In attendance: R. Seem- NYG (Chair), W. Trumble (NH), A. Adelaja (NJ), M. Mount (MA), D. MacKenzie (NERA), R. Mize (Recorder)

Special acknowledgement to the network technicians in MA, MD, NH, NJ, and NYG for their help in making the videoconference possible.

1. Request to approve the proposal, NE_temp1, “Ovarian and Environmental Influences on Embyonic/Fetal Mortality in Ruminants.” 10-2002 to 2007. Submitted by W. Berndtson (NH).
   http://www.lgu.umd.edu/showInfo.cfm?trackID=1074

   Action: Recommends approval.

2. Request to approve the proposal, NE_temp21, “Assuring Fruit and Vegetable Product Quality and Safety Through the Handling and Marketing Chain.” 10-2002 to 2007. Submitted by M. Mount (MA).
   http://www.lgu.umd.edu/showInfo.cfm?trackID=1154

   Action: Recommends approval. Comments were made about the need for more input from stakeholders such as growers and small processors who will benefit greatly from the project’s expected outputs. In addition, the project could be enhanced by including effective technology transfer to these intended beneficiaries. The committee does not deem however that a revision is necessary. Advisor, M. Mount, explained that these were already addressed in the technical committee’s reaction to the peer reviewers.

3. Request to approve the proposal, NE_temp41, “Mastitis Resistance to Enhance Dairy Food Safety.” 10-2002 to 2007. Submitted by K. Kerr (CTS).
   http://www.lgu.umd.edu/showInfo.cfm?trackID=1294

   Action: Recommends approval.

4. Request to approve the proposal, NE_temp61, “Breeding and Genetics of Forage Crops to Improve Productivity, Quality, and Industrial Uses.” 10-2002 to 2017. Submitted by W.R. Coffman (NYC).
   http://www.lgu.umd.edu/showInfo.cfm?trackID=1314

   Action: Recommends approval. Inclusion of commerce and economic dimensions in this project would greatly enhance its positive impact to society. The committee, although not suggesting a revision, encourages the technical committee to consider looking at the marketing aspects of the project.

5. Request to approve the proposal, NE_temp81, “Sustaining Local Food Systems in a Globalizing Environment: Forces, Responses, Impacts.” 10-2002 to 2007. Submitted by W.R. Coffman (NYC).
   http://www.lgu.umd.edu/showInfo.cfm?trackID=1374

   Action: Recommends revision. This is a timely opportunity to look at implications at disruptions to local food supply that may be brought about by events such as 9/11’s. The committee saw the importance of this project in assessing the vulnerability of communities due to disruption in distribution and logistical issues. The committee requests that the technical committee look at recent events and frame clear, new objectives assessing the value of having more localized food supply. This research may shape future direction and support for agriculture in the local level.

6. Request to approve the proposal, NE_temp82, “Rural Communities, Rural Labor Markets and Public Policy.” 10-2002 to 2007. Submitted by D. Rossi (NJ).
   http://www.lgu.umd.edu/showInfo.cfm?trackID=1375

   Action: Recommends approval with the stipulation that the outreach education component be strengthened to ensure that research information and results are shared in useful form to policymakers, decision makers and other stakeholders.

7. Request for extension (2 years), NE-186, “Genetic Maps of Aquaculture Species.” 10-2002 to 2004. Submitted by W. Trumble (NH)

   Action: Recommends approval of request to extend for two years (to 2004) to complete its objectives. This will also give the project a chance to merge with NRSP-8.

8. Request to Write a Proposal entitled: Biological Improvement of Chestnut by Management of Populations, Pathogens, Pests, and Habitat Restoration and its Development as a Horticultural Crop. 10-2003 to 2008. Submitted by J.F. Anderson (CT-NH)
   http://www.lgu.umd.edu/otherForms/listRequest.cfm?option=all®ion=NE

   Action: Recommends approval.

9. Request to Write a Proposal entitled: Importation, testing and evaluating wine production potential of Vitis vinifera cultivars and clones. 10-2002 to 2017. Submitted by K. DeRosa for J. Hunter (NYG)
   http://www.lgu.umd.edu/otherForms/listRequest.cfm?option=all®ion=NE

   Action: Recommends approval with the stipulation that marketing component particularly business development and industry development efforts will be addressed in the proposal.

10. Request to approve the proposal, NRSP-3, “The National Atmospheric Deposition Program (NADP) B A Long-term Monitoring Program in Support of Research on the Effects of Atmospheric Chemical Deposition”. October 1, 2002 - September 30, 2007. Submitted by W. Banwart.
    http://www.lgu.umd.edu/showInfo.cfm?trackID=1718
    http://nadp.sws.uiuc.edu/review/reviewfinal.pdf

    Action: Recommends disapproval of the proposal.

11. Request for off-the-top funding:
    • NE-9 (FY2002 level = $145,000)
      
    • NE-59 (FY2002 level = $40,788)
      
    • NRSPs (1,3,4,5,6,8)

    Action: Only off-the-top funding requests for NE-9 and NE-59 were considered. The committee recommends approval of FY2003 off-the-top funding for NE-9 and NE-59 on the FY2002 level if Hatch remains the same. If Hatch increases, the budget increases proportionately until it reaches the planned level of salary increase. Salary increase cannot exceed the total Hatch increase.

    Action on NRSPs will be deferred for the summer meeting. G. Cooper is expected to release the review on the NRSP portfolio soon.

12. New Advisor Assignments:

    Action: The following directors were proposed, and will be contacted by Chair Seem. Assignments will be finalized after the candidates have confirmed their availability and willingness to serve as advisors.

    • NE-177: Impacts of Structural Changes in the Dairy Industry - Cleve Willis (MA)
      
    • NEC1000: The Northeast Center for Rural Development - Adesoji Adelaja (NJ)
      
    • NEC1001: Land Use Management - Stephan Goetz (PA)
      
    • NEC1004: The Northeastern Aquaculture Center - Jeffrey Seemann (RI)
      
    • NEC1005: The Northeast Region Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program (SARE) - William Vinson (WV)
      
    • NE179: Technology and Principles for Assessing and Retaining Postharvest Quality of Fruits and Vegetables - Rachel Johnson (VT)

13. Multistate Projects/Activities for Termination:

    Action: For the record, the following projects will terminate this year.

    • NE-138: Epidemiology and Control of Emerging Strains of Poultry Respiratory Disease Agents (AA: D.R. MacKenzie)
      
    • NE-165: Private Strategies, Public Policies, and Food System Performance (AA: D. Rossi)
      
    • NEC-103: Sugar Maple Tree Improvement (AA: D. Decker)
      
    • NEREC-5: Environmental Enhancement Through Farm and Woodland Management (AA: D. Decker)
      
    • NEREC-6: Hispanic/Latino Community (AA: J. Angle)
      
    • NEREAP-4: Food Safety Initiative (AA: C. Hackney)

    The Committee did not have enough time to discuss agenda items #14-18. They will meet on Wednesday, March 6, at 7:00am, to discuss the remaining agenda items particularly the NEREC Procedure and MAC Membership. D. MacKenzie will deliver his PowerPoint presentation on MAPs at the NERA meeting with ample time reserved for discussion. The 2001 Impact Statements will be distributed at the meeting and R. Mize will also give her NIMSS update at the NERA meeting.

    The videoconference was deemed successful by the participants and was adjourned by Chair Seem at 3:30pm.