Dr. Dave Williams, MD, MPH, Board Certified in Preventive Medicine is completed his residency at Loma Linda University in 2001 and serves as the Medical Director of the Center for Lifestyle Medicine, Inc., a clinic that helps patients optimize health through assessment, education and therapeutic lifestyle measures that improve health and reduce risk for disease.

“Medical science has shown that the major chronic diseases affecting Western societies are due to underlying processes transpiring in our bodies,” said Dr. Williams. “Hydroponic vertical farming processes results in clean, natural food that is rich in essential vitamins, minerals and trace elements. Consuming fresh, unprocessed, locally-grown produce reduces disease-triggering processes. By making these healthy nutritional lifestyle choices, we can strengthen our body’s immune systems and combined with more exercise and rest, we can all dramatically improve how we feel and enjoy life.”

Dr. Steven Dreyer, DC, FACO also joined the EnviroIngenuity team. An expert in providing specialty care for complicated injuries to the neck, back, and joints, Dr. Dreyer has incorporated extensive nutritional counseling, exercise and preventive health care programs into his practice. He provides intensive personal one-hour nutritional consultations with functional laboratory analysis incorporated.

“EnviroIngenuity’s hydroponic vertical farming processes allow people a way to heal themselves by growing their own pesticide-free produce in very small spaces,” said Dr. Dreyer. “When we eat fresh-picked fruits and vegetables, we benefit from a greater concentration of enzymes and nutrients that can be lost during the food distribution process. What really intrigues me is the way kids take to the vertical home gardens. One day I hope to see my own kids comparing the quality of the produce they grow with each other and understand why it is so important to eat fresh greens.”

EnviroIngenuity’s Verti-Gro(R) hydroponic commercial and home garden systems dramatically increases affordable access to locally grown, natural produce while reducing water use by 85 percent, land use by 70 percent and fertilizer consumption by 50 percent and completely eliminating pesticide use. High-yield vertical home gardens eliminate the need to transport food from the field to the store and then to the home, cutting greenhouse gas emissions over 90 percent. Commercial Verti-Gro(R) hydroponic vertical farms enjoy the same resource efficiencies.

“For years I’ve wanted to find a fun way to engage youth with science and technology and assist them to become more conscious of how natural processes work and why. I’m particularly interested in teaching them how to grow natural, clean food and for them to connect with where their food comes from. When youth they learn early the simple processes of growing food, they develop many valuable skill-sets that can help them throughout their life. Hydroponic vertical home gardens do all that and more plus provide a fun, healthy activity for parents to interact with their kids.” said Erik Cutter, Managing Director of EnviroIngenuity. “Hydroponic vertical farming can correct many shortcomings in the modern American diet by helping families to grow nutritious, flavorful fruits and vegetables at home on a year-round basis.”

About EnviroIngenuity:
EnviroIngenuity was founded in 2009 by Erik Cutter. The company is comprised of forward-thinking professionals, whose goal is to take advantage of the growing demand for more efficient, cost effective sustainable energy solutions, employing solar PV, hi-efficiency LED lighting, green building and hydroponic vertical food production technologies.

EnviroIngenuity’s mission is “advancingreenergy” and reducing waste, thus better utilizing limited natural resources. As we invest in a lower carbon future, the EnviroIngenuity team is focused on helping organizations move forward to deploy sustainable energy solutions using disruptive technologies. http://www.EnviroIngenuity.com .

News Source: EnviroIngenuity :: This press release was issued on behalf of the news source by Send2Press® Newswire, a service of Neotrope®. View all current news at: http://Send2PressNewswire.com .

The Grand Opening celebration is open to the public on Saturday March 17, 2012, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Temecula Valley Strawberry Farms (in Rainbow Valley), located at 5452 5th Street, Fallbrook, CA 92028. Tel (951) 212-5805

Temecula Valley Strawberry Farms is the first commercial strawberry farm in Southern California to employ vertical hydroponic farming, which promises to change agricultural technology. The Fietz’s three-acre farm, located in Temecula’s Rainbow Valley, would not have been possible due to a lack of water. After drilling their well, they were able to pump just 20 gallons per minute, not nearly enough to grow strawberries commercially.

