC 95-03 to replace S-243 (Expired)
Don O. Richardson (TN)
NOTE: Project has a new administrative advisor and project development is progressing.
ACTION REQUESTED
For information only.
ACTION TAKEN
Appreciation was expressed to Dr. Sewell for his capable leadership as chair of the Southern Region Research Committee for 2 terms. Dr. Britt will take over as chair of SSRC with Dr. Sewell remaining as a member of the committee.
National Agricultural Library/Electronic Publication Policy
Presenter: T. Helms
BACKGROUND
The current policy of the Association requires electronic publication of all cooperative series bulletins and other publications. However, issues remain unresolved: (1) methods to be used for notifying libraries; (2) what is to be archived (electronic vs. hard copy); (3) if hard copies are to be produced, how many should be printed; and, (4) availability to those libraries which do not have electronic capability. During a recent visit to the NAL, the staff were informed about agInnovation South publication policy and were asked to help us resolve these matters, particularly the issue related to archiving electronic vs. hard copy.
ACTION REQUESTED
Decisions are needed on each of these and perhaps other issues.
ACTION TAKEN
Additional issues brought to the floor were:1) the need for hard copies of publications by regulatory agencies; 2) existing publications that were originally printed by hard copy may need to be reprinted (hard copy) — or they could be digitally scanned to generate electronic version; 3) faculty have concerns about receiving credit for electronic publishing. It was agreed that answers to policy issues concerning NAL being the archive point may have to come from a higher level of USDA administration than simply depending on the NAL director for policy decisions.
Specific examples of pending publication issues involve Dr. Crowder’s request for an Addendum to SCSB370 and Dr. Scifres’ request for a publication resulting from S-215. It was suggested that Dr. Crowder investigate having SCSB370 scanned so that an addendum could be added under the original number which could then be offered electronically as a revision of SCSB370. Dr. Scifres’ request for publication from S-215 can proceed in electronic form (submit Publication Approval for SCSB Form from agInnovation South homepage) with the issue of printing hard copies to be decided later.
To resolve some of the aforementioned issues, the following action was taken:
| Chair, D. C. Coston, appointed an ad hoc Publications Policy Committee consisting of Drs. Charles Scifres (Chair), Jim Boling, Nancy Cox, Tom Helms, and Tom Klindt. The committee was asked to report to the Association at the July meeting. |
BACKGROUND
A report from the Executive Director is attached.
April 14, 1997
General Activities. As you know, The Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station, Mississippi State University, agreed to serve as the host campus for your Association Office. At present, the Office is co-located with the Southern Rural Development Center. This has proven to be a good arrangement and one which I hope we will be able to maintain during the years to come. The transition from Dr. Clarke’s office was completed on approximately May 15, 1996, with most of the equipment for two offices in place by June 1st. The recruitment process for an Assistant was initiated during May and June, first with establishment of the non-classified position of Assistant to the Director through the Office of Human Resources at Mississippi State University, culminating during late June with placement of our Assistant, Anna Marie Rasberry. From my point of view, she has done an outstanding job and will only improve as she matures in her role as Assistant to the Director.
During the late summer and early fall period we successfully transferred the agInnovation South world-wide-web homepage from Texas A. & M. University to Mississippi State University. Mrs. Rasberry has become quite skilled in the use of HTML language and now serves as the “webmaster” for our homepage. Many improvements have been made in the homepage — if you haven’t visited, please come see us! In addition your comments and suggestions about the content of the homepage are always welcome.
The Executive Director’s Office maintains the archives for the Association. We have complete files on all current RRF projects and each of the retired project files transferred from both Clemson University and Texas A. & M. University.
Regional Activities. To date, I have visited nine of the fifteen experiment stations that make up the Southern Region. Hopefully, I will have had an opportunity to visit the remainder before the end of the fiscal year. These on-site visits allow one to become better acqainted with the Directors, their Associate/Assistant Directors and they provide an opportunity to learn more about research programs and priorities in a face-to-face meeting. In addition, these visits provide an important opportunity to become personally acquainted with the Directors’ staffs and faculty in addition to a general knowledge about their universities.
Several state-specific and regional reports have been generated through the Southern Regional Data Support System. This is a project which operates from a grant provided by the Association to the Social Science Research Center (SSRC), Mississippi State University. Presentations made by the SSRC group during the SAAS Meeting in Birmingham and annual spring meeting clearly demonstrate the use of visual management support systems for analyzing CRIS data in concert with data from other sources such as the agricultural census. The project is scheduled to continue through FY 98 and will be evaluated for possible continuation as we approach the end of the fiscal year.
