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April 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!
A 19th century general once observed that "no battle plan -- however well-conceived -- survives first contact with the enemy."
An organization's strategic plan is a far cry from a true battle plan, and the "enemies" the turkey industry faces thankfully do not have field artillery, tanks and the like, but they do have one thing in common. Both must be written so that they achieve a set of overarching goals while being flexible enough to adjust to the realities "on the ground."
NTF's Executive Committee and other senior industry leaders will meet April 18-20 in Chicago to write the federation's next five-year strategic plan. The committee will have a solid model to follow in the 2008-12 Strategic Plan. No one will accuse the document's authors of seeing everything that was coming in those five years: the food safety strategy written in the spring of 2007 was clearly overrun by events that followed, and no one anticipated how steep would be the economic downturn of 2008-09.
However, it got a lot right, too. It identified the renewable fuels policy as the #1 economic factor facing the industry, its vision for member recruitment and retention has led NTF to achieve some stunning membership records and it correctly set a course for a significant rethinking of NTF's marketing strategy.
More than anything, preparation was the key to that document's success, and NTF is looking to build on that in anticipation of this month's meeting. Our member survey was written specifically to help prepare for the strategic planning session, and we received a record number of responses. Select industry leaders, including some who will not participate in the Chicago meeting, were interviewed about NTF's strengths, weaknesses, challenges and opportunities. And, all participants have just completed a detailed "pre-work" assignment.
There is still time for each and every NTF member to play a role in this process. If you have specific thoughts about the direction NTF should be headed in the next five years, please contact the NTF staff or a member of the Executive Committee to share your views.
Nothing that emerges from the Chicago meeting can anticipate every challenge that lies ahead, but the more input our leaders and staff receive, the better our chances of surpassing the achievements in the five-year plan that is drawing to a close.
Sincerely,
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Legislative
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Coalition Pushes Senate to Oppose Ethanol Subsidies: Lawmakers have signaled the need for legislative action to address rising gas prices. In response, NTF and its ethanol coalition partners sent a letter to Senate leadership urging the opposition to any efforts to include continued or expanded federal support for corn-based ethanol. The Senate is considering the Repeal Big Oil Tax Subsidies Act (S.2204), an energy bill offered by Sen. Robert Menendez, D-N.J. Specifically, the bill extends tax credits for biodiesel, cellulosic ethanol and alternative fuels such as natural gas and propane. As the legislation moves forward, NTF and its coalition partners will remain proactive in its efforts to oppose any federal support of corn-based ethanol.
USTR Urges Resolution to Ban on U.S. Poultry to India: NTF commended U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Ron Kirk on the decision to seek formal consultation with the Indian government to resolve the ban on U.S. poultry to India. NTF worked diligently with Congress on this issue, including Reps. Devin Nunes, R-Calif., and John Carney, D-Del., to garner 47 congressional signatures to resolve this issue. The media statement received attention from 14 national and international outlets, including World Poultry and Meat & Poultry.
House Legislation Introduced to Reign in EPA on Chesapeake Bay: Reps. Bob Goodlatte, R-Va., and Tim Holden, D-Pa., introduced the Chesapeake Bay Program Reauthorization and Improvement Act (H.R. 4153). This bill takes a practical approach to implementing enhancements that will reduce excess nutrients flowing into the Chesapeake Bay watershed by providing agricultural producers the tools they need to implement conservation practices on farmed land. Additionally, the bill gives all sectors that may affect the watershed the flexibility to meet their regulatory requirements under the Clean Water Act. NTF applauded the legislation for recognizing the significant financial contributions made by conservation programs that have utilized existing public-private partnerships between agricultural producers, state officials and USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service to improve water quality. NTF encourages you to urge your Members of Congress to sign onto the legislation, because EPA intends to make the Bay the model for other watersheds across the country and the resolution will ultimately be applied to watersheds such as the Mississippi River.
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Scientific and Regulatory
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Technical and Regulatory
NTF Comments on Generic Label Approval: NTF submitted comments in early March commending FSIS for recognizing the need for greater efficiency in label approvals and acknowledging that the current significant backlog of label submissions must be reduced. NTF generally supports the agency's proposed rule, but made several suggestions to further improve it, such as, considering the inclusion of foreign language labels for export only, without claims.
