Insight IN THIS ISSUE - Mint Industry Research Council
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Mint Industry Research Council SPRING 2018
Insight
IN THIS ISSUE
Irrigation Research Project Finds
Extensive Support 1
Four Honored at Annual Meeting 2
New Committee to ‘Get Out in Front of Issues’ 3
Morlan, Carlson Join MIRC Board of Directors 4
Turnover at EPA, USDA Raises Importance
of Annual D.C. Trip 5
Interest in Mint Scent Research Increasing 6
New SAC Chair Sees Challenges
and Opportunities Ahead 7
Several Changes Occur Within
the Board of Directors 7
Chairman’s Report 9
Research & Regulatory Update 10
Irrigation Research Project Finds Extensive Support
A mint research project that could lead
to improved water conservation, lower
energy costs and better yields has received
difference between crops irrigated with
drag hoses and those under conventional
irrigation.
many sprinklers on each pivot to compensate
for the wider application patterns in
standard mid-elevation spray application
backing from several sources, including the “It is much more efficient,” Peters said of (MESA) systems. Peters estimates it will
Mint Industry Research Council (MIRC), the drag hose irrigation technique. “You get cost growers about $1,000 per pivot span to
Alberta mint growers, Mars Wrigley more water to the soil.” transition to the drag hose system. But, he
Confectionery, Oregon Mint Commission said, growers should recoup their costs in a
and Washington Mint Commission. In conventional systems, between 15 and 20 matter of a few years.
percent of water is lost to evaporation, Peters
The backing shows the importance mint said. In the drag-hose system, water loss is The two-year project has its origins in a
growers place on water conservation, estimated at about three percent. project Peters conducted for the Washington
according to Steve Salisbury, research and Mint Commission on low elevation precision
regulatory coordinator for the MIRC, and Preliminary research also shows savings in application (LEPA) irrigation in spearmint
highlights the industry’s progressive outlook energy costs given that the system runs on production. “This is an expansion of that,”
on mint production. lower pressure than conventional irrigation Peters said. “It is a bigger project and we are
systems. doing it in both peppermint and spearmint.”
The project involves irrigating mint with
drag hoses in the latest iteration of irrigation “There are water savings, energy savings and Peters said he received considerable support
research projects in mint from Washington better yields,” Peters said. from Salisbury in developing and promoting
State University Extension Irrigation Peters also is looking at the effect the system the proposal and he noted that he finds
Specialist Troy Peters. has on lodging. “We think because we aren’t it encouraging that the project received
Preliminary data with drag hoses shows an getting the canopy wet, it will result in less backing from so many sources.
increase in oil yields of about ten percent lodging,” he said. “It feels good that a lot of people find it
per acre, Peters said. In water-short years, And Peters is looking at hay yields. useful and are interested to see the results,”
researchers were able to show an even greater The drag-hose system requires about twice as he said. F
MINT INDUSTRY RESEARCH COUNCIL 1
Insight
Four Honored at Annual Meeting
F our individuals were honored at the
MIRC’s Annual Meeting in January for
their contributions to the MIRC and the
praise for the Council. “I think it is a good
organization and it is almost altruistic
in the amount of help the MIRC gives
mint industry. farmers,” she said.
Sonya Johnson of Mars Wrigley Johnson said she and her husband are
Confectionery was honored for her nearly moving to a small farm they recently
27 years on the MIRC Board of Directors, purchased near the small town of
where she served as an alternate to John Rushville, Illinois.
Buckley, and as a long-time member of “There are a lot of reasons for it,” she
the Scientific Affairs Committee. The said. “We have a lot of family in the area,
meeting in January was her last with the it fits our needs and we wanted to have a
MIRC. simpler life.” The couple plan to lease out
the farm’s production acreage.