Service as agInnovation South’s liaison representative to the Association of Regional Extension Directors has provided an opportunity to become acquainted with the majority of our Cooperative Extension colleagues across the region. We have established an excellent relationship with them which we must maintain in the years to come. The same can be said for several other liaison roles fulfilled by your Executive Director.
National Activities. Close working relationships have been developed with counterparts in the other regions including the Executive Director for ARD, Dr. Sam Donald. In addition to participation in the regularly scheduled meetings of ESCOP and joint meetings with ECOP, the Executive Directors are holding face-to-face meetings and conference calls on a regular basis and as needed, with the USDA/CSREES Administrator and his staff. Other ESCOP activities include the Executive, Chair’s Advisory, Legislative, Strategic Planning, and Budget Development Subcommittees and Co-Chairmanship of the Joint ESCOP/ECOP Task Force on Image Enhancement. Impact statements resulting from the FY ’97 activity may be accessed on the www through the agInnovation South homepage or at: http://www.esusda.gov/new/success/impact.htm. In addition, the complete data base from which these impact statements were drawn may be accessed at the “impact” URL.
Participation in the Board on Agriculture Futuring Project consisted of service as a recorder for the Regional Listening Session in New Orleans, LA, and the National Synthesis Conference then as a member of the writing team for development of the final document. This document entitled, “From Issues to Action,” may be accessed on the www athttp://sparerib.clemson.edu/nasulgc/nasulgc_18.html.
Participation on the CRIS Enhancement Project consisted of service on the main Work Group and as Chair of one of its Task Groups. This project should be completed by or before May 1, 1997.
During the July, 1996 meeting in Fayetteville, AR, Dr. George Cooper shared a draft copy of his and other USDA colleagues’ attempt to place CRIS Research Problem Areas (RPA’s) under the GPRA goals. I spent a considerable amount of time reworking that original list so that appropriate RPA’s could be fitted under objectives within each goal. After we had general agreement within the system, we tested the scheme locally with our data base at SSRC and it was also tested by the CRIS staff using both regional and national data. The scheme, admittedly, is not perfect; but, it is quite simple and it appears that it will work well for purposes of GPRA reporting.
Considerable amounts of time were spent by the majority of Directors and myself developing responses to the NRC report and to Senator Lugar’s 42 questions. [Dr. Johnny Wynne and I were invited to participate in a recent meeting of the National Cotton Council in Washington, D. C., to assist in development of their response to the Senator Lugar questions.] Our responses to the Senator Lugar questions may be accessed on the agInnovation South homepage; the NASULGC response may be accessed on the www at:http://www.nasulgc.nche.edu/cferr_ba.htm.
[See also Individual Assignments on the agInnovation South homepage.]
ACTION REQUESTED
For information only.
ACTION TAKEN
Dr. Helms briefly noted highlights in the background material presented above and asked for feedback on ways in which the Executive Director’s office might better serve the Association.
BACKGROUND
Dr. Nipp will report to the association on activities of AESOP Enterprises.
ACTION REQUESTED
For information only.
ACTION TAKEN
Dr. Nipp briefed the participants on AESOP activities including budget issues, current Farm Bill debates, GPRA/Accountability issues, etc. It was noted that there are three key issues for stakeholders: accountability, regionalization, and participation. Dr. Nipp had several suggestions for ways that Directors could help influence Washington activities from their home base: 1) Find out who the core group of advisers are, talk to them, and find opportunities for interaction; 2) Establish mini-CARET organizations; 3) Have members of legislature on site.
BACKGROUND
Neither the CSREES Administrator, Dr. Bob Robinson, nor the Deputy Administrator for Partnerships, Dr. George Cooper, are able to attend the spring meeting this year. Dr. Cooper asked Dr. Robert Koopman to attend in his behalf. Copies of the written report will be distributed at the meeting.
ACTION REQUESTED
For information only.
ACTION TAKEN
Dr. Koopman, Deputy Administrator for Rural and Economic Social Development, distributed a handout (copy available from ED office) with the following topics:
- Overview of the FY98 Budget
- Research, Economics and Education Information System (REEIS) Update
- GPRA Update (This update precipitated discussion on the GPRA Training Workshop held in Memphis. Overall dissatisfaction with the meeting will be related to Dr. Cooper).
