MINUTES OF THE

SENATE Committee on Natural Resources

 

Seventy-First Session

March 7, 2001

 

 

The Senate Committee on Natural Resourceswas called to order by Chairman Dean A. Rhoads, at 1:45 p.m., on Wednesday, March 7, 2001, in Room 2144 of the Legislative Building, Carson City, Nevada.  Exhibit A is the Agenda.  Exhibit B is the Attendance Roster.  All exhibits are available and on file at the Research Library of the Legislative Counsel Bureau.

 

COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT:

 

Senator Dean A. Rhoads, Chairman

Senator Lawrence E. Jacobsen, Vice Chairman

Senator Mike McGinness

Senator Mark A. James

Senator Raymond C. Shaffer

Senator Bob Coffin

Senator Maggie Carlton

 

STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT:

 

Fred W. Welden, Committee Policy Analyst

Heather Miller, Committee Secretary

 

OTHERS PRESENT:

 

Stacy M. Jennings, Executive Director, State Dairy Commission

Doug Busselman, Lobbyist, Nevada Farm Bureau

Stephanie Licht, Lobbyist, Nevada Woolgrower’s Association, and Elko County Board of Commissioners

Robert Gronowski, Administrator, Plant Industry Division, State Department of Agriculture

 

 

Chairman Rhoads opened the meeting and introduced Assembly Concurrent Resolution (A.C.R.) 4.

 

ASSEMBLY CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 4:  Encourages the purchase of local agricultural products. (BDR R-1060)

 

Stacy M. Jennings, Executive Director, State Dairy Commission, testified in favor of A.C.R. 4, stating the State Dairy Commission would use this resolution as a part of its licensing process and as a tool to encourage new businesses coming into the state to purchase local milk.  She said there are 3 processing plants, 40 dairy farms, and over 1000 dairy employees in the state.  She stated A.C.R. 4 would affect all of these businesses and people.  Ms. Jennings referred to a letter written by an Anderson Dairy employee addressed to the committee (Exhibit C).  She said she was also speaking on behalf of Fallon dairy farmers who support A.C.R. 4. 

 

Chairman Rhoads asked Ms. Jennings if the Nevada dairy community is experiencing the same growth and prosperity that its Idaho counterpart is presently enjoying.  Ms. Jennings answered that while Nevada has a healthy dairy production rate, the last few years have been flat due to lower prices the farmers have received.  Farmers, consequently, slowed their herd growth.  Idaho is one of the top three dairy production states.  Chairman Rhoads then asked what percentage of milk originates in Nevada.  Ms. Jennings responded 54 percent of Nevada milk is processed and consumed in state.  The rest is exported to California. 

 

Doug Busselman, Lobbyist, Nevada Farm Bureau, testified in favor of A.C.R. 4, stating the resolution will encourage retail outlet stores to stock Nevada products.  He said the Nevada Farm Bureau would use this resolution to promote agricultural enterprises in the state.  Senator Jacobsen and Mr. Busselman discussed dinners and activities sponsored by various agricultural groups designed to raise awareness of the local dairy industry. 

 

Stephanie Licht, Lobbyist, Nevada Woolgrower’s Association and Elko County Board of Commissioners, also spoke on behalf of Assemblywoman Marcia de Braga.  Ms. Licht testified in favor of A.C.R. 4, stating both of her clients feel this resolution would be a positive force on the state economy. 

 

Robert Gronowski, Administrator, Plant Industry Division, State Department of Agriculture, testified in favor of A.C.R. 4, reiterating this resolution would aid in marketing Nevada dairy products in state and help the growers financially as well.  He referred to a written statement drafted by the State Department of Agriculture marketing committee (Exhibit D).  He then mentioned various opportunities and possibilities for other agricultural avenues open to Nevada, such as grape growing and wine production.  The climate in Nevada is similar to that of Sonoma County, California, and an 11-acre vineyard experiment has been planned in Fallon.  Senator McGinness and Mr. Gronowski discussed tobacco leaf importation and Las Vegas-made cigars. 

 

Chairman Rhoads asked for a motion to pass A.C.R. 4. 

           

            SENATOR MCGINNESS MOVED TO DO PASS A.C.R. 4.

           

            SENATOR JAMES SECONDED THE MOTION. 

           

            THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

 

*****

 

As there was no further business, Chairman Rhoads adjourned the meeting at 2:04 p.m.

 

 

 

RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED:

 

 

 

                

Heather Miller,

Committee Secretary

 

 

APPROVED BY:

 

 

 

                                                                                         

Senator Dean A. Rhoads, Chairman

 

 

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