Les Toews, Callisons and Steve Salisbury, MIRC
Les Toews, who has retired after more Research and Regulatory Coordinator
than 25 years with Callisons, also was
honored for his contributions to the
industry. Toews finished his career as Vice Steve Weller, who retired June 30, 2017
President of Purchasing for the Chehalis, after 37 years at Purdue University, was
Washington, company. The position honored for his work in advancing weed
involved purchasing North American science for the mint industry.
peppermint and spearmint oils, managing “Steve was instrumental for many
operations of four field offices and years in helping Midwest growers with
overseeing variety trials. their weed-control efforts,” said Steve
His involvement with the MIRC goes Salisbury, research and regulatory
back to the early 1990s and included coordinator
Sonya Johnson, Mars Wrigley Confectionery serving for many years as chairman of the for the MIRC.
and Greg Biza, MIRC Chair Integrated Pest Management Committee “And he also had
and as an alternate to the Board of a passion for
Directors. mint that went
“On behalf of the Mint Industry Research “On behalf of the Mint Industry Research beyond weeds.
Council, it is my pleasure to wish Sonya Council, it is my pleasure to wish Les He wanted to
Johnson a happy and healthy retirement,” Toews of Callisons a happy and healthy be involved in
said Board Chair Greg Biza. “Although retirement,” Biza said. “His knowledge helping anywhere
he could, Steve Weller,
now retired, she will remain personal of mint and its agronomy will surely be Purdue University
friends with many of us and always a missed by our industry. We wish him well from varietal
friend to our industry.” in all his endeavors.” improvement to general agronomy. He
was a real champion for mint in the
Johnson said she enjoyed her years Midwest and beyond.”
with the MIRC and had high
MINT INDUSTRY RESEARCH COUNCIL 2
Insight
Salisbury added that when nearing Prosser) station. Boydston said he was surprised and
retirement, Weller worked hard on Registrants were humbled to receive the award.
identifying a successor at Purdue to always talking “It is quite an honor and something I
continue research into mint. “That says to him, seeking wasn’t expecting,” Boydston said. “We are
a lot about how he felt about the mint his expertise a service research agency. We work for the
industry,” Salisbury said. “He will be and input on growers and the consumers and it is nice
greatly missed.” potential new when they recognize your work.”
Rick Boydston, weed scientist at the herbicides. And
when we started Boydston added that he enjoyed working
USDA Agricultural Research facility in Rick Boydston, WSU with the mint industry.
Prosser, Washington, also was honored at the Cooperative
the annual meeting for his many years of Weed Management Project for the MIRC, “They have been my favorite group to
service to the mint industry. Rick took the lead role. work with,” he said. “They have been very
“He is highly regarded by many people in supportive of our research all through my
“Rick was kind of the go-to guy for us career and I appreciate that. I owe them
in weed science, especially out West, but the mint industry and the weed science
community and is certainly leaving a a lot.” F
also throughout the industry,” Salisbury
said. “He worked in the field with huge hole out in the West and in the
growers, as well as on the (USDA ARS entire industry,” Salisbury said.
New Committee to “Get Out in Front of Issues”
T he Mint Industry Research Council
has formed a Risk Mitigation
Committee to collect, review and advise
the MIRC membership and the mint
industry. The members are Gloria
Sheldon, Mars Wrigley Confectionery;
The committee is expected to issue its
first report at this fall’s Scientific Affairs
Committee meeting. F
the Council on issues that could threaten Tracy Bariexca, Colgate Palmolive; Devin
the North American mint industry, Dekker, RCB International; Kevin Allen,
particularly in areas of regulation and Norwest Ingredients and Dr. Ruewei
legislation. Strange, Labbeemint.
MIRC Chairman Greg Biza, who “Their charge will be to report
originally proposed the committee, said out twice per year – at
the panel will monitor and report on the fall Scientific Affairs
local, state and federal issues from bodies Committee Meeting and
such as the Environmental Protection Annual Meeting – issues that
Agency and the Food and Drug are arising that may threaten
Administration, including issues arising the sustainability of our
from the Food Safety Modernization industry,” Biza said.
Act (FSMA) or the Global Food Safety “We believe this is an
Initiative (GFSI). important committee which
As of late May, Biza said five MIRC will allow us to get out in
members had volunteered to serve on front of issues as they arise,” he said. “We
the committee, which will be made up look forward to their participation and
of a team of individuals representing your support of their mission.”