- Dates for FY98 Appropriations Hearings
- Fund for Rural America Update
Questions about C-9 replacement led Dr. Arkin as Senior ESCOP representative to announce that a “Regional Research Coordinating SubCommittee” is being developed which will essentially replace C-9. Chair of the Committee will be Bob Heil (Executive Vice-Chair, ESCOP) with members including regional executive directors, ARD representative, George Cooper (CSREES), and an assigned ESCOP member.
BACKGROUND
The ARS report will be presented this year by Dr. Roger Breeze, Acting Area Director, South Atlantic Area, Athens, GA , for Dr. Charles Onstad. Copies of the written report will be distributed at the meeting.
ACTION REQUESTED
For information only.
ACTION TAKEN
Dr. Breeze distributed copies of a handout (copy available from ED office) primarily listing personnel actions within ARS. He then discussed budget evaluations for FY98, operation plans for national programming and other relevant issues including ways that ARS handles GPRA.
BACKGROUND
A brief overview of NASULGC budget development process for FY ’98 and ’99 will be provided.
ACTION REQUESTED
For information only.
ACTION TAKEN
Dr. Crowder distributed copies of Table 1 and 2 from NASULGC’s FY 1998 Budget Recommendations document showing summaries of funding recommendations and breakdown of research funds recommendations.
BACKGROUND
Discussion regarding disposition of Senator Lugar’s 42 questions will be presented. The NASULGC response my be accessed at http://www.nasulgc.nche.edu/cferr_ba.htm, on NASULGC’s web site.
ACTION REQUESTED
For information only.
ACTION TAKEN
Dr. Boling reported on various activities of the Legislative Committee, specifically development of responses to Senator Lugar’s questions as referenced above.
BACKGROUND
A review of actions taken during the past year will be presented.
ACTION REQUESTED
For information only.
ACTION TAKEN
As part of the overall review of the committee’s activities, Dr. Arkin reported that Ms. Mary-Ellen Devitt has been hired with assessment funds to work on the ESCOP/CSREES National Environment Initiative (ECNEI). She is housed at the University of Maryland and will be responsible for the subcommittee’s administrative support. (Copy of complete report available through ED office).
BACKGROUND
An update of current ESCOP activities, including the most recent Executive Subcommittee held in Denver, Colorado, will be presented. Copies of all ESCOP reports and minutes of meetings are available through the Office of the Executive Director.
ACTION REQUESTED
For information only.
ACTION TAKEN
Report of ESCOP activities included information about GASEPA (Global Agricultural Science and Education Programs for America), the Genome Initiative, and AESOP/NASULGC differences. (A complete report is available through the ED office).
Strategic Planning Committee
(ESCOP and agInnovation South)
BACKGROUND
An update of the current activities of the ESCOP Strategic Planning Committee and a report of strategic planning actions taken during the called meeting of the Association in February, 1997 will be presented.
ACTION REQUESTED
For information only.
ACTION TAKEN
Dr. Jones reported briefly on Strategic Planning Activites of ESCOP and also distributed copies of a portion of the minutes from the Association’s meeting in February in which planning decisions were noted.
BACKGROUND
A review of the Executive Director’s office 1996-97 budget and proposed 1997-98 budget will be presented for discussion.
ACTION REQUESTED
Approval.
ACTION TAKEN
The chief operating officers of the fifteen member experiment stations voted to approve the proposed FY98 operating budget for the Executive Director’s office. The approved budget remains at the same level as FY97 funding with a total budget of $246,395. A shift in line items will accomodate increases in salary for the Executive Director (3%) and the Assistant to the Director (5%). In addition, Directors approved the request that residual funds from Dr. Clarke’s office be allowed to remain in the agInnovation South account for use if needed.
The Association’s contract with the Social Science Research Center was originally approved at the July, 1996 meeting and will continue through FY98. Directors reauthorized spending in the in the amount of $28,780 for FY98 to be paid by assessment to each experiment station in the association. A full review of that project will be done during the spring 1998 meeting.
BACKGROUND
Actions of the Chief Operating Officers will be reported to the group.
ACTION REQUESTED
For information only.
ACTION TAKEN
Dr. Coston expressed appreciation to Dr. Vance Watson, Mississippi, for serving as host for the Executive Director’s office. Action from Agenda Item 15 was reported.
BACKGROUND
After consultation by the Chair of the Nominating Committee with other members of the committee, (the) nominee(s) for the position of agInnovation South Chair-Elect will be presented. The term of office for this position begins at the close of the NASULGC meeting November, 1997.
