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Sec. Polansky comments on KDA structural changesBy Doug Rich
The structure of the Kansas Department of Agriculture (KDA) has undergone some changes this year and more changes could be on the way. Speaking at the Kansas Commodity Classic in Wichita, Kan., on Dec. 9, Adrian Polansky, Kansas Secretary of Agriculture, briefly reviewed two of these structural changes. "We have just recently assumed all of the food safety responsibilities that had been at the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE)," Polansky said. Earlier this year, KDHE projected they were going to have a $750,000 deficit relating to their food safety program. The Kansas Legislature turned over management of those funds to KDA on July 1. "In October, we ended up with less than half of that deficit and for the coming year we will be able to conduct that program with no additional funding," Polansky said. "We will have more inspectors across the state protecting consumers in restaurants and retail food stores." The state is facing some severe budget resource restrictions and state agencies are looking for the best ways to maximize their available resources. Much of what the KDA does is statutorily required, however. "Just like on the farm, we either find a way to get it done with less money or we won't get it all done," Polansky said. "I think we will probably have some of both this year." Polansky said the Legislative Post Audit is reviewing merging the Department of Agriculture, the State Conservation Commission, and the Kansas Animal Health Department as one of these cost-saving measures. The results of this study will be released on Dec. 19. Polansky said significant savings had been identified in connection with this potential merger. "It would be possible to carry on the functions of these groups with less money and with no impact on their service to Kansas," Polansky said. Looking at Kansas agriculture industry in the short-term, Polansky said critical policy and economic decisions have been made and will be made. Risk management is even more important to producers during these difficult economic times. Like the theme of the Kansas State Fair, "It is a wild ride, baby." "We are fortunate that we did get a farm bill passed and that it is as good a farm bill as it is," Polansky said, "because, at the time, commodity prices were at near term highs. In that scenario, it is hard to pass a farm bill." Looking at land costs and fixed costs, the safety net levels in the farm bill are less relative to production costs than they have been for many years, Polansky said. Even in 1980, producers could tweak numbers a little bit to make a cash flow statement work. Polansky is not sure that could be done today. Polansky said those of us in agriculture should not be too critical of financial institutions and the auto industry for receiving bailout funds because we have received emergency assistance in the past. "If we see $2 corn and $3 wheat, we may need emergency assistance again," Polansky said. "We could have a number of economic factors moving against us for the next two to three years." Doug Rich can be reached by phone at 785-749-5304 or by e-mail at richhpj@aol.com. 12/15/08 Date: 12/11/08 Advertisement
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