| Join Our List |
 |
|
|
 | April 1, 2011 | |
| The MWFPA Bulletin is underwritten in part by Focus on Energy | | |
 |
| USDA School Lunch Rule Limits Some Vegetables | |
Vegetables such as potatoes, green peas, sweet corn and lima beans will be restricted under the USDA's new standards for school lunches. While the rules would significantly increase the amount of fruits and vegetables schools must serve, they would set limits on which vegetables are served.
Potatoes, lima beans, corn and green peas are restricted to 1 cup each week under the proposed rule. Currently, schools must give between 1/2 cup and 1 cup of fruits and vegetables every day. The new rules would require 3/4 cup to 1 cup of vegetables plus 1/2 cup to 1 cup of fruit per day.
The rules are based on recommendations by the National Academies' Institute of Medicine. USDA published its proposed rule last Jan. 13 and the comment period runs until April 13. The changes would likely take effect during the 2012-13 school year. MWFPA is submitting comments in conjunction with the American Fruit and Vegetable Processors and Growers Coalition.
Top of Page |
| The MWFPA Bulletin is underwritten in part by Bug Blocker Doors & Screens | | |
 |
| MWFPA Opposed Bills Shelved In IL -- For Now | |
The IL General Assembly has returned from its one week break and after having reached the deadline for bills in their original chamber to be moved out of committee. A number of proposals important to MWFPA were dealt with.
Ag Sales Tax Exemptions- An amendment to SB 4 was proposed to sunset the sales tax exemptions for seed, feed, fertilizer, and agricultural equipment, among other things. The bill was moved without the sunset provision. MWFPA opposed the amendment.
Food Labeling for Biotechnology- MWFPA opposed HB 1249 which provided that all foods containing genetically engineered material or produced with such material be clearly marked with a label in a conspicuous place. The bill was re-referred to the Rules Committee.
BPA Bans- HB 3467 sought to ban the Department of Human Services (DHS) from using infant formula containers containing BPA. MWFPA actively opposed this measure along with other business organizations. The Committee chair has indicated that the bill will get another chance for passage this spring.
HB 1269/HB 1270 would ban BPA in children's reusable food and beverage containers and create a program to review and protect individuals from risks of toxic exposures, including BPA. The bills were re-referred to the Rules Committee. MWFPA opposed both measures. Any of these measures could pop up on a deadline extension or surface as part of another bill that did pass out of its respective committee. |
| MN Committee Removes Tort Reform from Ag Bill | |
The MN House Ways and Means Committee this week approved an amendment deleting the tort reform measure known as the "Cheeseburger Bill" from an omnibus agriculture bill. The language would have made food manufacturing and other establishments immune to being sued if a customer became overweight from consuming too much food or drink. The bill minus the tort reform measure passed both the House and Senate. The Senate has requested a conference committee to work out some differences. MWFPA supports the tort reform measure.
Top of Page |
| WI Committee Submits Bill on Wind Turbine Siting | |
The WI Legislature's Joint Committee for Review of Administrative rules voted 5-3 Tuesday to introduce a bill ending development of a wind turbine siting rule. The legislation would require the state's Public Service Commission (PSC) to start over and draft a new rule.
The Committee voted earlier this month to block the rule, but that action was only good for 30 days. A bill supporting the action needs to be passed by both houses of the Legislature. MWFPA sought changes to the rule during its development due to its potential impact on the aerial application of crop protection products. The PSC later modified the rule to compensate farmers for lost crop production within a half mile of turbines if aerial spraying could not be done because of them.
Top of Page |
|
In Memoriam | |
Stanley L. Grannis, age 90, a long-time Midwest food processing associate, passed away March 6, 2011. He served as CEO of Faribault Foods. In 1973 he formed Grannis, Inc., a consulting firm servicing the food processing industry until 1995 when he retired. MWFPA offers his family our condolences.
Top of Page |
|
Register Now For MWFPA Spring Summit & Scramble! | | |
Our golf outing has a new name! Please join us for the Spring Summit and Scramble on June 2, 2011, at Trapper's Turn Golf Course in Wisconsin Dells, WI. For more information visit our website, www.mwfpa.org, and use our online sign-up, or download the brochure if you wish to pay by check.
Last year over 190 golfers participated in this event and we awarded over $3,000 in cash prizes. There are many opportunities to promote your company by sponsoring: a hole, the evening reception, cash prizes, lunch, and donating items for drawings and goodie bags. All sponsors will be recognized with signage at the event, on our website, and in our bi-monthly e-bulletin. The sooner you sponsor the longer your logo is displayed.
Get your foursome together and join us! A Wednesday evening, June 1, reception will be held at the Hilton Garden Inn. The shotgun style golf tournament will be played at Trapper's Turn June 2, starting at 8:00 am followed by lunch, awards and cash prizes. Register early! This event fills fast.
Top of Page |
|
Teamwork Focus of Upcoming Seminar | | |
Behind successful organizations are efficient management and the formation of a quality team. "Team Building - Creating the Want," an MWFPA seminar held from 8 am-12 pm at the Wilderness Resort in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin on April 20th, will create an exciting team-building learning experience that will raise your level of interest in and commitment to teamwork in your organization. This program focuses on team building and how to create the want of employees to get the results you need. It will help participants develop the practical skills for maximizing team performance, and the tools and resources that can strengthen your team and build buy-in among your employees.
Don't Miss Out! Reserve your seat now!
MWFPA has reserved a block of rooms at a special rate of $115. Please use block code #257654 when reserving your room. View the seminar brochure and registration materials here! Registration is also available on our website: www.mwfpa.org.
