Via Teleconference

September 19, 2008
1:00pm to 2:30pm

Chair, Bill Vinson (WV)

Members: Michael Vayda (VT), Tom Burr (NYG) and Kirby Stafford III (CT-NH)

1. NERA Planning Grants Program
   Request for Application [PDF]

   In addition to the MAC members, Dr. Bob Schrader, UMASS Associate Extension Director, represented NEED in the review committee. Eleven proposals were received. The following were weaknesses found in one or more of the proposals:

   • What are the major compelling issues or problems?
   • How will the team work together to address those issues?
   • Lack of details expected of research activities such as objectives.
   • Aside from writing the proposal, what are other accomplishments/impacts the project will achieve?
   • Some proposals are extension-heavy and one did not have any research component.
   • Majority are simply getting together but the objectives are not yet well defined.
   • The potential for successful grant funding was not very high.

   Dr. Vayda suggested to poll the stations on the proposals submitted for the first round of the specialty crops research initiative. Which were funded and were there strong proposals that may do well in the next round. This program may be an opportunity to help advance those proposals.

   Action:  Recommends awarding a NERA Planning Grant to NE0807-Biochar as a Beneficial Soil Amendment in Agriculture — Development, Performance and Environmental Impact.
   Proposal NE0802 will be asked to consider joining the current NE1028 multistate project, perhaps as a fourth objective.
   Recommend proposal NE0806 be resubmitted as a multistate project.
   Summary of Recommendations [PDF]

2. Request to approve the proposal, NE_TEMP1523: Northeast Coordinating Committee on Soil Testing [NEC1007], 10/2008-9/2013. Submitted by Richard Rhodes III (RI).
   NE_temp1523 Proposal

   Action:  Recommends approval.

3. Request to approve a Request to Write a Proposal entitled, "Hydropedology: Genesis, Properties, and Distribution of Hydromorphic Soils (NE 1021). Submitted by M. Stolt through Steve Goodwin (MA).
   Request to Write

   Action:  Recommends approval, contingent to the submission of a satisfactory midterm review of NE1021. The midterm review should be submitted before writing the full proposal.

4. Review of midterm report and recommendations for NE1023: Improving Plant Food (Fruit, Vegetable and Whole Grain) Availability and Intake In Older Adults, 10/2004-9/2009. Submitted by Gloria Wyche-Moore (DC).
   NE1023 Midterm Review

   Action:  MAC noted the review and the Advisor's recommendation to continue the project.

5. Review of NRSP Recommendations:
   • NRSP Review Committee Recommendations [PDF]
   • Comparison of NERA and NRSP-RC Recommendations [PDF]

6. Advisor Assignments: The Nominations Committee will submit the names for confirmation at the NERA meeting.
   • NE1024: Whole Farm Dairy and Beef Systems for Environmental Quality, 10/2005-2010
   • NRSP7: A National Agricultural Program for Minor Use Animal Drugs, 10/2004-9/2009

7. NIMSS Update - Dan Rossi and Rubie Mize
   NIMSS Report

8. Other business

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