h_agr_2016a_2016-01-11t13:03:11z1 Hearing Summary

Date: 01/11/2016

01:36 PM -- Department of Agriculture SMART Act hearing



Don Brown, Agriculture Commissioner, Department of Agriculture, identified department staff attending the hearing and discussed the department's budget (Attachment B). The Department’s FY 2015-16 appropriation represents 0.9 percent of statewide operating appropriations and 0.3 percent of statewide General Fund appropriations. He also discussed farm and ranch income and explained that Colorado net farm income for 2015 is estimated at $800 million, $1 billion less that the record high of 2011. He identified the factors affecting the agriculture economy, including world commodity prices and discussed the results of the 2016 Food and Agriculture Industry Stakeholder survey.



160111 AttachB SMART Act.pdf



01:48 PM



Commissioner Brown discussed the Department Agriculture's FY 2015-16 Performance Plan (Attachment C) that was developed in accordance with the State Measurements for Accountable, Responsive, and Transparent (SMART) Government Act and discussed the implementation of the department's office consolidation program.



160111 AttachC SMART Act.pdf



01:55 PM



Chris Wiseman, Deputy Agriculture Commissioner, discussed the provisions of free trade agreements and how they affect exports of Colorado's agricultural products. Commissioner Brown also discussed Colorado farm and agriculture exports and factors affecting exports.



02:00 PM



Commissioner Brown discussed the Department of Agriculture's FY 2015 strategic policy initiatives including completion of Phase 1 of the AgLicense Project, enhancing energy efficiency opportunities for agricultural producers, and foster growth and market opportunities for livestock producers.



02:02 PM



Mr. Wiseman discussed the department's strategic initiative to increase the public's understanding of agriculture. Commissioner Brown responded to questions from the committee about the budget for public education efforts and measures to promote organic farming. He also discussed measures to promote family-owned farms including improvements to rural communities.





02:13 PM



Mr. Wiseman discussed the department's programs to increase marketing and sales opportunities throughout Colorado's food and agriculture value chain. He also discussed efforts to make it easier for the department's customers to do business with the department.



02:16 PM



Commissioner Brown discussed the department's 2016 legislative agenda to authorize labeling regulations for pesticides applied to marijuana. Mitch Yergert, Director, Plant Industry Division, discussed current law pertaining to pesticide use for marijuana.



02:26 PM



Chris Whitney, Director, Brand Inspection Division, discussed the requirements for brand inspections and how they apply to small livestock producers. Commissioner Brown discussed potential changes in Department of Agriculture staffing to help farmers and ranches more effectively interact with federal land management agencies.



02:32 PM



Joy Huse, Chief Financial Officer, Department of Agriculture, discussed the department's FY 2016-17 budget request including $90,865 cash funds and 1 FTE for pesticide laboratory staff, $220,000 cash funds for hemp regulation and seed certification program, and $750,000 General Fund for the Colorado State Fair. Mr. Yergert responded to questions from the committee about implementation of SB 15-196 concerning industrial hemp. This act, in part, requires the Department of Agriculture to administer an industrial hemp certified seed program and allows it to import seeds for the program.



02:42 PM



Jenifer Gurr, Chief Administrative Officer, discussed the department's FY 2015 rulemaking activities and the 2016 regulatory agenda (Attachment D). She explained that the department plans to conduct 8 rulemaking hearings in 2016 to revise existing rules. It is also planning 17 regulatory efficiency reviews, and anticipates adopting 1 new rule.



160111 AttachD SMART Act.pdf



02:48 PM



Steve Bornmann, Director, Inspector and Consumer Services Division, discussed the 2015 audit of the Pet Animal Care Facilities Act Program and responded to questions about recent rule and staffing changes to improve the Pet Animal Care Facility Act program.



02:53 PM



Mr. Yergert discussed the department's organic certification program and identified other efforts of the department to promote organic farming in Colorado.