Top of Page |
|
Friday/Weckel Scholarships Available for 2011-12 | | |
Applications for the Friday/Weckel Scholarships are now available at our website and our offices. If you know a worthy college undergrad that is majoring in food science or agriculture at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Platteville or River Falls, we encourage you to send them an application. Applications are due June 10th.
In June/July our Human Resource Committee will choose up to six recipients for the $1,500 awards. Last year we got a great response and we hope to do the same this year.
Top of Page |
|
MWFPA Food Safety Law Seminar Seats Available! | | |
On April 21, 2011, nationally-recognized food safety professionals will gather at Marquette University Law School in Milwaukee, to explain the new food safety modernization law, and how the new law can and will affect your business. The seminar will run from 8 am to 5:30 pm.
Interesting topics such as the law's new regulatory requirements, new mandates for food safety plans and new microbiological testing consideration will be presented by the conference panel.
Food Safety Modernization Act-Approved is a one-day seminar sponsored by MWFPA. Click here to register online now! Registration closes April 14, 2011. To view the seminar agenda and panel member biographies, click here.
We hope you can join us for this industry-leading food safety conference. Other sponsors of the event include the Wisconsin Association of Food Protection, UW-River Falls-UW Extension and Gass Weber Mullins LLC.
Top of Page |
| Employment Opportunities -- Food Processing Industry | |
CleanTech Partners has a position open for a Process Energy Specialist. The position will convince and assist companies in Wisconsin to adopt process related technologies and practices that will save energy and money in their production as measured using criteria established by Focus on Energy (Focus), Wisconsin's statewide program for energy efficiency and renewable energy. Contact: Ed Corrigan at ecorrigan@cleantechpartners.org and provide a letter of interest and a resume.
Top of Page |
| Welcome New Association Members! | | |
|
| MWFPA Calendar of Events | | |
April 20, 2011: Team Building -- Creating The Want. Wilderness Resort, Wisconsin Dells, WI. This four-hour seminar will create an exciting team-building learning experience that will raise your level of interest in and commitment to teamwork in your organization. It will help participants develop the practical skills for maximizing team performance, and the tools and resources that can strengthen your team and build buy-in among your employees.
MWFPA has reserved a block of rooms at the Wilderness Resort at a special rate of $115. Please use block code #257654 when reserving your room. View seminar brochure and registration materials here! Registration is also available on our website: www.mwfpa.org.
April 21, 2011: New Food Safety Modernization Act - What Your Company Needs To Know Now! Marquette University Law School, 1217 West Wisconsin Ave., Milwaukee, WI. A one-day seminar that brings together top food industry professionals to explain what the new law can and will mean for your business.(See article above for more information) June 1-2, 2011: MWFPA Spring Summit & Scramble. New name, same great golf outing! Evening reception on June 1st is planned for the Hilton Garden Inn. On June 2nd, a day of golf (scramble format), lunch and cash prizes at Trapper's Turn in Wisconsin Dells, WI. (See article above)
November 28-Dec. 1, 2011: MWFPA 107th Annual Convention and 84th Annual Processing Crops Conference, Wisconsin Dells, WI, Kalahari Resort and Convention Center. Mark your calendars now! Don't miss this invaluable opportunity to gain exclusive insights from some of the industry's most innovative and knowledgeable representatives and to make meaningful contacts with clients, prospects and referral sources.
|
| Other Educational Opportunities | |
April 11-12, 2011: Dryer Technology. Concourse Hotel, One West Dayton Street, Madison, WI. Participants will gain a solid understanding of dryer fundamentals and learn how to apply proven methods to solve practical problems. Detailed information on the program and enrollment are available at http://epdweb.engr.wisc.edu/Courses/Course.lasso?myCourseChoice=M450
May 4-5, 2011: IRC Research &Technology Forum. Madison, WI. This conference will focus on design for safety, two-phase flow research, and optimizing head pressure (new findings) for industrial refrigeration systems. In addition, an update on refrigerants and new applications for carbon dioxide will be presented. The forum will also highlight the latest refrigeration research being conducted at the University of Wisconsin and around the industry. All are welcome to attend, the cost is $129 for non-members. IRC member company employees attend at no cost. Register on-line here:
May 4-6, 2011: GMA Consumer Complaints Management Conference. Millennium Knickerbocker Hotel, Chicago, IL. This conference provides consumer affairs and complaint management specialists with the roadmap for effective complaint management. Conference attendees will gain crisis management insights and enhanced knowledge of today's consumer and their expectations of customer service. Consumer affairs professionals working in food manufacturing, retail and foodservice cannot afford to miss this valuable training event. For more information, click here.
May 4-5, 2011: GMA Foodborne Illness Litigation Conference. Millennium Knickerbocker Hotel, Chicago, IL. The conference will explore a broad range of topics related to litigation stemming from foodborne illnesses, both as a result of product recalls and isolated incidents. Attendees will learn how these issues can be addressed by the entire value chain, from manufacturer to distributor to retailer, as well as by legal counsel within the industry. For more information and registration details, click here.
Top of Page |
|
Sponsor The MWFPA Bulletin!
By becoming a sponsor of the MWFPA Bulletin, your banner will be viewed by a very targeted group of persons, firms and corporations that provide technology, logistics, ingredients and packaging to the food processing industry.
|
| | |
The MWFPA News Bulletin is published twice monthly or as developments warrant, and is intended for a general audience of manufacturers and suppliers of food and agricultural products. |
|
|