“An unforeseen water shortage rendered this property unfarmable without vertical hydroponic technology,” said Ken Fietz, Sr. “The Verti-Gro equipment is far more cost effective than the competition and uses 85 percent less water than row farming.”

Vertical farming methods save space, energy and water resources. Just as important, the berries are picked by the consumers on site, removing fuel and transportation costs.

“People no longer have to visit the Epcot Center to see the future of farming,” said Fietz, Sr. “I’ve been in the strawberry industry for 40 years and water and pesticides have always been huge issues. Add in lots of manual labor and it’s tough to make a dime at the end of the day. Since my son, Kenny, was willing to take the reins, I helped him implement this highly efficient system that does away with lots of extra expense and reduces the use of pesticides.”

Kenny Fietz, Jr., an agricultural graduate from California State University at Chico, operates the farm with his dad and together they now nurture 45,000 strawberry plants of varying varieties on one acre using the automatic drip system and limited pesticides.

“Because the Verti-Gro system doesn’t use soil, there are no issues with soil borne diseases or pests,” said Fietz, Jr. “The hydroponic process doesn’t require the use of pesticides for these common problems. Energy requirements are also dramatically reduced and harvesting is much easier to perform when you can stand upright instead of stooping over to pick the berries.”

Future plans include developing an urban agriculture learning center offering education on growing a wide range of fruits, microgreens and vegetables using advanced hydroponic processes.

“Our vision is for families to come and enjoy a warm day outside, pick strawberries and dip them in chocolate, picnic under the shade trees, enjoy a healthy experience together and even learn about the future of farming,” said Fietz, Sr.

Temecula Valley Strawberry Farms is open seasonally March through August, Thursday through Sunday. Check their website at www.TemeculaValleyStrawberryFarms.com for availability. There is no cost to visit. Visitors will receive a warm hello, a bucket and scissors, a quick education about strawberry harvesting and then be set free to select and harvest their own berries. The U-pick berries are priced at $3 per pound.

Last month, EnviroIngenuity announced a partnership with Verti-Gro® to represent and promote hydroponic vertical farming systems throughout Southern California.

Verti-Gro Inc. designs and manufactures cost-effective, high density hydroponic growing systems. It offers stacked towers to suit large-scale commercial production needs which can be downsized for residential use and Community Supported Agriculture.

About Temecula Valley Strawberry Farms:
The family-owned and operated farm produces strawberries using the highly efficient Verti-Gro hydroponic system. This innovative farming process provides many earth-kind benefits. Their U-pick model offers families the opportunity to pick the freshest, sweetest berries, as well as experience first-hand how they grow. The fun, interactive farm is a great place for the whole family. Whether you come to pick sweet fruit, learn more about farming, enjoy a picnic or grab a few strawberry goodies at their strawberry store, The Fietz family promises you won’t be disappointed. Plan your visit at http://www.TemeculaValleyStrawberryFarms.com .

About EnviroIngenuity:
EnviroIngenuity was founded in 2009 by Erik Cutter. The company is comprised of forward-thinking professionals, whose goal is to take advantage of the growing demand for more efficient, cost effective sustainable energy solutions, employing solar PV, hi-efficiency LED lighting, green building and vertical food production technologies. EnviroIngenuity’s mission is “advancingreenergy” and reducing waste, thus better utilizing limited natural resources. As we invest in a lower carbon future, the EnviroIngenuity team is focused on helping organizations move forward to deploy sustainable energy solutions using disruptive technologies. More information: http://www.EnviroIngenuity.com .

News Source: EnviroIngenuity :: This press release was issued on behalf of the news source by Send2Press® Newswire, a service of Neotrope®. View all current news at: http://Send2PressNewswire.com .

Other project objectives include management and support of national web sites and production related duties in addition to providing helpdesk services to customers. Through the Financial Computer Systems Support contract, iFOS will provide programming and user support by maintaining and/or improving the agency’s Working Capital Fund (WCF) report center website and assisting end users in obtaining the required reports for operational decision-making. These services will be part of the Forest Service efforts to maintain and improve reporting efforts of the agency-wide financial operations.

The firm will also conduct and monitor full-scope Certification and Accreditation (C&A) program phases that integrate into the agency specific System Development Lifecycle (SDLC). This effort will continue to provide the agency with an understanding of how C&A corresponds to the overall implementation of a system within the Forest Service environment. iFOS delivers formally documented recommendations on overall security posture enhancements for public systems.