3 SPRING 2018
Insight
Morlan, Carlson Join MIRC Board of Directors
In the mid-1970s, as a young mint farmer
still attending college, Mark Morlan
recognized the importance of centralizing
Morlan’s experience with the MIRC
dates back to when as an officer of the
Oregon Essential Oil Growers League, he
Carlson, who described Young Living
Essential Oils as an aromatherapy
company, said the company decided to
mint research. collaborated with Dick Carrington, head join the MIRC because it wants “to be
Today, as CEO and co-founder of Essex chemist with Callisons at the time and one more involved in the mint community and
Laboratories in Chehalis, Washington, that of the driving forces behind the formation to give back.”
is still the case. of the MIRC, on the need for centralizing “We are immensely interested in the
mint research. growing of mint,” Carlson said. “A
Morlan, who co-founded Essex with Doug
Walker, Bob Franke, Joe Carlson and Dick “Back then, all the different states were component of Young Living is we
Jones, is one of two new MIRC Board doing their own thing and I was in the partner with growers and we are farmers
members. He and Richard Carlson of process of trying to unite all the different ourselves. They are small farms relative to
Young Living Essential Oils of Lehi, Utah, states to get together to try to get funding the MIRC growers, but we do grow mint.
joined the Board at the MIRC Annual for a mint-breeding program,” Morlan “Young Living wants to be involved in
Meeting in January. said. “I saw that we had fractured research the science of growing and producing
going on between states and it included a mint products and to be a good steward of
With his experience as a mint farmer and lot of duplication.
a flavor-house executive, Morlan brings a mint,” Carlson said.
unique perspective to the Board which, he “I saw the need for coordination of the “Peppermint is something everybody
said, helps shape his opinions regarding research,” he said. loves,” he added. “It is one of our most
which research projects to back and how Morlan noted that he attended the very popular products.”
to approach political issues. first MIRC meeting in Chicago in the mid- “I love being part of the MIRC and being
“I have a unique perspective of a customer, 1970s. part of the cusp of everything mint,” he
dealer and grower and I believe I can help Asked why he rejoined the MIRC, Morlan said. F
direct research that is really meaningful said, “We saw the benefits in joining and
and meets the needs of the industry as a the need and responsibility to pay our fair
whole,” he said. share.”
Mint inDUstry research council
St. Anthony Hotel
January 23 - 24, 2019 300 East Travis Street, San Antonio
usmintindustry.com/meetings
MINT INDUSTRY RESEARCH COUNCIL 4
Insight
Turnover at EPA, USDA Raises Importance of Annual D.C. Trip
M IRC Administrator Bryan Ostlund
and the Council’s Research and
Regulatory Coordinator Steve Salisbury
for the mint industry that we keep those
facilities running.”
“If they have a question on mint, they
know who to pick up the phone and
call,” Salisbury said. “They can attach a
Also on the agenda is connecting with
moved up by three weeks their annual the new director of the National Institute name with a face and you have that open
visit to Washington, D.C. this year. Being of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), which dialogue with them, whether it is through
in D.C. the third week of June, just ahead administers funding for the IR-4 Program. email, phone calls or in-person visits once
of when budget decisions are made, helps USDA Acting Deputy Undersecretary a year. And that is a big deal.”
ensure MIRC priorities are given voice, for Research, Education and Economics “Quite frankly,” Ostlund said, “if we did
Ostlund said. Chavonda Jacobs-Young on April 20 not have a presence there, if no one from
Particularly this year, with a large turnover named Thomas Shanower as NIFA’s new the mint industry in the last five years
in key positions, the D.C. visit is important acting director. had gone in and met with the EPA to start
to both establish new relationships and Ostlund and Salisbury had a good that discussion, (the Tough herbicide file)
connect with established contacts in a connection with the outgoing director, would just be a dead file. Nothing would
timely fashion. Sonny Ramaswamy, who was dean of have happened. EPA has plenty to do, and
“People come and go,” Ostlund said. the College of Agricultural Sciences at if you aren’t in there championing your
“Going back there once a year is Oregon State University before taking the issue, good luck.”
minimal to making sure you have these NIFA directorship in 2012. The two hope The two also plan to meet with personnel
relationships with key people and that you to establish the same type of working at the EPA’s Office of Pesticide Programs,
don’t let it go stale. You go back there and relationship with Shanower. which reviews pesticide registration
talk to as many people as you can because Ostlund and Salisbury also will meet with requests and registers pesticides. “Those
there is going to be turnover.” personnel in both the EPA and the USDA’s folks are key players,” Salisbury said.
