NAMA News
May 2007
Inside this Issue Fumigation products are safe in milling facilities |
2007 Annual Meeting September 27-29 The Mansion at Forsyth Park Savannah, Georgia The meeting is open to NAMA milling and associate members. Initial information was sent in mid-May. Look for your registration form and program information in June. |
Fumigation products are safe in milling facilities
NAMA submitted comments to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on proposed threshold limits for “Chemicals of Interest” for DHS new Chemical Security Regulations. In the comments NAMA commended the security measures adopted by milling facilities and categorized the facilities as low risk. NAMA proposed modifications to the Screening Threshold Quantity (STQ’s) and suggested that fumigation chemicals be allowed on facility premises for 7-14 days without triggering the need to report to DHS.
Any facility that manufactured, used, stored or distributed chemicals on the “Chemicals of Interest” list at or above the STQ must complete and submit a CSAT Top-Screen. Failure to complete a CSAT Top-Screen within the timeframe provided may result in civil penalties, a DHS audit and inspection, or an order to cease operations. The deadline for submission is 60 days after the final regulations are published. For more information about the regulations, contact Jane DeMarchi at 202.484.2200, ext. 13 or jdemarchi@namamillers.org.FDA acts swiftly to recall tainted pet food
After reports of sudden death and sickness in dogs and cats, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) began an investigation into the cause. Using a traceability method (following steps backwards), FDA was able to identify the cause as a wheat product imported from two companies in China. FDA issued a recall on pet food manufactured with ingredients imported from the two companies. The ingredient was sold to pet food manufacturers in the US and as fish feed to manufacturers in China.
Through its investigation FDA was able to determine the adulterated product was not in the human food supply. In multiple teleconferences with industry and the press, FDA assured everyone the human food supply was not at risk and there was no human health threat.
FDA initiated surveillance assignments domestically and on imports to help ensure the safety of the US food and feed supply. The assignment is focusing on imported protein extracts and finished products in domestic status, and ingredients/products of interest in import status (with the exception of vegetable protein concentrates from China, which are not allowed entry until they pass testing required under Import Alert 99-29).
FDA said, “It is important to note that there are no indications that melamine has been added to ingredients other than those used in the recalled pet foods and fish feed. However, in the interests of raising awareness and being proactive, it is important to undertake this assignment.”NAMA supports changes to CBOT wheat contracts
Over the years NAMA has repeatedly told the Chicago Board of Trade (CBOT) that the exchange’s wheat contract was gradually losing its viability as a hedging mechanism. In comments submitted to the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, NAMA supported changes proposed by the CBOT to delivery point specifications in wheat contracts.
The CBOT's wheat futures contract provides for the delivery of various grades and classes of wheat, but traditionally the futures contract has priced No. 2 soft red winter wheat. Delivery is made by the transfer of warehouse receipts representing wheat in store at regular warehouses. Delivery may be made in Chicago at par, in Toledo at a discount of 2 cents per bushel, and in St. Louis at a premium of 8 cents per bushel.