ACTION REQUESTED
Election of the Chair-Elect for 1998.
ACTION TAKEN
| The Nominating Committee presented Dr. Jim Boling as their nominee for agInnovation South Chair-Elect. There being no other nominations from the floor, Drs. Emino and Cherry moved/seconded that the committee’s recommendation be accepted. The motion was unanimously approved. Dr. Boling will assume this position effective with the close of the NASULGC meeting in November, 1997. |
With Dr. Boling’s acceptance of this position, his current position as Executive Committee Member at Large will become vacant. Taking this action into consideration, the Nominating Committee placed the name of Dr. Don Richardson to fulfill the last year of Dr. Boling’s two year term in this position.
| Drs. Cherry and Emino moved/seconded the motion to approve appointment of Dr. Don Richardson as Executive Committee Member at Large. The motion was unanimously approved. Dr. Richardson will begin this assignment at the close of the NASULGC meeting in November, 1997. |
The above elections will create the following ESCOP rotation from the Southern Region:
| FY 96 | FY 97 | FY 98 | FY 99 |
| Johnny Wynne | Jerry Arkin | Jim Boling | D. C. Coston |
| Jerry Arkin | Jim Boling | D. C. Coston | Richard Jones |
| Helms/Coston | D. C. Coston | Richard Jones | Jim Boling |
BACKGROUND
The next Southern Region Mini Land-Grant meeting will be held June 28 – July 1 in College Station, Texas. Dr. Don Richardson is the agInnovation South representative on the Program Committee. Schedules for the various components of the meeting have not yet been determined. These components include our agInnovation South meeting, a joint agInnovation South/ASRED meeting, a joint agInnovation South/ARD meeting, etc. The actual Mini Land-Grant meeting is scheduled for noon June 30 through noon July 1.
ACTION REQUESTED
Further discussion and input regarding an agenda.
ACTION TAKEN
A brief outline (copy available from ED office) for the Joint Session Agenda of the Mini Land-Grant (MLG) Meeting was distributed. It was decided that agInnovation South will have a one day meeting to be held Sunday, June 29, 1997 from 8-5. A joint agInnovation South/ASRED meeting will be held Monday, June 30 prior to the MLG meeting.
BACKGROUND
The Joint Cotton Breeding Policy Committee/Tecoman Cotton Winter Nursery is a joint project between the National Cotton Council of America, the State Agricultural Experiment Stations, and the USDA/ARS. An update on activities at the nursery will be presented.
ACTION REQUESTED
For information only.
ACTION TAKEN
Dr. Rogers presented a summary (with slide presentation) of the Tecoman Cotton Winter Nursery site visit and noted the importance of continuing this activity.
BACKGROUND
The National Cotton Council of America conducted a series of regional meetings during the past year to seek input on research needs for cotton. This process concluded recently with a national synthesis and prioritization exercise involving key producers from each of the Cotton Belt states, USDA/ARS and SAES. Preliminary results of the prioritization will be presented.
ACTION REQUESTED
For information only.
ACTION TAKEN
A prioritization report will be released electronically in the near future. Dr. Jordan listed other issues that are concerns of the National Cotton Council. They are:
- Winter Nursery
- Cotton Journal (Is it needed for research dissemination — Directors were asked for input).
- Research Title
- CROPS 99- Commodity Group/Scientific Societies/Nov. 1998 Conference
- Facilities Review Task Force
BACKGROUND
At its meeting in July 1996, the Association supported a proposal from the Social Science Research Center (SSRC), Mississippi State University for an 18-month project entitled the “Southern Regional Data Support System.” SSRC has developed several information management support strategies for the purpose of assisting decision-makers and others in a variety of settings. Their approach is centered around the acquisition and development of visual management support systems which integrate data from numerous and varied sources for the purpose of analysis. The project has been underway since October 1, 1996. An in-depth analysis for a commodity will be presented as a model.
ACTION REQUESTED
For information only.
ACTION TAKEN
A presentation, using rice as an example, showed the types of data that can be put together for a given commodity within a given region. Three reasons for use of visual data presentations were offered: 1) as a decision making tool, 2) as an information transfer tool for outside groups, and 3) as an aid in program review processes.