Ostlund and Salisbury have scheduled Office of Pest Management Policy, which “Everything we do at IR-4 goes to the
meetings with key personnel in several provides benefit analysis on behalf of Office of Pesticide Programs at the EPA.
federal agencies important to mint, as growers as part of EPA’s review of pesticide All of our pesticide registration requests
well as with key congressional personnel. registrations. are approved or denied there. It’s very
Among items on their agenda, one important for the mint industry to have
“We maintain those relationships to make healthy relationships in this agency.”
involves lobbying for support of several sure they know who to contact if there is a
USDA Agricultural Research Service mint issue,” Salisbury said. “If that occurs, As for congressional visits, Ostlund said
(ARS) facilities that are in danger of being we can provide a voice for them, which they are planning to meet with senators
shuttered. is something we just recently did on a and representatives from key mint-
“Around 20 percent of the capacity of the pesticide product (Tough herbicide) now producing states, as well as with members
IR-4 Program is in the ARS,” Salisbury labeled on mint.” of key committees, such as the House and
said, “so if they cut those ARS facilities, Senate committees on agriculture.
“This is an active relationship,” Ostlund
that is a big loss. It is critical to make sure said. “It is not something where we sit back “We want to make sure that they know
that ARS understands that it is important and are being reactive.” what our priorities are,” Ostlund said. F
5 SPRING 2018
Insight
Interest in Mint Scent Research Increasing
T he benefits of mint scent have long
resonated with Bryan Raudenbush,
a physiological psychologist at Wheeling
in general, improve performance in a
wide range of activities.
lead to an overall body stimulation.”
The MIRC has backed proposals from
The underlying reason, Raudenbush Raudenbush now for two years and, to
Jesuit University in Wheeling, West said, is that peppermint scent has a date, Green said he has been happy with
Virginia. physiological effect on an area of the Raudenbush’s work.
Now those in the mint industry are brain known as the reticular activating “I think he is very mindful of the
paying attention. system. “If you monitor what is proposal process and getting reports in
Raudenbush has recently provided and being accountable for the dollars that
presentations on his research to the “There is an untapped market he receives,” Green said.
Oregon Mint Commission, to Takasago’s
U.S. headquarters in New Jersey and is
out there in the use of mint Raudenbush said he plans to continue to
submit research proposals to the MIRC.
expected to speak to professionals at and maybe Bryan helps us
Young Living Essential Oils in Lehi, Utah. with that.” Differences Between Odorant and Non-Odorant
Raudenbush also spoke at the last two Conditions: Typing Accuracy
Dr. Bryan Raudenbush, Human Psychophysiology Laboratory
MIRC annual meetings and is a regular Carter Green, Takasago 83
82.31 Peppermint
presenter at the annual meeting of the 82
No Odor
Association for Chemoreception Sciences, 81
a research organization dedicated to happening in that area of the brain when
80
Accuracy (%)
understanding the science of senses such people sniff peppermint, what you find is 79
as taste and smell. there is a lot of activity going on,” he said. 78 77.42
“This area, when active, is responsible 77
It was at an Association for for sending out stimulation or general 76
Chemoreception Sciences meeting where arousal to the other parts of the brain 75
MIRC Board member Carter Green of and into the muscle system. So, just 74
Takasago met Bryan. stimulating this one part of the brain can Variable
“I got to talking to him about all of
the research he has done in mint and
encouraged him to submit a proposal to
MIRC,” Green said. “And it just took off
from there.”
After two years, Green said all seems to be
going in the right direction. “I think he
has a good following among the farmers
and other members of the MIRC. People
think what he is doing is good for the
MIRC in helping to promote additional
benefits for mint oil.”
