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February 2012
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Click this seal to go to the top of the newsletter |
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NTF Staff
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President
Joel Brandenberger; Ext. 7226
Legislative
Damon Wells; Ext. 7232
Leslee Oden; Ext. 7228
Scientific & Regulatory
Lisa Picard; Ext. 7233
Andrew Bailey; Ext. 7224
Communications
Sherrie Rosenblatt; Ext. 7227
Adrienne Richards; Ext. 7223
Kimmon Williams; Ext. 7234
Membership
Jen Dansereau; Ext. 7229
Clara Sackey; Ext. 7221
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President's Message
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Greetings!
This newsletter often is filled with articles and commentary about proposed legislation or regulation that would harm the turkey industry without demonstrably improving public health, the environment or the welfare of the animals in the industry's care. That's why it's gratifying to see this newsletter filled with an unusual number of reports on government activities that benefit both the general public and the industry.
Chief among these actions is the proposed Poultry Slaughter Rule, released late last month by USDA. The department proposes taking a major step forward in modernizing the poultry inspection system by freeing federal inspectors to focus more closely on those tasks that have the best chance of enhancing food safety.
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, Food Safety Under Secretary Elisabeth Hagen and FSIS Administrator Al Almanza pressed forward with the rule despite opposition from a variety of organizations. This is an example of how government should -- and can -- work. Science was placed ahead of politics and USDA has set out on a path that will benefit public health for decades to come.
Other actions of note include FDA's judicious decision on extra-label use of cephalosporins in turkeys and other food-producing animals, and Congress' decision to pressure the U.S. Trade Representative's Office to challenge India's ban on the importation of U.S. poultry.
As we prepare for the NTF Annual Convention later this month, Feb. 15-18, in Tampa, there will be many government-relations issues -- and marketing, public relations and membership issues -- yet to tackle. That's why it was so nice to see at least three instances in the last month where industry and government were able to find common ground and move forward in a way that benefits the public and the industry.
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Legislative
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Congress Urges End to India Ban on U.S. Poultry: NTF worked diligently with its coalition partners to convince 47 bi-partisan members of Congress to send a letter to U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Ron Kirk, urging him to seek an end to India's ban on the importation of U.S poultry. India uses a variety of measures to prohibit the importation of U.S. poultry, the primary one being a policy on avian influenza (AI) in violation of the standards established by the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE). Despite the presence of only an occasional case of low pathogenic AI, India bans poultry from the entire nation - a measure OIE permits only when highly pathogenic AI is present. It is estimated that U.S. poultry exports to India could exceed $300 million annually if appropriate market access was permitted in accordance with India's obligations as a member of the World Trade Organization. Efforts on the congressional letter were led by Reps. Devin Nunes, R-Calif., and John Carney, D-Del. Legislation Introduced to Federally Mandate Egg Production Practices: In an effort to implement an agreement between the Humane Society of the United States and the United Egg Producers, Rep. Kurt Schrader, D-Ore., along with Reps. Elton Gallegly, R-Calif., Sam Farr, D-Calif., and Jeff Denham, R-Calif., introduced the Egg Products Inspection Act Amendments of 2012 (H.R. 3798). The bill would establish a national standard on cage sizes and enriched housing for egg-laying hens. The legislation is limited strictly to the egg industry, but this bill would establish a precedent for the federal government to impose animal welfare standards on farm. NTF will monitor the movement of this legislation to ensure that Congress does not enact any new federal animal welfare authority.
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Scientific and Regulatory
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Technical and Regulatory
FSIS Releases Modernized Poultry Slaughter Rule: FSIS on Jan. 20 released the proposed rule " Modernization of Poultry Slaughter Inspection."
Known informally as the Poultry Slaughter Rule (PSR), the proposal would lead to a revamped inspection system that allows federal inspectors in young chicken and turkey processing plants to shift to prevention-oriented inspection systems and allows FSIS to redeploy its resources in a manner that better protects the public from foodborne diseases. Under this new inspection system, FSIS inspectors are allowed more flexibility to patrol the processing plant and provide scientific oversight to ensure the plant is meeting the required food safety performance standards. Federal inspectors would be stationed at the end of the production line to verify every poultry carcass meets the federal regulations, and plant employees would have an expanded role in inspecting carcasses for quality standards on the inspection line. Establishments will also have the option of maintaining "traditional inspection" instead of switching to the new system.
Under the new rule, line speeds could operate at increased rates of 55 birds-per-minute for turkeys. In addition to shifting FSIS' focus from finished product standards to food safety, the new system is expected to save the agency an average of $40 million per year after the first year, and save the industry approximately $258.9 million annually.
An advanced copy of the rule, as well as additional information is available here. NTF, along with the National Chicken Council, applauded the rule in a press release that was picked up my numerous media outlets including Bloomberg, MeatPoultry.com and Meatingplace.com.