BACKGROUND
Preproposals for the FY 96-97 Southern Region IPM program were requested in three categories: 1) “IPM Research Projects” to support the development of the research base needed for the construction of comprehensive pest management systems, (2) “IPM Extension Projects” to provide support for educational outreach efforts for the implementation of IPM, and (3) “Combined IPM Research/Extension Projects” to support projects that validate pest management systems research, blend new pest management tactics into local production systems, and deliver these systems to producers and their advisors through IPM education and training programs. From the preproposals received, 26 were selected for development as full proposals in the research category, five (5) in the extension category, and 12 in the combined category in the areas of cotton, vegetables/fruits, ornamental/turf, and general science. Full proposals are due April 15, 1997, and the review panel coordinated by Bobby Pass will meet in Lexington, Kentucky May 14, 1997, to recommend projects for funding. Available funds for FY 96-97 are $962,108. Of this, approximately $660,000 is available for research projects, $225,000 for combined research/extension projects, and $70,000 for extension projects.
Even though several Phase I IPM Implementation planning grants were funded in FY 95, this program was placed on hold until new funding is achieved at the federal level. The President’s budget requests $8.0 million for research, while NASULGC recommends $11.0 million. This compares to the current $2.7 million appropriation. A Land-Grant/USDA meeting is scheduled in Washington, D.C. April 28-30, 1997 to review the status of the National IPM Initiative and determine strategy to support its funding.
The “Pest Management Alternative” competitive grant program supports the establishment of a coordinated framework for collaborative efforts to develop and implement activities that will make alternative pest management available to agricultural producers when regulatory action results in the unavailability of certain agricultural pesticides or pesticide uses; this program is managed by CSREES at the national level. Applications were due February 28, with expected awards in mid-June, 1997.
A report will be made on the SERA-IEG-3 meeting held in Charlotte, NC, March 13-14, 1997. A recommendation was made on the priority areas for the FY 97-98 Southern Region IPM grants program. The list was forwarded to the Southern Region Directors for consideration in their RFP priority setting process.
The agInnovation South IPM Policy Committee will meet by telephone conference to discuss priority areas for the FY 97-98 grants program. The SERA-IEG-3 input will be considered. The IPM Policy Committee will be making the following recommendation to agInnovation South for FY 97-98 priorities:
- *General IPM Science/IPM Impact Evaluation
- *Fruits/Vegetables
- *Greenhouse and Nursery
- *Cotton
- Med-Vet/Livestock
*Extra credit (10-20%) for emphasis on weeds.
ACTION REQUESTED
Approval of the recommended priority areas for the FY 97-98 IPM grants program.
ACTION TAKEN
Minutes from the SERA-IEG-3 meeting held in March, 1997 were distributed. (Copy available from ED office.) Minutes include a list of each state’s extension and research contacts.
| Drs. Crowder and Kriz motioned and seconded that categories as outlined above be accepted. The vote was unanimous. |
BACKGROUND
During the February 1997 meeting, the Association directed the Executive Director to investigate the legality of small numbers of states cooperating on research projects of common interest and to develop sample (“boiler plate”) memoranda of agreement (MOA) and memoranda of understanding (MOU). The legality issue is covered in Section C, Item 10 of the Manual for Cooperative Regional Research. Drafts of an MOA and an MOU are presented below for review and discussion.
Introduction
A general statement of who is agreeing to what and where. For example:
The State Agricultural Experiment Stations (SAES) at (A) State University and (B) State University (hereinafter referred to as the Universities) herewith agree to conduct a sub-regional research program on (commodity) in the states of (A) and (B) (designation of more specific localities, counties, etc., may be desirable). This program shall be known as the(repeat the program title given above) .
Background
Description of current situation and need for or purpose of the program. For example:
Production of (commodity) in the states of (A) and (B) has continued to increase during the recent past. During this period neither human nor financial resources have been available for establishment of comprehensive research programs on (commodity) by the Universities. This agreement is the result of an in-depth study of research needs on (commodity) by an advisory committee of key producers, industry representatives, and representatives from the Universities appointed by SAES Directors, (names) . The advisory committee made the following recommendations:
# 1 … establish a joint research program on …
# 2 … jointly fund the program …
# 3 … solicit industry support for the program …
# 4 … form a multi-state committee to provide advice on the development and coordination of …
Program Description
- Goals and ObjectivesBriefly state the goals and objectives for the program.
- Program StaffingSpecific statements about the scientists’ levels of involvement, support staff, etc.
- Program Planning and ManagementDescriptions of the research planning and prioritization processes, joint evaluation of research plots if appropriate, and joint evaluation of results. If producer and/or industry (processor) representatives are to be involved, relate who, how many, etc.