In more than 20 years of researching how
scents can influence human performance,
Raudenbush has uncovered that mint
scent can distract people from pain, keep
people more focused when performing
clerical tasks or when taking exams and,
MINT INDUSTRY RESEARCH COUNCIL 6
Insight
Differences Between Odorant and Non-Odorant “That is my goal,” he said. “We always Raudenbush’s research is showing for
Conditions: Net Speed & Gross Speed like to see our research being made into mint scent and the potential for further
a product and MIRC seems to be doing expansion of mint’s uses widens even
25
Peppermint that for us.” further.
No Odor
Dr. Bryan Raudenbush, Human Psychophysiology Laboratory
21.8 Green sees tremendous potential in “Who is to say you couldn’t have a
20
18.88 utilizing findings from Raudenbush’s product line for your morning shower
17.28 research, including expansion of or your evening shower,” Green said. “I
15
traditional mint markets into areas such believe Bryan’s research expands how
Speed (wpm)
14.04
as personal care, in which mint is not we think about using mint and that it
10
used in high amounts. becomes the challenge of the (MIRC)
The scent of mint already is viewed as members to go out there and try to tap
5 into these markets and for the MIRC to
clean and fresh, Green said. “Bryan’s
research could contribute to use of mint try to promote it that way.
0
Net Speed Gross Speed in laundry detergents, soap, hair care “There is an untapped market out there
Variable and other personal care products.” Add in the use of mint and maybe Bryan helps
in the mood and emotional benefits us with that,” Green said. F
San Antonio Site of Annual Meeting
T he 42nd Annual Meeting of the Mint
Industry Research Council will be
held on January 23-24, 2019, in San
Research Council where all segments of
the mint industry gather.
Make your hotel reservations directly:
Antonio, Texas. Mint inDUstry research council
St. Anthony Hotel
The meeting will feature two days of 300 East Travis Street
special invited guest speakers from San Antonio, Texas
around the country, in addition to
industry research reports and updates. Online Hotel Reservations
or call 855-811-0218
January 23-24, 2019
The meeting comes to a close with a
Thursday evening industry reception, When you call, ask for the MIRC Annual
which allows the opportunity to socialize Meeting group rate to receive the special
in a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere. room rate of $219 (plus tax) single or
Make plans now for a January get-a-way double occupancy.
to San Antonio and attend the 42nd Deadline for hotel reservations:
Annual Meeting of the Mint Industry Friday, December 21, 2018 F
7 SPRING 2018
Insight
New SAC Chair Sees Challenges and Opportunities Ahead
E ric Dowd, the new chair of MIRC’s
Scientific Affairs Committee (SAC),
sees challenges and opportunities ahead
positions in Project Management, Gum
Formulation Technology and Science and
Technology.
“For me, personally, mint is something
pretty near and dear to my heart,” Dowd
said, “and for Mars Wrigley, mint is a really
for the U.S. mint industry and he believes In his current position, he is responsible critical ingredient. It goes into around 65
the MIRC can play a significant role in for managing a team of scientists percent of our gum and mint formulas.”
securing positive results in both arenas. and research programs within the As chair of the Scientific Affairs
“In a small specialty crop it is critical to Global Science team for Mars Wrigley Committee, Dowd said he hopes to
get the critical mass together that you Confectionery. ensure that the panel prioritizes research
need to effect change and prioritize needs programs that “are well linked into the
and areas to focus on,” Dowd said. “And I needs of the industry.”
think the MIRC is uniquely positioned to “In a small specialty crop it is
“I want to make sure that we are
do that. critical to get the critical mass addressing the current and future
“Within the MIRC you have almost a together that you need to challenges and opportunities that are out
consortium of everyone from the growers effect change and prioritize there for the industry in a way that ensures
to the mint suppliers to the flavor houses we are getting the most bang for our buck,”
all the way up to some of the consumer needs and areas to focus Dowd said.
product manufacturers,” Dowd said. “I on. And I think the MIRC is Among challenges, Dowd identified issues
think the MIRC and the SAC play a really uniquely positioned to do that.” with pests and diseases that can affect the
important role in this industry.” long-term sustainability of the U.S. mint
Dowd, Senior Manager Flavor/Mint Eric Dowd, Chair crop.
