Crapo Meets with Irrigators, Farmers on FDA Rule; Joins Concussion Awareness Initiative

Boise  - A new federal rule that some Idaho irrigators fear could compromise their use of surface water sources for their crops will be the topic of a meeting Tuesday between Idaho Senator Mike Crapo and area irrigators and water users.  Members of the Idaho Farm Bureau and Idaho Food Producers and legal experts will join Crapo to discuss implementation of the Federal Food Safety Management Act draft rules proposed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). 

Crapo will also join with area health and athletic leaders to discuss a new initiative from the Idaho State High School Activities Association concerning concussions related to high school sporting activities.  The discussion will also include an effort to raise awareness about head injuries and traumatic brain injury accidents in the workplace.

Federal efforts to corral the private and personal financial data of Americans will be the focus of an event Monday at the Idaho Statehouse.  Crapo will join Idaho Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Luna and others Tuesday to discuss details of a federal decision to add Greek yogurt to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) nutrition programs in four states, including Idaho.  Chobani, which will supply the yogurt after going through USDA's open bidding process, operates the largest Greek yogurt production facility in the world in Twin Falls, employing over 600 Idahoans.

Highlights of Senator Crapo's schedule in the Treasure Valley August 10, 12 & 13:

Saturday, August 10:

Emmett          5:00 PM         Attends a public testimony presentation at the premiere party for a new  documentary film on the plight of Downwinders suffering from radiation exposure related to weapons testing in the 1950s and 1960s.  At Computater's, 117 E. Main Street

Monday, August 12:

Boise             9:00 AM         Joins Idaho Delegation Members at the Congressional Awards

Ceremony, Idaho Statehouse, Lower Level, Lincoln Auditorium

Boise             10:15 AM       Holds news conference on consumer privacy and federal government overreach concerns related to the Consumer Financial Privacy Bureau.  With Idaho Attorney General Lawrence Wasden, Judicial Watch President Tom Fitton, Boise Attorney John Zarian.  Idaho Statehouse, Lower Level, West Wing, Across from the Lincoln Auditorium

Boise             Noon              Meets with Idaho athletic, activities and sports medicine experts, as well as students and parents, to announce a new initiative regarding concussions and brain injury awareness that will benefit student athletes and others.  At the entrance to Dona Larsen Field, 150 South Broadway

Tuesday, August 13:

Boise             10:00 AM       Holds joint news conference to reveal new details concerning the Greek Yogurt pilot program for student participation in the USDA School Nutrition program.  Joined by Superintendent Luna, Superintendent Clark, representatives of Chobani and the United Dairymen of Idaho.  At Pioneer School of the Arts Elementary, 13255 West McMillan Road.                             

Meridian        11:15 AM       Meets with Idaho irrigators, farmers, water users, and others to review potential problems with the use of crop irrigation water, resulting from the implementation of the Federal Food Safety Management Act.  The group will park at the Capital Christian Center, 2760 E. Fairview and walk to the adjoining onion field for a review and discussion.