Montana Department of Agriculture

The meeting addressed several topics including an ISO accreditation update, improving communication between organic constituents and the Department, small grower concerns, upcoming council vacancies, and public comments regarding assessment fees. The council discussed the internal audit results for ISO 65 accreditation, strategies for better communication with small farmers, and the need to revisit the $20,000 exemption from assessment fees. They also planned to introduce council members to the community through newsletters and direct mailings.

The meeting included a review of the program summary, covering program efficiencies, accounting, E-Cert, FSA, and Crop Insurance issues, with emphasis on coordinating acreage reports with FSA reporting deadlines. There was a discussion about shipping cleaned grain to the Republic of Korea and a request to remove 'Commodity' from the advisory board's name. The program budget was reviewed, and the focus of the 2020 internal audit was discussed. An update was provided on the NOP regarding the Livestock Rule and efforts toward integrity and fraud issues. The potential elimination of the $200 late fee in favor of an APR% was discussed, and a briefing on the NOP audit form from the past summer was given.

The Noxious Weed Management Advisory Council Meeting and Grant Hearings included a budget report, application updates and hearing review. BIA and Tribal Weed Coordination, EDDMapS, and Council Duties were discussed. The council also deliberated grant awards and discussed other business, including council member terms and retention of emergency grant funds.

The meeting included updates on the Esplanade Section 18 Use License, Gallatin County Medusahead, and the Research Subcommittee. There were discussions regarding MDA updates, testing activities at MDA's Analytical Lab, negotiations with the USDA and MDA on acceptance of a state hemp plan, and weed-free gravel pit certification. Updates were provided on the Noxious Weed Trust Fund program, weed listing petitions, county weed district coordinator updates, and the BioControl Meeting. The council also discussed the noxious weed program budget, application updates, scoring review, project reviews, and the 2019 Montana Noxious Weeds Survey results. Invasive species issues were recognized at higher levels of state planning.

The council discussed the organic program's fiscal analysis and potential rule changes, including the fee structure and its impact on producers. Concerns were raised about product assessment and the financial burden on smaller operations. The council considered adjustments to the tier structure for sales categories and compared it to other certifiers. The meeting also touched on producer renewal deadlines and handler changes.