Science at Mars Wrigley Confectionery, MIRC Scientific Affairs Committee
As for opportunities, Dowd said, “I
has been with the Chicago-based believe there are opportunities out there
company for 15 years, starting in product to increase the use of mint in different
development for the legacy Wrigley Dowd holds a bachelor’s degree in
chemistry from Kalamazoo College in products around the world, which is always
company and taking on a variety of a good thing for the industry.” F
positions over the years, including Kalamazoo, Michigan.
Several Changes Occur Within the Board of Directors
B etween new faces joining the Board and
the familiar ones changing positions,
several changes are taking place within the
mint is well recognized by all that have had
contact with her over the years,” Biza said.
Board in 2016, moves into the position
of Secretary/Treasurer, replacing Dana
Wendel, who moved into the Chairman-
“While as an alternate to John Buckley she
MIRC Board of Directors. did not sit at the Board table, she was very Elect position. Wendel replaced Greg Biza
Among the more significant changes, active in committee work and very much a as Chairman-Elect, while Biza took over as
Sonya Johnson of Mars Wrigley player,” said Bryan Ostlund, administrator Chairman.
Confectionery has retired. Johnson served of the MIRC. “She certainly had a voice at The Board also welcomed two new
Mars Wrigley Confectionery and the mint the MIRC level and she will be missed.” members at the 2018 MIRC Annual
industry for 29 years and served the MIRC Johnson retired this spring. Meeting in New Orleans as Mark Morlan
for nearly 27 years on the Scientific Affairs of Essex Laboratories in Chehalis,
Committee and as the Alternate to the Another significant change involves Washington, and Richard Carlson of
Board of Directors. Karla Farina of Labbeemint, who has Young Living Essential Oils in Lehi, Utah,
taken a position on the Board’s Executive joined the organization. F
“Sonya’s dedication and knowledge of Committee. Farina, who joined the
MINT INDUSTRY RESEARCH COUNCIL 8Insight
Chairman’s Report
Greg Biza
F irst and foremost, I’d like to say thank
you to the Board of Directors of the
MIRC and the membership for allowing
a FEMA (Flavor Extract Manufacturers
Association) leadership meeting recently
there is an outreach to member companies
As an example,
perhaps rather
than trying to
me to have the opportunity to serve as the to solicit information and data to support implement certain
Chairman of the Board for a second time. GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) projects alone we
It is truly an honor and I will endeavor to reviews to maintain the current status. align our group
lead this organization as you desire during However, this rejuvenation will be short with crops that
my tenure as Chairman. lived if we do not direct our efforts in have similar
tangible areas that make an impact for all interests to obtain
Greg Biza
Reality Check members. funding for
Historically, in the MIRC we’ve oft time Regulations are being increased by pesticide residue studies. Steve Salisbury
neglected the world view of our approach governmental bodies throughout the mentioned in January that the IR-4 has
to the business of the MIRC. We rely on world for either safety or economic designated mint as the model crop for
member groups to bring challenges and reasons. As I mentioned in January, NGOs essential oil crop residue studies. While it’s
issues to the organization and “react” (non-governmental organizations) are a big crop in comparison to others, there
accordingly. In the global environment filing more and more disclosure lawsuits are other crop organizations or growing
in which we operate today, there are few associations that could potentially pool
things that can’t be gleaned from some funds to get labels for registrations.
time in reflection about where we are Bridging into other organizations
headed as an industry. “Regardless whether it is
like FEMA and IOFI (International
The goal and objective of the MIRC related to pesticide use, Organization of the Flavor Industry)
is to fund and direct research and water utilization, distillation or IFRA (International Fragrance
activities needed to sustain and enhance research, FSMA/Regulatory Association) to provide insight in areas of
the productivity of a high quality and research or support to meet the challenges
compliance or varietal ahead of us is one way to focus research
economical North American mint.
improvement by any means, projects and make a relevant difference to
Translation – Sustainability of North
American Mint at the end of the day it’s about our industry. To support this notion, any
new varieties produced and intended to be
Regardless whether it is related to pesticide sustainability.”
