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May 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!
April was a busy month for the turkey industry. As you read through this newsletter, you'll find Tom Elam's always-excellent economic update, information about the Senate's mark-up of a new Farm Bill, activity on
E-15 and the proposed Poultry Slaughter Rule, update on a new export labeling requirement and some important issues management activities.
All of those are very important to the industry, but I'd like to focus here on two other matters -- FDA's release of three important policy documents and the recently completed NTF Strategic Planning meeting.
The potential impact of FDA's action is obvious, but it bears additional discussion here. In attempting to put new restrictions on the use of so-called "sub-therapeutic" antibiotics without implementing a wholesale ban on the drugs, the leadership at FDA's Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM) is navigating challenging scientific and political waters. It is doing so fairly deftly to this point.
Despite claims made in the mainstream media, there is no clear scientific evidence that antibiotic use in food-producing animals reduces the effectiveness of certain antibiotics in treating human diseases. That said, there has been tremendous political pressure on CVM by some in Congress, by interest groups with close ties to the administration, and by the media to curtail antibiotic use in farm animals.
CVM's proposed solution is a voluntary program by which drug companies would seek to re-label drugs currently approved for "feed efficiency" or "growth promotion." Because these efficiencies undoubtedly are gained by the antibiotics preventing diseases, CVM believes many antibiotics deemed "medically important" can bear new labels, supported by scientific evidence, that reflect the therapeutic mechanism that prevent disease.
There is no guarantee all drugs currently used in food animal production could win a new label, and in some cases the new level could change some conditions of use, but CVM officials believe this is the best way to begin resolving the debate surrounding these drugs. NTF is still reviewing the CVM documents but the federation, to this point, has given qualified support for the concept.
For now, all that needs to be said about the Strategic Planning meeting is that it was highly successful. Turkey industry leaders spent a day and a half examining all aspects of NTF's activities and developing a clear vision for where it wants the association to go during the next five years.
Staff is working with the Strategic Planning Committee to develop a final Strategic Plan document that it hopes the Executive Committee will be able to approve in July. The Board of Directors would then act on the document at the 2013 Annual Convention in San Diego.
NTF will disseminate the draft document in the coming months. If you have any questions in the meantime, do not hesitate to contact us.
Sincerely,
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Economic Update written by Tom Elam, FarmEcon, LLC
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Feed Cost Prospects: After spiking to the daily price limit when USDA's March 30 Grain Stocks Report was issued, old crop prices receded about 10 percent to nearly $6. New crop corn futures are running about 50 cents below old crop prices. New crop soybean meal prices also declined since March 30 and are trading at a discount.
Lower new crop prices are reflecting prospects for near-record acreage and an early start for plantings. At nearly 96 million planted acres, corn production prospects are so high that even poor yields, comparable to lat year's 147 bushels, are high enough to keep the average 2012/2013 farm level cash price at about $6 per bushel. This is very good news for all protein.
Click here to read the article in full.
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Legislative
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Bipartisan Group of Representatives Set the Record Straight on Ethanol and the RFS: In an effort spearheaded by NTF and its coalition partners, a bipartisan letter was sent to Members of Congress rebutting the ethanol industry's statements on the renewable fuel standard. Reps. Bob Goodlatte, R-Va., Jim Matheson, D-Utah, John Sullivan, R-Okla., and Jim Moran, D-Va., sent a letter providing the truth about ethanol and the government's RFS policy. As Congress continues to debate the RFS, this letter and fact sheet will serve as a stark reminder of the work that must be done to make the United States more energy secure, without hurting the economy, driving up food prices and degrading natural resources. NTF will continue to work with our coalition to educate Congress on the need for RFS reform.
House Subcommittee Evaluates E15 Liability Bill: NTF and its broad coalition of partners sent a letter in opposition of The Domestic Fuels Protection Act of 2012 (H.R. 4345) that, if enacted, would address 15 percent ethanol (E15) fuel compatibility and limit liability for the ethanol industry. The letter was sent prior to a House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Environment and the Economy hearing to evaluate the proposed legislation. EPA approved the first set of applications for registration of ethanol for use in making gasoline that contains up to 15 percent ethanol. Prior to the application approvals, EPA granted two partial waivers that allow the introduction of gasoline that contains greater than 10 percent volume of ethanol but not to exceed 15 percent for use in model year 2001 and newer light-duty motor vehicles. Since there is little protection from lawsuits, the ethanol industry is seeking protection through this legislation in the event that vehicles using higher blends suffer damage caused by the increased volumes of ethanol.