“iFOS looks forward to providing dedicated expertise at government agencies like U.S. Forest Service. The entire firm is excited on receiving the Financial Computer Systems award. It demonstrates our ability as a small business is able to deliver big results,” commented Tawanda M. Smith, President and CEO, iFOS, LLC.

About Intelligent Fiscal Optimal Solutions (iFOS), LLC:
Intelligent Fiscal Optimal Solutions (iFOS)(R) Managing Consultants, LLC is a 8(a) certified, woman-owned small business of staff augmentation, management consulting and training of Accounting, Acquisition, Grants and Financial Management Support Services. iFOS offers specialized Business and Financial Management Solutions to help public agencies and other organizations with their oversight responsibilities of pre-audit readiness, business intelligence and analytics and electronic modernization of public systems. The company professionals have 100+ combined years of prior public service expertise and have successfully completed assignments to improve the quality of fiscal programs including the oversight, maintenance, administration, reporting and audit of complex public operations.

The company is headquartered in Clarksville, Maryland. For more information, visit: http://www.ifoscorp.com .

News Source: Intelligent Fiscal Optimal Solutions :: This press release was issued on behalf of the news source by Send2Press® Newswire, a service of Neotrope®. View all current news at: http://Send2PressNewswire.com .

“Southern Californians are more focused on the benefits of locally-grown food and the holistic health and well-being that come from eating un-processed raw food,” said Tim Carpenter, founder of Verti-Gro, Inc. “With ample sun and temperate conditions, these systems present an immediate and affordable opportunity for families and communities to eat healthy.”

Verti-Gro(R) hydroponic systems employ insulated stacked pots with an automated drip system that circulates nutrients through the plants. The company offers a simple economical and pesticide-free system, and supports it with a wealth of information and training for entry level home gardeners and large scale commercial farms.

“Verti-Gro’s system reduces energy and water use by more than 85 percent and saves space,” said Erik Cutter, Managing Director of EnviroIngenuity. “It also virtually eliminates greenhouse gas emissions by reducing the need to transport produce across long distances, and it doesn’t use soil which is becoming a very limited resource.”

EnviroIngenuity recently launched is vertical farming division to bring hydroponic vertical farming processes to Southern California to enable individuals and communities to grow their own food within urban areas. Through this new partnership, the company will develop job training programs for youth.

“Our curriculum and products will allow youth to develop valuable life-skills, grow their own food and ultimately start their own business in urban agriculture,” said Cutter. “This is one very healthy job opportunity that cannot be outsourced.”

About Verti-Gro(R):
For 20 years, Verti-Gro, Inc., has developed tools and methods for vertical growing and vertical gardening to efficiently utilize space and energy. These methods use hydroponics which allows gardeners to grow produce without soil. Verti-Gro is based in Summerfield, FL on a 12-acre farm with a learning center. Verti-Gro(R) products are sold worldwide.

Tim Carpenter, the founder of Verti-Gro, Inc., has been involved in hydroponic research, development and production for more than 40 years. An internationally recognized consultant, he has traveled the world as an educator in the greenhouse industry using vertical plant production technologies. Carpenter specializes in hydroponic production of fruits, vegetables, greens, large-scale commercial and vertical home growing systems. Carpenter has partnered with EPCOT and NASA to develop hydroponic projects including the garden display, Living With the Land. More information: http://www.VertiGro.com .

About EnviroIngenuity:
EnviroIngenuity was founded in 2009 by Erik Cutter. The company is comprised of forward-thinking professionals whose goal is to take advantage of the growing demand for more efficient, cost effective sustainable energy solutions, employing solar PV, hi-efficiency LED lighting, green building and vertical food production technologies. EnviroIngenuity’s mission is “advancingreenergy” and reducing waste, thus better utilizing limited natural resources. As businesses invest in a lower carbon future, the EnviroIngenuity team is focused on helping organizations move forward to deploy sustainable energy solutions using disruptive technologies. More information: http://www.EnviroIngenuity.com .

News Source: EnviroIngenuity :: This press release was issued on behalf of the news source by Send2Press® Newswire, a service of Neotrope®. View all current news at: http://Send2PressNewswire.com .