used for flavors will need some measure
use, water utilization, distillation research, of review by FEMA. This is not a difficult
FSMA/Regulatory compliance or varietal Greg Biza,
process but, none-the-less, a process that
improvement by any means, at the end of MIRC Chair needs attention.
the day it’s about sustainability. It has been
In summary, we as an organization are
difficult keeping the enthusiasm around
evolving from a research council with a
the MIRC in recent years as there has been as people around the world want to know singular focus on North America to one
little thought beyond the North American exactly what they are consuming. These that although chartered to support and
Mint Industry and our needs. We live in a challenges and opportunities to tell our sustain the North American mint industry
global economy and must think that way story and promote our industry shouldn’t must be ever mindful of our global
when directing research. I am happy to say be squandered. strengths, challenges, opportunities and
that there appears to be a turnaround in
We must seek out research within our weaknesses. Our Board, committees and
that area as our meeting in January had a
organization and outside that brings membership should be focused on this and
larger attendance than we’ve seen in many
real, measurable and useful agronomical respond accordingly. F
years. Interest by our end-user members,
techniques and information to our mint
flavor companies, dealers and growers
community that allows us to continue to
is on the rise. Having recently attended
compete worldwide.
9 SPRING 2018Insight
Research & Regulatory Update
Steve Salisbury
I know it’s been a while, but it seems
like January was just the other day and
we were in New Orleans at the annual
of years. A big “thank you” to Jason
Stromme, Norwest Ingredients, our past
chairman, as he did a terrific job leading
and energy
conservation
while
MIRC meeting. The meeting was very the Council for the past two years. We maintaining
well attended and certainly considered appreciate his leadership and we thank oil production.
a great success. We appreciate all your Norwest for allowing Jason the time to The treatment
feedback and time to attend and/or serve the MIRC as chair. comparisons
participate to make it a great meeting. In The Council is still serving its purpose will evaluate
addition to a solid program, it was very of funding mint research. The Scientific differences
nice to acknowledge and celebrate some Affairs Committee (SAC) recommended between the Steve Salisbury
key people who have made significant a strong slate of funding proposals to low-elevation
contributions to the MIRC. And, who the Board. Our proposal submissions precision application (LEPA) using drag
can forget the specialty mint-drink bar at continue to be competitive and make it tubes versus the common mid-elevation
the reception sponsored by our friends at increasingly difficult for SAC members spray application (MESA) sprinkler
Belchim Crop Protection, the registrant to make funding decisions due to the heads on center pivot.
for Tough herbicide! It truly was a high quality of projects presented. We Previous research demonstrated that
successful annual meeting and reflected appreciate the interest in mint from the LEPA is able to get 15–20 percent more
the positive momentum of the MIRC. research communities and we continue water to the ground per gallon pumped
One of the goals within the MIRC each our efforts to expand interest in mint to than MESA. Therefore, the LEPA drag
year is to grow our membership. We are new potential scientists who may be able tube system will be designed so that
pleased to welcome our newest members to contribute to the mint knowledgebase. 15–20 percent less water is applied than
to the MIRC, Essex Laboratories and Irrigation management and water the MESA treatment. Equivalent or
Young Living. The MIRC truly appreciates conservation continue to be an area of better yields in the LEPA sections would
their passion for mint and their interest focus for the MIRC. This focus is a result validate the water savings. Furthermore,
in advancing the industry through of the FieldRise industry stewardship energy savings are achievable and
the MIRC. Both have jumped right in survey that we all participated in 2016. expected with the LEPA treatment. These
and began providing excellent input to Since then we have been working on savings will be calculated in this project.
committee and board discussions. In building interest by irrigation specialists Overall, the MIRC has a great deal of
2018, we will continue our efforts in to conduct useful and applicable research. good momentum right now. The Council
sharing the values and achievements Dr. Troy Peters, Washington State has a lot of productive collaboration
of the MIRC with other prospective University, submitted a proposal that was happening amongst members which is
members. discussed in the January SAC meeting. really a positive quality for the industry.