- Program FundingDescription of who pays for what including any financial support from producers or the industry and how these funds are to be managed, process for handling joint proposals for external funding, sharing indirect cost recovery, etc.
- Intellectual PropertyRights to any intellectual properties created or developed from the research conducted under the agreement should be stated in clear, concise terms.
- PublicationsStatements regarding who has primary responsibility for publications, single-authorship, joint authorship, resolution of any disputes regarding interpretation of data, and related issues.
- Liability and IndemnificationThe statutes of many states specifically prohibit indemnification clauses in any contracts involving their institutions and agencies. Therefore, statements from University Counsel regarding responsibility for personal injury and property damage which might occur during performance of the agreement are generally required.
- NondiscriminationIn connection with the performance under this agreement, the Parties agree not to discriminate against any employee or prospective employee because of age, ancestry, gender, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, etc … .
- Operative LawConfer with University Counsel if state law requires the Parties to include statements regarding operative law in such agreements.
- Program ImplementationThe parties mutually agree: (the following are example statements)
- The Regional Program Industry Advisory Committee will review the research program and budget annually during the month of (month) .
- The effective date of this agreement shall be (date) and will continue through (date) . The program may be terminated only by prior written notice to all parties within six months of the intended termination date.
- The terms and conditions of this agreement may be amended by mutual consent of the Parties and only by an instrument in writing duly executed on behalf of the Parties.
- The annual implementation of this program is contingent upon the availability of funds for its operation.
- To review this agreement at least every five years for purposes of renewal and more often as needed and as agreed upon by all parties.
Approved:
For (A) State University:
Authorized Official Signature/Date
Director, (A) State Agricultural Experiment Station Signature/Date
For (B) State University:
Authorized Official Signature/Date
Director, (B) State Agricultural Experiment Station/Date
******************************************************************************
The intent of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is to formalize agreement to a set of principles rather than to serve as a business agreement or contract. A format similar to the MOA may be used, but without certain of the business elements of a contract. The format used in this example is that of a set of resolutions.
WHEREAS, recent trends in the production of (commodity) have been toward optimized yields with minimized inputs; and,
WHEREAS, the industry has benefitted from the collective research programs conducted by the State Agricultural Experiment Stations in (A), (B), and (C), and the (D) Research Station, USDA/ARS; and,
WHEREAS, the numbers of scientists in the Mid-Regional Area with expertise in the production of (commodity) have declined during the past decade through attrition and personnel realignments resulting from financial exigencies in these states; and,
WHEREAS, discussions between the state and federal scientists, administrators and key producers in the region led to the development of a long-range plan and proposal for establishment of A Mid-Regional (Commodity) Research Consortium.
NOW, THEREFORE, the parties agree as follows:
- Institutional Commitment (…state the goal(s) and affirm each institution’s commitment to their achievement…)
- Patent Rights.
- Publications.
- Liability and Indemnification.
- Nondiscrimination.
- Effective Date and Termination.
- Amendments.
Approvals:
For the University of (A):
Authorized Official/Date
Dean, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of (A)/Date
For the (B) State University:
Authorized Official/Date
Director, (B) State Agricultural Experiment Station/Date
For the (C) State University:
Authorized Official/Date
Director, (C) State Agricultural Experiment Station/Date
For the U.S. Department of Agriculture:
Authorized Official/Date
Laboratory Director, USDA/ARS (D) Research Station/Date
ACTION REQUESTED
Review and approval of the sample MOA and MOU for placement on the agInnovation South Homepage.
ACTION TAKEN
Dr. Helms outlined the usages of the MOAs and MOUs for use in regional research efforts noting that the primary difference in the two forms is the absence of funding issues in the MOU. Both forms will be placed on the agInnovation South homepage and will periodically be reviewed and updated as needed.
BACKGROUND
Winter wheat and other fall-planted cereals constitute a unique and economically important renewable resource in the southern Great Plains. Income is derived from both grain and the increased value added weight gain to stocker cattle grazing on wheat pasture, providing stability and profitability to producers through risk aversion. Historically, public and private research and education organizations have conducted unilateral, discipline-specific programs with success, but not without some duplication and inefficiente utilization of resources.
While collaborative arrangements currently exist in wheat research in the Southwest, cooperative programs are often confined to single institutions and relatively isolated agroclimatic zones. Efforts are underway to establish the Southwestern Wheat Research and Education Consortium, which will integrate research and education programs often separated by institutional allegiances and political boundaries and, through shared resources, will solve regional problems with regional approaches. Institutional commitment is received from the Texas A&M University System and Agricultural Experiment Station, Oklahoma State University and the Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station, Texas Tech University, and the Samuel R. Noble Foundation. Additional support has been garnered from scientists with USDA-ARS and with Kansas State University.