Dr. Dave Schemberger M.D., holistic healer and microgreens expert who helped shape a successful movement toward urban agriculture in Milwaukee with Will Allen’s Growing Power, has joined the team to consult on the development of high-yield vertical farming processes.

These processes produce pesticide-free produce in small spaces. This type of farming dramatically increases affordable access to locally grown, healthier produce, and virtually eliminates the need for transportation, cuts greenhouse gas emissions and reduces water, fertilizer and energy use more than 85 percent.

“Our existing system that distributes food over long distances demands a massive waste of limited resources. Growing food locally mitigates this waste,” said Erik Cutter, Managing Director of EnviroIngenuity. “Not only is excessive fuel consumption harmful to the environment, but by the time produce has reached the consumer, it has lost much of its nutritional value.”

Consuming locally grown produce provides numerous health benefits that can alleviate and eliminate chronic illnesses such as diabetes, hypertension and heart disease.

“Chronic illness is exacerbated by eating hollow food which has lost its nutritional value from spending too much time on a truck or grocery store shelf,” said Dr. Dave Schemberger. “We can prevent and reverse much of the disease found in our modern life by avoiding processed food and consuming more raw fruits and vegetables close to the time they are harvested.”

The new division’s goals includes developing coalition partners in designated food deserts as identified by First Lady Michelle Obama, and deploying vertical farms throughout Southern California to be used for education and creating jobs for urban teens, veterans and others.

“Our vision is a future where neighborhood farms support their local community with affordable, healthy organic produce. Through vertical farming, we can increase yields to achieve this result and strengthen our communities by making them more food and energy secure. We will also improve health and create jobs that cannot be outsourced,” said Cutter.

After practicing medicine under AMA guidelines for many years, Dr. Schemberger became an expert in utilizing a raw plant-based diet to heal the body and resist disease. An expert in growing food, composting, vermiculture and soil remediation, his experience includes helping individuals and communities to become self-sufficient through urban community farming.

About EnviroIngenuity:
EnviroIngenuity was founded in 2009 by a group of forward-thinking professionals to take advantage of the growing demand for more efficient, cost effective sustainable energy solutions, employing solar PV, hi-efficiency LED lighting, green building and vertical food production technologies. We are all about “advancingreenergy” and reducing waste, thus better utilizing our limited natural resources. As businesses invest in a lower carbon future, our team is focused on helping these organizations move forward toward the deployment of sustainable energy solutions using disruptive technologies. Learn more at: http://www.EnviroIngenuity.com .

News Source: EnviroIngenuity :: This press release was issued on behalf of the news source by Send2Press® Newswire, a service of Neotrope®. View all current news at: http://Send2PressNewswire.com .

“It’s just a natural thing for us to do,” says Joe Maruca, president and founder of Tre Olive. “The programs at the Fruit Tree Planting Foundation are at the forefront of a global movement towards sustainability. And, we at Tre Olive have a strong foundation in this same philosophy. Our goal is to avoid selling our olive oil to the large companies who often dilute it with lesser-quality oils from around the world.”

So, why not consider giving someone a unique holiday gift – an olive tree – this holiday season? The cost is $110 for a one-year adoption. In return, Tre Olive will send the gift recipient three liters of some of the purest, most delicious olive oil produced in Italy. The gift package will also include: an adoption certificate; certificate/photo holder; welcome letter; brochure; and more.

About The Fruit Tree Planting Foundation:
The Fruit Tree Planting Foundation (FTPF) is an award-winning international nonprofit charity dedicated to planting fruitful trees and plants to alleviate world hunger, combat global warming, strengthen communities, and improve the surrounding air, soil, and water.

For more information, visit: http://www.ftpf.org .

About Tre Olive:
Since 1934, Tre Olive has been growing olives and making extra virgin olive oil in southern Italy (Calabria). When a few family members (three cousins) moved to western Massachusetts, they discussed ways to preserve their rich heritage a commitment to fine quality, family, farmers and the land.

For more information, visit: http://www.treolive.com .

News Source: Tre Olive :: This press release was issued on behalf of the news source by Send2Press® Newswire, a service of Neotrope®. View all current news at: http://Send2PressNewswire.com .

An overwhelming response, however, changed all that and immediately raised the bar.