CBOT’s proposed changes will modify the locational price differentials for delivery at Toledo and St. Louis, change the quality price differentials for US No. 1 and US No. 2 grade northern spring wheat, and reduce the speculative position limits for the March and May contract months during the last five trading days. Additional proposed changes include modifying the load-out provisions for the wheat, corn, oats and soybean futures contracts and changing the last trading day and the last delivery day for all contract months for the wheat and oats futures contracts. Federal Register: November 25, 1998, Volume 63, Number 227, Page 65175-65177
Wheat Summit participants prepare unified statement
The participants and Steering Committee of the Wheat Summit crafted a Wheat Summit Statement. As a member of the Steering Committee, NAMA was integrally involved in the drafting of the statement. The statement reflects a consensus opinion on transportation, domestic farm policy, hard white wheat, research priorities, and biotechnology. The wheat chain will continue to meet and discuss these and other issues within the various work groups. Wheat Summit Statement
Food, not cash, is the most dependable form of food aidNAMA Board member and former Chairman John Gillcrist, Bartlett Milling Company, testified on behalf of NAMA and the Agricultural Food Aid Coalition in a hearing before the US House of Representatives Committee on Agriculture, Subcommittee on Specialty Crops, Rural Development, and Foreign Agriculture Programs. Gillcrist called on Congress to continue US produced food commodity donation programs in the 2007 Farm Bill without any changes to the structure of the programs. He emphasized that food, not cash, is the most dependable form of food aid. Testimony of John Gillcrist
Iowa State Completes Study on Biofuels
Iowa State University has released a study, Emerging Biofuels: Outlook of Effects on U.S. Grain, Oilseed, and Livestock Markets. NAMA joined nine other associations in funding the study that provides one perspective on a multi-faceted issue. Major findings / Complete study
NAMA travels to Kenya, Uganda and Rome
Agricor President Steve Wickes, Chairman of NAMA’s International Trade Committee, and International Trade Consultant Paul Green traveled to Kenya, Uganda and food agencies in Rome in behalf of NAMA members participating in the US food aid program. They met with PVOs (private voluntary organizations), the US Agency for International Development and the World Food Program (WFP). Topics discussed included plans for use of NAMA’s products in food aid programs in Uganda, the potential for use of blended foods in microenterprise, local food product purchases in developing countries and the status of nutrition as a goal in WFP’s programs. Trip Report
WFC sets world record
The Wheat Foods Council's Mom, the Everyday Athlete public relations program partnered with seeMOMMYrun and set a world record of the total number of steps taken by mothers in one day. On May 19 moms participating in the WFC event collectively walked 6,912,665 steps – nearly 7 million steps by moms in one day. The event put a spotlight on moms at all fitness levels as everyday athletes and encouraged them to make nutrition and activity choices that maximize their health and stamina, not just for one day, but for a lifetime.
Search for K State Department Head
Kansas State University has begun its search for a new Head for the Department of Grain Science & Industry, replacing Virgil Smail. Fred Fairchild, a professor in the Department, is chairing the Search Committee. Review of applications will begin August 15, 2007, and will continue until the position is filled. The position will be available by January 2, 2008. The industry is encouraged to refer potential candidates to Dr. Fairchild. For more information about this position contact Dr. Fairchild at fif@ksu.edu. Position Description
2007 Wheat Quality Short Course
The dates have been set for this year's Wheat Quality Short Course. It will be held September 17-20 at Kansas State University. The course is designed for agricultural extension agents and individuals in the milling, baking, and allied industries. The registration fee is $700, which includes handout materials, all breakfasts and lunches, and one dinner. For more information and a registration form, contact Leland McKinney, Program Coordinator, Dept of Grain Science & Industry, Kansas State University at 785.532.4080 or lelandm@ksu.edu.
NAMA in the news
NAMA Leadership Meets with Secretary of Agriculture Mike Johanns
Grainnet - Decatur, IL
“The North American Millers' Association (NAMA) executive committee and board members met with Secretary of Agriculture Mike Johanns this ...”
May 30, 2007
Iowa State releases biofuels study
Dairy Herd Management, IL
... National Oilseed Processors Association, National Pork Producers Council, National Turkey Federation and North American Millers Association.
May 18, 2007
Congress urged to maintain policy of in-kind food aid donations
American Shipper + Shippers' NewsWire
"We believe that diverting such a significant amount of limited Title II resources for these purposes would be counterproductive," said John Gillcrist, director of the North American Millers' Association . . .”
May 11, 2007
2007 Annual Meeting, Savannah, GA
Mansion on Forsyth Park
September 27-29, 2007
2008 Annual Meeting, Lake Tahoe, NV
Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe
September 25-27, 2008
2008 Division Meetings, Palm Coast, FL
The Club at Hammock Beach
March 15-18, 2007
Since the Last Newsletter
Members who would like to review the activities of NAMA staff during the past month go to http://www.namamillers.org/mbr_SLN_05_30_07.cfm.
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