We welcome in a new Executive The committee and Dr. Peters diligently The Council will continue to coordinate
Committee including the new MIRC worked to revise the proposal to ensure its members’ efforts to keep building
Chairman, Greg Biza with Callisons. Greg the potential value to the grower and the on this momentum, which in turn will
will serve as the chairman for the next two industry with the research outcomes. provide greater benefit and value back to
years and we are eager to see the MIRC The revised proposal was approved for the industry and its members.
continue to grow under his leadership. funding and the research is underway As always, this is your industry’s council.
Dana Wendel, RCB International, is in the 2018 crop season. This is another Your input is important so please
serving as Vice-Chairman after holding notable example of cooperative interests contact me if you have any questions or
the Secretary-Treasurer position for the and efforts and a few MIRC members comments. Thank you for being involved.
past two years. And, we welcome Karla stepping up and investing additional
Farina with Labbeemint into the executive funds into a project that is addressing Tough™ Herbicide Update
committee as the new Secretary-Treasurer. an important industry-wide topic. The The 2018 Section 18 registration has been
This new slate of officers will provide scope is focused on irrigation water approved for Oregon, Washington and
great leadership for the next couple
MINT INDUSTRY RESEARCH COUNCIL 10Insight
Idaho. At press time, we are still waiting the form and send it to the MIRC your production. We have submitted a
for authorizations in Wisconsin, Indiana office. You can email a scanned copy to request to IR-4 to conduct the residue
and Michigan. info@mircnews.org, or fax it to (503) studies needed to reduce the PHI to
Keep in mind this authorization is for 581-6819, or mail it to Mint Industry 30 days. That request is supported by
double-cut mint acres and only for Research Council, PO Box 4059, Salem, Belchim and we will attempt to get this
application to be made between cuttings. OR 97302. research prioritized for 2019 in the IR-4
That is why the use window is limited As of now, Tough herbicide is still on program.
by the EPA. The effective use dates by track for a full federal label for mint Please let me know if you have any
state are: Washington – May 21-August in 2019. When we get that federal questions regarding the status of Tough.
31; Oregon and Idaho – June 20-August registration, the herbicide will be It is a great tool to have in your arsenal
10. Please adhere to the label application labeled in all of our production states. and we certainly want to keep it on track
dates. Additionally, that full label will allow for to a more permanent registration. Thank
It is required that you complete and use on all mint, both single and double- you again to our friends at Belchim Crop
submit the waiver agreement at the time cut, and up to two applications per Protection for supporting us with Tough.
of purchase. This form and labels can season. F
be found on the MIRC website, www. The Pre-Harvest Interval (PHI) is still
usmintindustry.com under the “News” 49 days. I appreciate everyone providing
section. Please be sure you complete input on what PHI would be best for
11 SPRING 2018Mint Industry Research Council
P.O. Box 4059, Salem, OR 97302
MIRC Board of Directors
Industrial/Commercial
State/Grower Representatives
Greg Biza, Chairman
ALBERTA MINT GROWERS ASSOCIATION - Dale Thacker
Callisons
IDAHO - Robert McKellip
Dana Wendel, Vice Chairman INDIANA - Randy Matthys
RCB International, Ltd.
MICHIGAN - Doug Irrer
Karla Farina, Secretary/Treasurer OREGON - John Reerslev
Labbeemint
TULELAKE GROWERS ASSOCIATION - Mike McKoen
A.J. Todd WASHINGTON - Todd Wheeler
A.M. Todd Co. a division of WILD Flavors
WISCONSIN - Dennis Zeloski
Bob Vogt
Colgate Palmolive Co. Research & Regulatory Coordinator
Mark Morlan Steve Salisbury
PO Box 483, Sublimity, OR 97385
Essex Laboratories, LLC
503-551-3747 • steve@pacificagresources.com
Jason Stromme
Norwest Ingredients Administrators
Bryan Ostlund & Kari Puffer
Carter Green M.I.R.C.
Takasago PO Box 4059
Rich Carlson Salem, OR 97302
Young Living Essential Oils 503-371-5936 • bryan@ostlund.com • kari@ostlund.com
John Buckley
Mars Wrigley ConfectioneryYou can also read