One example of commitment of the Consortium is the development of a two-state interdisciplinary project, aimed at improving the economic potential of the winter wheat-stocker cattle production system unique to Texas and Oklahoma. The proposal demonstrates interdependence of scientific expertise, convergence on a problem with achievable objectives in a 5-year time frame, and utilization of a resource base organized and managed through the Consortium.
[For discussion purposes, reference Section III.C.10 (“Alternate Procedures for Submitting Regional Projects”) on page 29 of the draft of the Manual for Cooperative Regional Research which was distributed in the fall, 1996. Copies will be available for discussion.]
ACTION REQUESTED
Approval as agInnovation South project.
ACTION TAKEN
Handouts of the complete proposal were distributed. (Copies available in the ED office.)
| Drs. Boling and Cannell motioned/seconded for approval of the joint OSU/TAMU proposed project as a Regional Research Fund activity. Vote was unanimous for approval. Dr. Crowder offered to prepare the necessary Form 89. The Executive Director will then forward the proposal and Form 89 to CSREES with a letter of support from the Association. |
BACKGROUND
Drs. Bass, Browning, Hurt, Padda, and Powers have retired from active service and Drs. Bull, Frobish, and Muntifering have left the ranks of the association. Dr. Neilson has announced plans to leave the association effective June 30, 1997 and Dr. Fred Tyner will retire June 30, 1997. Resolutions recognizing their contributions and thanking them for their service will be presented.
In addition, a resolution will be presented thanking Dr. James Fischer and his staff from Clemson University for hosting this meeting. Copies of these resolutions are available from the office of the Executive Director .
ACTION REQUESTED
Adoption.
ACTION TAKEN
Dr. Watson recognized Dr. Gilstrap as a member of the Resolutions Committee and asked for approval of the above resolutions.
| Drs. Crowder and Kriz motioned/seconded for approval of resolutions as presented. Association unanimously approved. |
BACKGROUND
The Chairs of agInnovation South and ASRED selected the following items for the joint meeting of Research and Extension Directors.
- SERA-TF-10 Image Enhancement (T. J. Helms)Decisions are needed regarding organization of this activity in the Southern Region.
- Impact Reporting/GPRA (D. Coston and B. Hicks)
- Multi-State Programs (D. Coston)
- Report on decisions regarding new and continuing SERA’s (D. Coston and B. Hicks).
- Southern Region Aquaculture Center Report (D. Teem and D. Foster)
BACKGROUND
Information on the ESCOP/ECOP Image Enhancement activity will be presented to include discussion of establishment of a regional database. A national database on Impact can be viewed at the CSREES site for Agricultural Science & Education Impact stories. This is a searchable database either by topic or by state. In addition, the following report is presented for more details of the activity to date.
Impact-97 Follow-up Report
During the development phase of this year’s impact reporting project, Tom Helms (ESCOP), Bob Gilliland (ECOP) and Dave King (project coordinator) met with Barb White, Deputy Administrator for Communication, Technology, and Distance Education (CTDE) of CSREES in Washington.
The primary issues under discussion included:
- the on-going effort required to maintain the impact process,
- linking the regional efforts proposed by ECOP and ESCOP,
- training sessions for impact development, and
- how, if it all, it links to GPRA.
White agreed with the suggestion that CSREES and specifically CTDE can and should play a larger, more involved, role in overall development. King suggested the most effective role for CTDE would be to establish the on-going impact database and maintain it, possibly with an IPA appointment with someone from one of the state efforts. Other opportunities to refine material from the database could be undertaken by groups such as ECOP and ESCOP and, most likely, others.
Possibilities for future efforts include:
- collaborative training sessions made available to each regional team as they begin to form this spring and summer
- information and training material development
- liaison and information sharing among all regional teams
All regions are approaching the formation of regional teams in slightly different fashions. It would be helpful for someone at USDA to provide a liaison among all regional teams so that each doesn’t have to reinvent the process from scratch.
Commitment from CSREES to this effort needs to be offered soon. Schedules for the spring organizational meetings in the regions will begin being set.
Outline of what’s next:
- CSREES commits to offering collaborative training (on-site and/or at a distance) for the regional teams when formed.