“There were so many qualified applicants from local dairy farm families that the Scholarship Selection Committee just couldn’t turn them away,” says Mike Roth, president of the Idaho Dairymen’s Association and dairy producer from Jerome, Idaho. “With the rising cost of college and the past few years of economic tough conditions on dairy farms, even a smaller scholarship like this helps to underwrite the cost of books and classes. Any kind of funding has become extremely important to our kids and families.”

The joint Scholarship Selection Committee, chaired by Grace, Idaho dairy producer Sherman Toone – UDI board member – included fellow dairy producers and United Dairymen of Idaho board members Lou Murgoitio and Willie Bokma; Dr. Mireille Chahine from the University of Idaho Extension; and Bob Ohlensehlen, a dairy consultant. To qualify, students had to be children of Idaho dairy farm families.

Toone says it wasn’t long in the review process before the team had unanimously decided to recommend expanding the number of scholarships to be awarded to 2011 graduates.

“As representatives on the Board of Directors for the United Dairymen of Idaho, we recognize what a precious resource our children are and how our future lies in their hands,” says Toone. “We also recognize that for our children to follow their dreams it takes money, dedication, desire, and determination. As an organization, we are pleased to help a few of our deserving students of Idaho dairy farm families with 15 scholarships at $1,500 each.”

Deana Sessions, administrator for the Idaho Dairy Products Commission, which oversees dairy product and nutrition promotion and education programs across Idaho, is proud of the effort. She adds that the idea of investing in future and family is deeply embedded in the culture of Idaho agriculture.

“It is a privilege, on behalf of Idaho’s dairy farm families, to be able to provide scholarships for students seeking to further their education,” says Sessions. “Idaho’s dairy families have a long tradition of giving back to their communities. It is a pleasure to be able to give back to Idaho’s dairy farm families through the scholarship program. We wish all of the scholarship recipients the best in their academic endeavors.”

The Idaho dairy industry’s first scholarship recipients include the following 15 students, who will graduate this spring:

Billy Arriaga, son of Lynn and Rick Arriaga, attending the College of Southern Idaho; Charisse DeVries, daughter of Cynthia and Curtis DeVries, attending Seattle Pacific University; Katylyn DeVries, daughter of Julie and Gregory DeVries, attending Whitworth University; Jeremiah McKell Funk, son of Shirlene and David Funk, attending the University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston; Jacob Harris, son of Becky and Nils Harris, attending Brigham Young University – Idaho; Morgan Hubsmith, son of Kaysi and Rod Hubsmith, attending Idaho State University; Kilee Lehman, daughter of Lauri and Russel Lehman, attending the College of Southern Idaho; Adam Machado, son of Jacquline and Matt Machado, attending the University of Idaho; Elizabeth Russell, daughter of Claudia and Steve Russell, attending the University of Idaho; Michael Siegersma, son of Wendy and Mike Siegersma, attending Carroll College; Nolan Stouder, son of Charleen and Gary and Stouder, attending Point Loma Nazarene University; Katelin Taber-Barth, daughter of Karla Barth and Chris Taber, attending the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor; Kaitlin Troost, daughter of Joyce and Greg Troost, attending Dordt College; Andrea Annie VanderWoude, daughter of Bridget and George, attending the University of Idaho; and Danielle Yett, daughter of Fran and Dan Yett, attending Providence Christian College.

UDI’s scholarship program honors the academic excellence of children of dairy farm families. Besides their academic success other factors in awarding the scholarships’ included; extracurricular activities, community and volunteer activities and an essay on how the applicant planned on using his degree in their chosen career path.

Idaho is the third largest milk producing state in the United States. Its nearly 500 dairy operations – many of which are multigenerational – produce more than 12 billion pounds of milk annually and represent a regional dairy industry that exceeds $1.4 billion and employees thousands of state residents in the areas of milk production, processing, transportation, and distribution.

The Idaho Dairymen’s Association (IDA), based in Twin Falls, ID, was established to continue to develop and sustain an economically viable Idaho dairy industry that works together to achieve success in the domestic and global marketplace in meeting the needs of the Idaho dairy farm families. Founded in 1944, IDA represents all dairy producers within the state of Idaho. For more information, contact Bob Naerebout, IDA executive director, 208-736-1953 / x102, bob@wdbs.us, idahodairymens.org.

