NTF Encourages Senate Environment and Public Works Committee to Conduct Hearing on the Renewable Fuels Standard:  NTF, along with the animal agriculture coalition, sent a letter to Sens. Barbara Boxer, D-Calif., and James Inhofe, R-Okla., requesting the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee conduct a hearing to discuss the impact of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) on feed supplies and the overall economy. The coalition cited ongoing pressure on domestic feed grain supplies and a discovery of $9 million in fraudulent renewable identification numbers as justifications for a hearing. Also noted in the letter was the 2011 National Academy of Sciences study that cited the diversion of the corn crop to ethanol production since 2007 as a contributing factor to the increased strain on livestock and poultry producers. NTF also issued a statement on the request. The statement was picked up by several trade press publications, including Meat and Poultry Magazine and Meatingplace.com.

USDA Implements GIPSA Rule Based on Provisions from 2008 Farm Bill:  USDA on Dec. 8, published the final version of the Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) rule, after more than a year of heated debate. Congress voted in November to prohibit USDA from moving forward on portions of the controversial rule. The language that was passed only permitted USDA to publish a final rule that addressed the four specific provisions contained in the 2008 Farm Bill. One troubling provision related to undue preference, which was in the 2008 Farm Bill, was removed from the final rule by USDA. The rule will become effective on Feb. 7.  

House Passes Dust Legislation with Bipartisan Support: The Farm Dust Regulation Prevention Act of 2011 (H.R. 1633) passed the house with bipartisan support by a vote of 268 to 150.  the bill prohibits EPA regulation of rural dust.  The bill now moves to the Senate.

FSIS Posts New Report on Residue Sampling Programs:  FSIS has posted a new report on Microbiological and Residue Sampling Programs that serves as the first of a two-part effort by the agency to increase transparency and share information on the microbiological and residue sampling efforts.  An outcome of FSIS' Strategic Plan for 2011-2016, the report provides comprehensive information on the agency's sampling plans, including historical background, design, and statistical/policy basis and limitations for the current sampling programs.  FSIS plans to release a second sampling program plan in early 2012, which will identify changes FSIS expects to implement in the New Year.

Nutrition Labeling Rule Implementation Delayed:  In response to a request from NTF and several other trade associations, the effective date of FSIS final regulation that mandates nutrition labeling of the major cuts of single-ingredient, raw meat and poultry products and ground or chopped meat and poultry products is being delayed. Originally, the effective date of the final rule was Jan. 1, but has been delayed until March 1.

FSIS to Offer Regulatory Webinars: On Jan. 10 and Feb. 7, FSIS will provide guidance on addressing a recent increase of products recalled because of undeclared allergens. The discussion will focus on the steps establishments can take to prevent production of items containing undeclared allergens.   On Jan. 12 and Feb. 14, FSIS will address the general labeling approval process.  All webinars start at 2:00 p.m. EST.

To access the webinars, go to https://connect16.uc.att.com/usda/meet/?ExEventID=85277207 and follow the on-screen instructions. For technical questions, contact Kristin Goodwin (phone:  301-504-0878 or E-mail:  kristin.goodwin@fsis.usda.gov).

Live Production and Environment

NTF Meets with Vilsack and Jackson:  NTF's Secretary-Treasurer John Burkel represented the turkey industry during a meeting with USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack and EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson to discuss such issues as the Renewable Fuel Standard and the proposed EPA dioxin standard.  During the meeting other topics included concentrated animal feeding operations, particulate standards, public perception of pesticides, nutrient management rules and water quality standards.

Secretary Vilsack reiterated his support for biofuels and asked that the disagreement on ethanol be kept within agriculture.  He also discussed USDA's budget reductions and warned that as a result programs will have to be cut or eliminated.

NTF Key Player in Group Challenging Dioxin Proposal:  NTF, along with a coalition of food trade associations, sent a letter to the White House expressing concern on EPA's proposed daily exposure limit for dioxin because the proposed limit is well below standards set by the World Health Organization and the European Union.  The proposed standard would not by itself trigger any regulations on farmers or food companies, but the government could later recommend measures, including restrictions on the content of livestock and poultry feed, to reduce the amount of dioxins consumed.  John Burkel mentioned this issue in his meeting with Vilsak and Jackson (see previous article).

FDA Makes Available Draft Guidance on Evaluating the Effectiveness of Anticoccidial Drug for Use in Poultry:  FDA announced the availability of a draft guidance document, "Evaluating the Effectiveness of Anticoccidial Drugs in Food-Producing Animals."  The draft document provides guidance to the industry for designing and conducting clinical effectiveness studies.  It also describes CVM's criteria for the evaluating the effectiveness of anticoccidial drugs intended for use in poultry and other food-producing animals.  

Trade

NTF Urges Japan's Inclusion in TPP Talks:  NTF, along with a coalition of more than 60 food and agricultural organizations, sent a letter to the Agriculture Secretary Vilsack urging the United States to work with Japan to smooth the way for the country's participation in the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), a multilateral trade agreement.  The letter explained how adding Japan to the negotiations would enhance the significance of the TPP and make the agreement more encompassing.  In addition, the letter highlights how Japan's economy is second only to China's in the region and the United States' fourth largest agricultural export market.

NTF Working to End India's U.S. Poultry Ban:  NTF is working with the National Chicken Council and others to seek congressional support for an effort by USTR and USDA to challenge India's ban on imports of American poultry.  India put the ban in place because there have been cases of low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) in the United States when OIE rules clearly prohibit a nationwide ban for such LPAI cases.

NTF's Damon Wells (left) toured a Hutterite colony in South Dakota prior to his attending the North Dakota Poultry Industries Convention in Fargo.

Butterball, LLC announced its support of the Culinary Institute of America (CIA) as the Gift-in-Kind (GIK) turkey provider through July 31, 2012. As a GIK supporter, Butterball will donate turkeys for use in CIA's top educational curriculum at its three U.S. campuses. 

Farbest Foods, Inc. is building a new 220,000 square-foot processing plant in Knox County, Ind., creating up to 600 new jobs.  The new facility is expected to open its doors in January 2014. 

Valley of the Moon Commercial Poults, Inc.and Aviagen Turkeys, Inc. were awarded the 2011 "Outstanding Business of the Year" Venture Award, presented by the Iowa Area Development Groups, which recognizes Iowa's finest business leaders and companies.

Butterball, LLC Carthage facility achieved 4 million worker hours without a lost-time injury, representing three-and-a-half years without injury. 

Carl's Jr. is expanding its line of Charbroiled Turkey Burgers with the launch of a Santa Fe Turkey Burger, which is now available at most Carl's Jr. locations in California, Colorado, Idaho and Oregon.

According to Technomic, incorporating "healthy" within menu descriptions has increased 86 percent. Starbucks' Reduced Fat Turkey Bacon and White Cheddar breakfast sandwich was used as an example for one of the better-for-you items added to menus.