Comments on Export Certificates Submitted: In joint comments to FSIS
regarding the proposed rule on electronic export certificates, NTF, along with the National Chicken Council, noted that the poultry industry does not support a user fee for entities that wish to use the soon-to-be developed electronic export application and certification system. The system will be a component of the agency's Public Health Information System. NTF believes that assessing such a fee conflicts with the provisions of the Poultry Products Inspection Act.
Subcommittee Developing Comments on the New Poultry Inspection System: NTF members continue to work on the industry response to the proposed rule that will modernize poultry slaughter in the United States. USDA's National Advisory Committee on Meat and Poultry Inspection conducted a web conference to discuss the Modernization of Poultry Slaughter Inspection rule, where Al Almanza, FSIS administrator, said the agency planned a phased-in approach over a three-year period, in which a few plants would be let in at a time in each district. Based on requests from consumer groups FSIS is expected to grant at least a 30-day extension to submit comments.
If you are interested in joining the subcommittee, please contact Lisa Wallenda Picard.
Technical and Regulatory Committee Meeting Scheduled: NTF's Technical and Regulatory Committee will meet May 3-4 in Washington. Registration is free for NTF members, but an RSVP is required. Please contact Lisa Wallenda Picard or Andrew Bailey for more information.
Live Production and Environment
NTF Submits Letter to OMB Regarding Waters Protected by Clean Water Act: NTF joined a large Agriculture Environment Coalition in submitting a letter to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) regarding its current review of EPA's "Final Guidance on Identifying Waters Protected by the Clean Water Act." The letter strongly urges OMB to conduct a thorough review in accordance with Executive Order 13563, "Improving Regulation and Regulatory Review." The letter specifically asks OMB to focus on the failure of EPA and the Army Corps of Engineers to fully consider the costs of implementing the guidance.
Turkey Health and Welfare
FDA to release Veterinary Feed Directive and Guidance Documents: FDA's Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM) is expected to release shortly the long-awaited Veterinary Feed Directive (VFD) rule, as well as two guidance documents on the use of animal drugs. The VFD is expected to increase veterinary oversight of certain antibiotic administration. The first guidance document (#209) is intended to inform the public of FDA's current thinking on the use of medically important antimicrobial drugs in food-producing animals, and provide a framework for policy regarding the appropriate or judicious use of these antibiotics. The second document (#213) revises the approved conditions of use for new animal drugs and combination products administered in feed or drinking water to align with the first guidance document.
Poultry Groups Express Support for NPIP: NTF, along with the National Chicken Council, United Egg Producers, U.S.A. Poultry and Egg Export Council, and U.S. Poultry and Egg Association, sent a letter to APHIS urging the continued funding and support of the National Poultry Improvement Plan (NPIP). The letter stressed the importance of NPIP to the poultry industry, and the key role the joint state-federal-industry program plays in animal health, disease control and poultry exports.
NTF Comments on FDA Cephalosporin Rule: In comments submitted to FDA regarding its final rule prohibiting extralabel drug use of cephalosporin drugs, NTF commended the agency's decision to compromise from its original 2008 proposal, thus allowing veterinarians to continue protecting the health and well-being of turkeys and other food-producing animals. However, NTF expressed concern at additional restrictions that take important treatment decisions out of the hands of the veterinarians treating the animals. NTF also filed joint comments on the rule with the American Farm Bureau Federation, National Milk Producers Federation and National Pork Producers Council.
Worker Safety and Health/Human Resources
NTF Submits Letter to FMCSA on Tank Vehicle Definition: As part of the Joint Poultry Industry Safety and Health Council, NTF submitted a letter to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) asking the agency to amend its definition of a tank vehicle in the final rule on Commercial Driver's License Testing and Commercial Learner's Permit Standards, and adopt the definition proposed by American Trucking Association in its petition. The letter points out that the poultry and egg industries will experience administrative and economic hardship without any corresponding benefits to highway safety.
Joint Poultry Human Resources Council: The Joint Poultry Industry Human Resource Council will meet on April 16 in Destin, Fla. The meeting is in conjunction with U.S. Poultry and Egg Association's Human Resources Seminar.
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Marketing Communications
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Marketing
NTF Launches Recipe Photo Contest: NTF last month launched its new Recipe Photo Contest. The objective of the contest is to recognize and showcase the versatility and nutrient-rich profile of turkey. Contestants will prepare NTF's Turkey Broccoli Stir-Fry recipe between now and June 8, snap a picture of it, and send the photo to info@turkeyfed.org for a chance to win an Indoor Butterball Turkey Fryer.