News Source: Idaho Dairymen’s Association :: This press release was issued on behalf of the news source by Send2Press® Newswire, a service of Neotrope®. View all current news at: http://Send2PressNewswire.com .

Krapf Bus Company, the country’s 8th largest private bus contractor, provides transportation needs to school districts, municipalities, and private entities. Since 2008, The Energy Co-op has provided Krapf with biodiesel blends, a blend of pure biodiesel and ultra-low sulfur diesel, which is used in school buses for the school districts of West Chester Area, Downingtown Area, Coatesville Area, Twin Valley and the Chester County Intermediate Unit. Krapf was the winner of the inaugural “Go Yellow, Go Green Award” given to a leader in the school bus industry who has demonstrated superior commitment in pursuing positive responses to growing environmental concerns.

“All of our partners should be commended for the leadership they are showing by using local biodiesel to displace petroleum,” said Jossi Fritz-Mauer, Co-Director for The Energy Co-op. “It’s incredibly gratifying as a nonprofit to reach this milestone and displace so much petroleum with cleaner burning biodiesel, which we source from Pennsylvania and local waste products.”

The Energy Co-op Biodiesel Distribution Program delivered its first gallon of biodiesel blends to Great Valley School District in 2006. With the help of Pennsylvania’s Department of Environmental Protection’s Alternative Fuels Incentive Grant (AFIG) program, which covers the added cost of using biodiesel blends, Great Valley became the first school district in the Commonwealth to use biodiesel. Since then, The Energy Co-op has grown to assist over a dozen other area school districts in Chester, Delaware, and Montgomery counties in their transition to biodiesel. In total, over 90,000 students ride nearly 1,300 vehicles powered by biodiesel blended fuel.

“We partnered with The Energy Cooperative who helped us through the grant process and supplied us with our fuel,” said Michael Detwiler, Supervisor of Transportation for the Great Valley School District. “This was a seamless changeover and we experienced no problems operating over 60 school buses on biodiesel. We need to leave a cleaner environment for the next generations and this is just one of the many ways we can do this.”

To meet this goal, The Energy Co-op purchases its biodiesel from an in-state producer who uses locally collected waste-greases in its feedstock. By prioritizing a local, sustainable product, The Energy Co-op helps spur the local economy and create green jobs.

Besides the environmental and economic benefits of using biodiesel, school districts are able to improve the quality of air exposed to school children. Carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, particulates, and a myriad of other harmful chemicals, including known carcinogens, are all lowered when using biodiesel blends to displace conventional diesel fuel.

The Energy Cooperative, a member-owned nonprofit, was founded by the Mt. Airy food co-op Weaver’s Way in 1979 as a heating oil co-op. Since then, The Energy Co-op has grown to offer residential and commercial members access to renewable electricity, as well as biodiesel to commercial fleets. The mission of The Energy Co-op is to provide members access to renewable energy at a cost savings. The Energy Co-op is a full-service, licensed Class I Distributor in Pennsylvania supplying biodiesel at any blend level.

More information: TheEnergy.Coop.

News Source: The Energy Cooperative :: This press release was issued on behalf of the news source by Send2Press® Newswire, a service of Neotrope®. View all current news at: http://Send2PressNewswire.com .

“This is a bold step, but it’s not surprising. As a representative of the nation’s third largest dairy producing district, and as a co-chair of the Congressional Dairy Caucus in the U.S. House of Representatives, Rep. Simpson understands the challenges. He knows what it takes to safeguard the economic well-being of the dairy industry in Idaho and across the U.S.,” says Mike Roth, dairy producer President of IDA.

Last March, Idaho dairy producers voted to recommend a dramatic reform package – Foundation for the Future (FFTF) – which served as the model for the Dairy Security Act of 2011. During that vote, 86 percent of Idaho’s dairy producers were represented. FFTF is an effort spearheaded by dairy producers and cooperative members of the National Milk Producers Federation.

“Rep. Simpson is a longtime advocate for business growth and Idaho’s livestock agriculture. He knows a new dairy policy is needed to help manage price volatility, create safety nets and move the dairy industry in a positive and economically sound direction,” says Roth. “During the 2008 crisis, when milk prices collapsed and export markets declined, many dairy operations left the business. Today we are facing elevated feed cost coupled with declining milk prices creating the dynamics where many Idaho dairy families are facing dire situations. Congressman Simpson knows that there is no future in dairies operating under current government dairy policies, status quo is not a viable option.”