FSIS Announces District Office Closures: As part of the USDA Blueprint for Stronger Service initiative, FSIS announced that it will reduce the number of District Offices from 15 to 10 by Fiscal Year 2013. The agency is working to determine how best to allocate the five offices that are closing to the remaining 10. The District Offices to be closed are in Lawrence, Kan., Beltsville, Md., Minneapolis, Minn., Albany, N.Y., and Madison, Wis. The closings will have no effect on in-plant inspection duties, so FSIS notes there will be no adverse impact on food safety.
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Live Production and the Environment
NTF Comments on EPA CAFO Rules: NTF submitted two sets of comments on EPA's National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO) Reporting Rule.
In comments submitted through the Joint Poultry Industry Environmental Committee, NTF, National Chicken Council and U.S. Poultry and Egg Association noted that the agency failed to demonstrate how the information collection would help EPA effectively implement the NPDES program and ensure that CAFOs are in compliance with the requirements of the Clean Water Act (CWA). The comments also noted the dangers of making every CAFO location publicly available, given that many farmers live on or near their farms.
Additionally, NTF signed on to the Animal Agriculture Coalition comments, which also echoed the concerns made in the poultry industry's comments. A total of 89 national- and state-associations, and companies signed on to these comments.
NTF, along with others poultry trade associations, issued a press release that highlighted the industry's concern about the rule, which has been picked up by media outlets such as Meatingplace.com, FoodMarket.com, and WorldPoultry.net.
FDA Issues Rule Limiting Extra-label Use of Cephalosporin: FDA announced a final rule regarding cephalosporin use in cattle, swine, chickens and turkeys. The final rule published in the Federal Register on Jan. 6, sets new limits on the extra-label uses of cephalosporin antimicrobial drugs in turkeys and other food-producing animals. The rule becomes effective on April 5.
FDA's decision to restrict, rather than eliminate, extra-label use of cephalosporin represents a compromise from FDA's original proposal in 2008, which would have banned extra-label use entirely. The new final rule permits veterinarians to continue to use the drug for diseases not indicated on the label, so long as they adhere to the label instructions on dosage and duration of use. This permits veterinarians to continue using the medications to treat a wide range of conditions to protect animal health. This rule is expected to have minimal impact on the turkey industry, but NTF is still working with other animal agriculture groups to form a common response. FDA will accept comments on the rule through March 6.
NTF developed talking points to be used with stakeholders.
Worker Safety and Health/Human Resources
Joint Poultry Safety and Health Council Meets at IPE: The Joint Poultry Industry Safety and Health Council met in Atlanta during the International Poultry Expo (IPE). Key topics of discussion included the recently-released Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Hours-of-Service Final Rule, OSHA's new I2P2 White Paper, and an upcoming National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health study on barriers to occupational injury reporting by workers. The meeting agenda is available here.
DOT FMCSA Issues New Hours-of-Service Final Rule: Certain provisions of the Department of Transportation (DOT) Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) "Hours of Service of Drivers" final rule take effect Feb. 27, 2012. The rule, which was released on Dec. 27, 2011, was slightly modified from the Dec. 29, 2010, proposed rule. NTF previously submitted individual comments, as well as comments through the Joint Poultry Safety and Health Council. The remaining provisions of the final rule takes effect in July 1, 2013.
NLRB Delays Rule on Employee Rights Posters: In response to a lawsuit filed in Virginia, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) announced that it will again delay the effective date of its Notification of Employee Rights rule. The new effective date for the rule is April 30. This rule was originally published in December 2010, and NTF submitted comments on it in early 2011.
NTF Comments on Federal Contractors Labor Rule: NTF submitted comments as part of the Joint Poultry Industry Human Resources Council regarding USDA's Office of Procurement and Property Management Agriculture Acquisition Regulation, Labor Law Violations Proposed Rule. The comments challenged the requirement that federal contractors report allegations of violations for all applicable labor laws, not only actual violations, as well as the vagueness of the rule, and the associated recordkeeping and reporting burdens. Subsequently, USDA withdrew the rule.
Companies Invited to Apply for Safety Recognition: Poultry industry facilities are invited to apply for recognition under the Joint Poultry Industry Safety Award Program. The program recognizes facilities that have achieved injury and illness rates below the industry average for three consecutive years through the implementation of innovative and effective programs. Turkey processing plants, hatcheries, feed mills or rendering facilities that are operated by NTF member companies, along with those of the National Chicken Council and U.S. Poultry and Egg Association, are eligible to apply. Award program application forms are available here. The application deadline is March 1.
