Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner Ryan Quarles says it appears the state has weathered the unidentified-seeds-in-the-mail operation. The ag commissioner offered a report Tuesday as part of the quarterly meeting of the Kentucky Agricultural Council.
Quarles said the Department of Agriculture received about 500 calls about the seeds coming from China. “That ended up being a USDA investigation and from what we know nothing noxious or invasive where in those seeds, except there were some Morning Glories in those seeds as well. But, we encouraged everybody to don’t plant it, don’t consume it and dispose of it properly,” said Quarles.
Quarles labeled the June mailings another, quote, “20/20 story in such an unusual year. Who knows what’s in store for us the rest of the calendar year.”
On a more certain note, Quarles told council members he and his staff are preparing now for likely budget cuts as spelled out in the 2021 legislative session.
Quarles is hoping the North American International Livestock Exposition can be held this fall. The annual event in Louisville is scheduled for November third through the 19th. The ag commissioner said a good precedent was set during the staging of the state fair in August by prioritizing public health. “It’s so important that we have the North American because as you know a lot of our pure bread folks need these shows to market their livestock in the years to come, especially on the dairy side where all the major dairy shows are canceled this year,” explained Quarles.
On a couple other subjects, Quarles said the current pandemic is not slowing down regulatory inspections. He also recognized the upcoming farm safety week, scheduled for September 20 through the 26.
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