Program Activities
The North American Millers' Association is the national trade association of leading North American manufacturers and processors of regular, blended and fortified corn, wheat, and sorghum products. These products include Bulgur Wheat, Soy Fortified Bulgur (SFB), Wheat Soy Blend (WSB), Corn Meal, Soy Fortified Corn Meal (SFCM), Corn Soy Blend (CSB) and Soy Fortified Sorghum Grits (SFSG).
NAMA's trade policy focuses primarily on the P.L. 480, Title II food aid program. NAMA's goals and policies aim directly at an ever enlarging world market generated fundamentally in the demand of hungry millions for better, more nourishing diets. The blended and fortified commodities are particularly well suited for use in mother-child health centers and school feeding programs as well as in food for work projects. In keeping with these objectives, NAMA works in the following areas of activity:
Information and Education
NAMA provides services and education to government and private voluntary organizations, overseas field personnel who administer P.L. 480 programs, and foreign buyers and users of blended and fortified products. Informational material such as recipes, technical literature, and product samples are disseminated on a worldwide basis. NAMA also serves as an informational exchange between members and third party interests on matters relating to trade inquiries, packaging, product specifications, export programs and market promotion.
Technical Services
NAMA carries out an active, on-going program of technical and support assistance on matters relating to new product development, product specifications, packaging, inspection, storage, and transportation. The association often serves as the liaison between member firms and pertinent government agencies or may provide direct service to prospective buyers and users. For example, NAMA members and staff have played an integral part in the Agency for International Development (AID) and World Food Program overseas food storage seminars to train field personnel in the proper handling of blended and fortified foods, and have cooperated closely with USDA in testing of new packaging designs. NAMA constantly monitors proposed changes in USDA or AID regulations affecting procurements, inspection and shipments. The association also maintains contact with federal administrative agencies such as FDA, OSHA, and EPA, which formulate, issue and later regulations that impact upon association members.
Legislation
NAMA represents its membership before the United States congress and congressional committees on industry-related issues including food aid and export legislation, agricultural appropriations, research authorizations, international trade, and general economic policies affecting members.
Marketing
NAMA directs and supervises targeted foreign market development programs designed to increase exports and utilization. In the case of P.L. 480's Title II and Title I programs, NAMA works closely with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Office of Food for Peace in AID, the United Nations FAO and World Food Program, and the private voluntary organizations. Well-established contacts with headquarters and field office personnel provide the means for exchanging information regarding problems, opportunities and specific needs of the developing nations. NAMA, in turn, is geared to respond quickly with commodities, technical support, and personal assistance.
While the large percentage of blended and fortified products move overseas under the Title II food donation program, NAMA is endeavoring to build commercial markets in a number of countries in Asia, South America, and Africa. Market development programs, carried out in cooperation with the Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) of USDA, are key to creating a better awareness of our products among importers, consumers, nutritionists, government officials and others. Promotional activities vary according to local conditions but primarily emphasis is placed on the use of blended and fortified foods in institutional feeding programs, in preparing traditional dishes, and in meeting the needs of young infants. FAS funds are combined with NAMA resources to carry out market surveys, seminars, cooking demonstrations, in-store promotions, foreign travel, and dissemination of samples, recipes, and other informational material.
Legislation
NAMA represents members on an on-going basis in following legislative issues:
- Appropriations for P.L. 480, Title II
- P.L. 480, Title II provisions as contained in the Farm Bill
- Government compliance with legislated tonnage requirements
Statistics
NAMA provides statistics to members on Title II commodity transactions including:
- Commodity approvals by commodity, country, and voluntary organization
- Commodity purchases
- Comparisons with previous years
- Individual requests of members
Market Development
Under an agreement with USDA's Foreign Agricultural Service, NAMA receives funding to carry out international activities in pursuit of a commercial market for blended and fortified products. This activity provides NAMA with an opportunity to travel to major Title II and potentially commercial countries.
Agencies with Whom NAMA has Direct Contact
NAMA has a rapport established with personnel within each of the following organizations and maintains contact on important issues:
- Agency for International Development (AID)
- Bureau for Food and Humanitarian
Assistance (BHR)
Office of Food for Peace (FFP) - U.S. Department of Agriculture
- Farm Service Agency (FSA)
Federal Grain Inspection Service (FGIS)
Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS)
Kansas City Commodity Office (KCCO) - Voluntary Organizations
- Adventist Development and Relief
Agency (ADRA)
Africare
CARE
Catholic Relief Services (CRS)
Save the Children Foundation (SCF)
World Food Program (WPF)
World Vision Relief Organization (WVRO) - Congressional
- House & Senate Agriculture Committees
House & Senate Appropriations Committees
House & Senate Foreign Relations Committees
Individual Staff of Congressmen and Committees
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