Several state associations, including Iowa Turkey Federation, Minnesota Turkey Growers Association, California Poultry Federation, Ohio Egg and Poultry Farmers, and Virginia Poultry Federation, have already promoted the contest in a variety of mediums. Below are more ways you can help promote the contest:
- Spread the word about the contest utilizing your company's social media platforms or other communication tools.
- Contact Adrienne Richards if you'd like to donate a prize for a future recipe photo contest.
EatTurkey.com Ready for Spring: NTF's website, EatTurkey.com, has been updated with fresh content to include ideas for spring. The foodservice and consumer sections of the website were updated with seasonal recipes and featured turkey products. During the first three months of 2012, EatTurkey.com received more than 50,000 visits.
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Mark You Calendars!
June 14, 2012
NTF will conduct a Satellite and Internet Media Tour on
June 14 in New York City with Mark Bucher, owner of
BGR: The Burger Joint.
Bucher will promote grilling turkey burgers, while also
reminding consumers of important at-home food
safety practices.
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Issues
NTF Seeks Best Member Communications Tools to Engage on Public Affairs Issues: In preparation for the development of the Turkey Industry Advocacy Tool Kit, NTF is looking to determine the best way to engage NTF members in a rapid response campaign on public affairs issues. A survey will be sent shortly to the Executive Committee, Board of Directors, State Association Executives, Processor CEOs, Technical and Regulatory, Issues Management and Legislative committees to help ensure components of the tool kit are communicated with NTF members in the most efficient and effective manner. The grassroots advocacy kit will give members the tools they need to engage in legislative, regulatory and public relations activities.
 NTF Sponsors Common Threads Event:
NTF continues to find programs that will educate those that are less fortunate on the affordability and nutritional benefits of eating turkey products. Therefore, NTF is a sponsor for a Common Threads event in Washington on April 26. Common Threads provides cooking and nutrition education to more than 6,300 children and families each year through services to low-income neighborhoods in Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami and Washington. If you'd like to get involved in this event or other Common Threads activities, contact Sherrie Rosenblatt.
U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement: NTF, along with U.S.A. Poultry and Egg Export Council, National Chicken Council, and United Egg Producers released a statement supporting the U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement, which became effective on March 15, and applauded the work of the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative and USDA in concluding the agreement. The statement was covered by media outlets such as Break Bulk and Food Chemical News. Under the terms of the agreement, Korea's 18-percent duty on frozen turkey cuts will be reduced to zero in seven equal annual installments.
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Member Services
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NTF Announces Member Recruitment Committee: During the Member Services and Purchasing Managers Committee meeting, the Purchasing Managers Committee name was changed to the Member Recruitment Committee. The Board of Directors approved a resolution to redesign the committee in order to broaden the scope of the member recruitment campaign by targeting diverse areas within the industry including finance, engineering, equipment manufacturers, and research and development. The Member Recruitment Committee is looking for both preferred supplier and processor members to participate in recruiting new NTF members.
Help NTF grow as an association by participating in the Member Recruitment Committee. By participating in the committee, you will have the opportunity to participate in the 2012 Membership Campaign Incentive Program, where you are eligible to win an iPad 3 or a Kindle Fire.
Please contact Jennifer Zukowski Dansereau if you are interested or would like to nominate someone to serve on the new Member Recruitment Committee.
Successful 2012 Membership Survey Complete: Nearly 200 individuals responded to NTF's 2012 Membership Survey, which was a 14-percent response rate.
One lucky member -- John Phalen with Brown Bear -- received the $200 Best Buy gift card for participating in the survey. The results of the survey will help NTF's strategic planning process, April 18-20 in Chicago. The results of the 2012 Membership Survey will be published in next month's newsletter.
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Giblets
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Allen Behl, a turkey farmer from Watertown, Wisc., has been named the 2012-13 President of the Midwest Poultry Federation.
West Liberty Foods' Tremonton, Utah, facility has been independently verified to have land-fill free status.
The Michigan Turkey Producers Co-op, Inc. plans to invest another $12.9 million at two processing plants in Wyoming, creating 35 new jobs.
The Minnesota Turkey Growers Association honored the four students and the Willmar Poultry public relations executive who were instrumental to the success of the 2011 National Thanksgiving Turkey ceremony for their promotion of Minnesota turkey and commitment to the association.
The El Floridano, an international sandwich food truck in Washington has a turkey meatloaf sandwich on their menu called the Ho Chi Banh Mi.
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