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Marketing Communications
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Marketing
New Spokespersons Unveiled for 2012 Marketing Program: Two new spokespersons -- Mark Bucher, owner of BGR: The Burger Joint, and Sara O'Donnell, food blogger and creator of Average Betty -- will tout including ground turkey recipes more often in a consumer's meal rotation. The entire 2012 NTF marketing plan will be unveiled at the upcoming Marketing Communications Committee on Feb. 16. The meeting is part of the NTF Annual Convention, Feb. 15-18, at the Tampa Marriott Waterside Hotel & Marina. The committee meeting will also include the results from the 2011 marketing plan and a lengthy discussion about future marketing initiatives. A draft agenda for the meeting is available here.
Annual T.O.M. Awards: During NTF's Annual Convention General Session on Feb. 16, the federation will recognize one of Turkey on the Menu (T.O.M.) award winners for successfully including year-round turkey dishes on the menu. NTF received 11 entries, from five member companies, for the 10th annual T.O.M. Awards. This year's entries were judged in three categories: fast food, mid-scale/casual and quick casual.
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Issues
NTF Grassroots Advocacy Plan Announcement at Issues Management Committee Meeting: NTF plans to develop a grassroots advocacy tool kit that will help members become more engaged advocates for the turkey industry. Leonard Greenberger, Potomac Communications Group, will present the case for member engagement during the NTF Issues Management Committee meeting on Feb. 17, particularly how ongoing advocacy can prove invaluable when a crisis erupts.
Part of the project will include such tactics as engaging in letter writing, meetings, testimony, speeches and on-line discussions. The goal would be to make members comfortable with the concept of advocacy and to begin the process of empowering them to engage.
The committee meeting, which is part of the NTF Annual Convention, Feb. 15-18, at the Tampa Marriott Waterside Hotel & Marina, will also include a presentation on effectively navigating a crisis with social media, a discussion on ground turkey recall messages, and a recap of Thanksgiving 2011 with a discussion about proactive planning for the future. A draft agenda for the meeting is available here.
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Member Services
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NTF's 2012 Annual Convention is just two weeks away and the federation continues to create ways for you to maximize your experience in Tampa. New features this year include NTF's Cyber Lounge and deluxe coffee breaks. Below are other highlights of the 2012 Annual Convention.
Click here for more information about the Annual Convention, including an agenda and attendee list.
If you have not registered and plan to attend the convention, you can still register online or at the NTF Registration Desk located on the second floor of the Tampa Marriott Waterside Hotel & Marina beginning on Wednesday, Feb. 15.
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Giblets |
Jennie-O Turkey Store launched a social media campaign, www.SwitchToTurkey.com, to promote turkey as a healthy breakfast item. The campaign includes a photo contest where consumers take a picture of what they deem the "lamest," most uninspiring breakfast photo. The winner will receive a health-and-wellness-oriented vacation at one of the Biggest Loser Resorts, as part of Jennie-O's sponsorship of the "Biggest Loser" TV program.
Butterball, LLC, and its corporate communications agency, Howard, Merrell & Partners, were presented with four awards by the National Agri-Marketing Association Carolinas/Virginia chapter for effective agricultural communications through community, internal and public relations campaigns.
Plainville Farms announced they will begin distributing nationally a selection of frozen turkey and precooked healthy turkey options.
The Animal Agriculture Alliance is celebrating its 25th anniversary by unveiling a new logo (below). The Alliance, which was founded in 1987 as the Animal Industry Foundation, is the largest and oldest coalition speaking on behalf of the entire animal agriculture industry.
Abit Massey (left), president emeritus of the Georgia Poultry Federation, received the Harold E. Ford Lifetime Achievement Award for being an industry leader from Harold Ford during U.S. Poultry and Egg Association's 2012 International Poultry Expo.
Three turkey farms received U.S. Poultry and Egg Association's annual Family Farm Environmental Excellence Award, acknowledging exemplary environmental stewardship by family farmers engaged in poultry and egg production: Hesse Farm, Cole Camp, Mo., nominated by Cargill Turkey Production; Hack Farms, Turlock, Calif., nominated by Foster Farms; and Hillview Farms, Buckholts, Texas, nominated by Texas Poultry Federation.
Odom's Tennessee Pride introduced a new line of premium sausage patties, featuring two healthier options -- turkey and reduced-sodium turkey. Research revealed consumers who buy sausage patties want variety, and many prefer lower-fat and reduced-sodium products.
McAlister's Deli introduced its new Turkey Florentine, featuring smoked turkey, a spinach and artichoke spread, spinach and melted provolone on an artisan baguette.
First Lady Michelle Obama and Rachael Ray served healthy Turkey Tacos during USDA's launch of the new nutrition standards for school meals.
Meals to Live™ Frozen Entrées, designed for consumers living with diabetes, offers a turkey meatballs option. The company is one of the first frozen food groups to clearly display nutritional information such as calories, sodium, carbohydrates and fiber on the front of its packaging.
The Pennsylvania Farm Show debuted "Today's Agriculture," a 10,000-square-foot exhibit that featured an 84-feet-by-42-feet barn, housing livestock and poultry animals, including turkeys, to give consumers a look at modern agriculture practices.
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