- ESCOP, ECOP, and CSREES reps. agree on direction and prepare to discuss an update for summer ECOP/ESCOP meeting.
- Training material is compiled and prepared for summer regional team meetings.
- Discussion with organizers of the October 2-4, 1997 Accountability Systems workshop in Minneapolis about participation.
- Agreement on how to maintain and regularly update the national database of impact reports.
ACTION REQUESTED
Discussion and decisions on implementation procedures for the task force.
ACTION TAKEN
Handout material was distributed showing some of the data available on the CSREES website linked in the above background statement. In addition, Dr. Helms gave recommendations on organization and approach for the implementation of SERA-TF-10. (Copies of the presentation were sent via e-mail to all CES and AES Directors following the meeting.) Implementation will proceed with Dr. Larry Rogers (AES) and Dr. Clark Jones (CES) serving as co-administrative advisers. An e-mail will be forthcoming asking for representatives to the task force.
BACKGROUND
GPRA updates and reporting will be discussed.
ACTION REQUESTED
For information only.
ACTION TAKEN
Discussions regarding dissatisfaction with current GPRA implementation procedures and the recent GPRA workshop in Memphis led the Extension Directors to draft a resolution to be sent to CSREES. Experiment Station directors suggested that they co-sponsor the resolution.
| Dr. Cherry moved (with second from the floor) that agInnovation South accept and co-sponsor Extension’s resolution. Motion carried unanimously. |
An overview of contents of the resolution include general agreement with the concept of GPRA and agreement with the five goals and objectives. However concerns exist with indicators and with submission of single state/entity reports rather than separate reports for extension/research and 1862/1890. The resolution requests that template format be reviewed and that research and extension directors in each region be asked to send representatives to work with CSREES in identifying impacts.
BACKGROUND
Opportunities regarding multi-state programs will be discussed.
ACTION REQUESTED
For information only.
ACTION TAKEN
Extension directors were invited to access the MOA and MOU forms which will be on the agInnovation South homepage.
BACKGROUND
Requests for new and continuing Southern Region Extension and Research Activities (SERAs) have been reviewed and voted on individually by both Research and Extension groups. Those activities are:
SERA-IEG-27 (establish from IEG 63) – “Nursery Crop and Landscape Systems” (Ingram/KY-AES and Walla/KY-CES)
SERA-IEG-11 (extend) – “Coordination of Oilseed Rape/Canola Programs in the Southern Region” (Arkin/GA-AES and Deal/SC-CES)
SERA-IEG-12 (extend) – “Southern Forest Insect Work Conference” (Jubb/VA-AES and Campbell/OK-CES)
SERA-TF-11 (new) – “Utilization of University-Based Food Processing Centers” (Coston/OK-AES and Brown/MS-CES)
ACTION REQUESTED
For information only.
ACTION TAKEN
The joint activities referenced above were approved individually by both AES and CES directors. Lists of joint activities can be found on the agInnovation South homepage in the agInnovation South Infobook.
BACKGROUND
Following a recent CSREES review of the Southern Region Aquaculture Center, an update will be presented.
ACTION REQUESTED
For information only.
ACTION TAKEN
Drs. Teem and Foster presented a brief report of the Center’s positive review.
BACKGROUND
State locations of the past 20 agInnovation South spring meetings are listed below for reference:
| 1978 – VA | 1982 – AR | 1986 – LA | 1990 – TX | 1994 – VA |
| 1979 – NC | 1983 – LA | 1987 – GA | 1991 – MS | 1995 – NC |
| 1980 – SC | 1984 – KY | 1988 – FL | 1992 – TN | 1996 – AR |
| 1981 – OK | 1985 – VI | 1989 – AL | 1993 – PR | 1997 – SC |
ACTION REQUESTED
Decision on location of spring, 1998 meeting.
ACTION TAKEN
Oklahoma representatives offered to host the Association for its spring, 1998 meeting. Details on location and time will be announced at a later date.
BACKGROUND
Any unresolved business, announcements, and concluding remarks will be presented prior to adjournment.
Announcements:
Intellectual Property Rights III; Global Genetic Resources: Access and Property Rights Workshop — June 4-6, 1997 — Washington.
SAES Workshop for all directors — Washington — September 10-12, 1997 (For more information, contact Dr. Richard Lower, Executive Director, North Central Regional Association at 608-262-2349 or richard.lower@ccmail.adp.wisc.edu).
Accountability Systems Workshop — Minneapolis — October 2-4, 1997
ACTION REQUESTED
For information only.