Max Baucus: “I understand that the USDA is working toward the release of funds relating to the competitively awarded Smith Lever 3(d)…”

“I understand that the USDA is working toward the release of funds relating to the competitively awarded Smith Lever 3(d) Food Safety grants program. An eligible activity of this program is the Food Animal Residue Avoidance Database (FARAD). The American people are demanding higher levels of food safety, and the FARAD program will help develop better methods of assuring the safety of food products from our livestock sector. The Smith Lever 3(d) Food Safety program contains a total of $2,365,000, but it has been suggested that only $195,000 would be available for the FARAD activities. However, I understand that FARAD is not limited by the suggested amount of $195,000 and that additional funds under the Smith Lever 3(d) Food Safety grants program could be directed to FARAD as a competitive award. I further understand that no funds under this program have been obligated for the current fiscal year.”