The new bill promotes, and in some areas, expands components of the dairy industry plan. Like FFTF, the Dairy Security Act includes a voluntary margin insurance program and a Dairy Market Stabilization Program, which work together to encourage lower milk production during periods of declining market demand and low margins.

“There are also improvements in this bill,” says Bob Naerebout, IDA’s executive director. “For instance, the basic level of margin insurance coverage increased from 75 to 80 percent of a producer’s production history, the supplemental margin insurance allows producers to purchase more coverage for milk production growth, new provisions protect U.S. dairy export markets, and proposed changes simplify the Federal Milk Marketing Order pricing system and the pricing of Class III milk (milk used to manufacture cheese).”

IDA calls on the nation’s dairy producers to rally their support behind Dairy Security Act of 2011. “I urge fellow Idaho dairy producers to attend the upcoming IDA Annual Meeting in Boise on Nov. 9-10, to learn more about this bill and other issues affecting this state and national dairy industry,” says Roth.

The Idaho Dairymen’s Association (IDA), based in Twin Falls, ID, was established to continue to develop and sustain an economically viable Idaho dairy industry that works together to achieve success in the domestic and global marketplace in meeting the needs of the Idaho dairy farm families. Founded in 1944, IDA represents all dairy producers within the state of Idaho. For more information, visit http://idahodairymens.org .

News Source: Idaho Dairymen’s Association :: This press release was issued on behalf of the news source by Send2Press® Newswire, a service of Neotrope®. View all current news at: http://Send2PressNewswire.com .

The theme for this year’s World Affairs Challenge™ is “Food: Feeding the World Sustainably in the 21st Century.” More than 1,200 students from 24 schools around the Twin Cities have been working for the past several months to research and develop solutions to issues as diverse as the environmental impact of food production to the impact of food prices on global hunger. On March 5th, nearly 300 of these students will share their perspectives on these important issues with their peers and adults who serve as observers and judges.

Challenge Day, the culminating competition of the World Affairs Challenge™, will kick off at 9 AM in Macalester’s Kagin Ballroom with opening remarks from Minneapolis Mayor RT Rybak followed by a Keynote address from Secretary of State Mark Richie. These leaders will share with students why the work they are doing to develop sustainable solutions to issues like hunger, agriculture and nutrition is so critical. Minnesota is home to over 80,000 farms. While almost 27,000,000 million acres of land is used for agriculture, 1 in 10 people are going hungry in the Twin Cities. There is no question that food is a critical local issue.

The World Affairs Challenge presents a unique opportunity for students to study this global issue with significant local implications by exploring a variety of perspectives and working with their peers to develop creative local, national and global solutions.

During the day, students will present their research and solutions to judges from the community in the form of formal presentations and visual solutions showcases, on display throughout the day in the Kagin Ballroom at Macalester. Students will also participate in a collaborative problem-solving activity that challenges their teamwork, critical thinking and communication skills. The day will close at 3:30 PM with an Awards Ceremony, where students will receive recognition for their work.

World Savvy launched the World Affairs Challenge program in the Twin Cities in 2008 after six successful years in San Francisco. Despite the current economic recession, this program continues to grow in Minnesota and has more than tripled in size over the past three years. Program sponsors include Wallace Genetic Foundation, the Xcel Energy Foundation, the General Mills Foundation, the Pentair Foundation, the Best Buy Children’s Foundation, RSP Architects, and Minnesota Public Radio.

For more information, contact KK Neimann at kk@worldsavvy.org or call 612-767-4438, or visit: http://worldsavvy.org/events/minnesotas-third-annual-world-affairs-challenge/ .

About World Savvy:
World Savvy’s mission is to educate and engage youth in community and world affairs, to prepare youth to learn, work and thrive in the 21st century. A national leader in global education, World Savvy provides interdisciplinary academic and arts programs for youth and dynamic professional development for educators to help the next generation of leaders and changemakers acquire the knowledge, skills, and dispositions for responsible global citizenship in the 21st century.

For more information, visit www.worldsavvy.org .

News Source: World Savvy :: This press release was issued on behalf of the news source by Send2Press® Newswire, a service of Neotrope®. View all current news at: http://Send2PressNewswire.com .