Chesapeake Bay Legislation Introduced in the Senate: Sen. Bob Casey, D-Pa., introduced legislation that would assist farmers and foresters in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. The Chesapeake Bay Watershed Fairness Act (S. 2294) would reauthorize and fund the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Initiative and give USDA additional authority to provide technical assistance to the farmers and foresters who live throughout the watershed. Four other senators have cosponsored the legislation. A detailed look at the bill can be found here. Similar legislation was introduced in the House by Reps. Bob Goodlatte, R-Va., and Tim Holden, D-Pa. Both bills take a practical approach to implementing enhancements that will reduce the excess nutrients flowing into the Chesapeake Bay Watershed by providing agricultural producers the tools they need to implement conservation practices on farmed land.
Senate Appropriations Committee Approves FY2013 Agriculture Appropriations Bill: The Senate Appropriations Committee approved its version of the Fiscal 2013 (FY2013) Agriculture Appropriations Bill with overall discretionary spending at $20.785 billion. The FY2013 bill provides more than $1 billion for FSIS. This includes a $4 million increase above the President's budget request of $996 million for federal inspection activities and the full funding requested in the budget for state and international inspection activities. The legislation also includes full funding of $200 million for the Marketing Access Program, assuming the programs get reauthorized in the new Farm Bill or through an extension of the current Farm Bill. The Agriculture Appropriations Bill could be considered on the Senate floor as early as mid May. The House has yet to markup there version of the 2013 agriculture appropriations budget.
Senate Agriculture Committee Marks Up 2012 Farm Bill: The Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry approved the 2012 Farm Bill legislation. The bill will now to go to the Senate floor for further action. The 2012 Farm Bill, which expires in September, is the legislation that authorizes many food, conservation, energy, trade, marketing, food assistance and rural development programs for five years. As the Senate moves forward, NTF will remain active to ensure responsible farm policy is enacted.
TURPAC Shows Successful First Quarter: NTF's Political Action Committee (TURPAC) has raised $78,000 so far this year and is moving forward to reach its fundraising goal of $172,000. Thanks to our supportive members and state chairmen, NTF was able to kick-off a successful fundraising campaign at the Annual Convention in Tampa, with several states continue to see success: Ohio, chaired by Dianne Cooper, leads in fundraising with $20,720 in contributions; John Burkel, national TURPAC chairman and leader of Minnesota/Wisconsin fundraising, has helped raise $14,940; Iowa, chaired by Ed Garrett, has raised an impressive $10,720; North Carolina, led by John Prestage and Alice Johnson, raised $6,530; and South Dakota, chaired by Ken Rutledge, has enjoyed success with $5,960. TURPAC is one of the largest PACs within the meat and poultry sector and is an important tool used with legislators to support smart agriculture policy. For more information on TURPAC and how to become a supporter; log onto the TURPAC portion of the "Member's Only" website.
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Scientific and Regulatory
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Technical and Regulatory
FSIS Extends Comment Period on Proposed Poultry Slaughter Rule: USDA announced that comments for the Modernization of Poultry Slaughter Inspection proposed rule are now due on May 29. The original deadline to submit comments was April 26, and USDA extended the comment period at the request of a broad array of constituents.
The notice clarifies answers to questions from several groups, including NTF, which ensures all stakeholders have access to the same information. FSIS is also seeking information and data on potential impacts of increased line speeds on worker safety.
Technical and Regulatory Meeting: NTF's Technical and Regulatory Committee will meet May 3-4 in Washington. The meeting will begin at 1 p.m. May 3 and conclude the next day at noon. A draft agenda is available here and information regarding hotel and travel is available here.
Exports
MSP Label Update for Exported Product: NTF, the National Chicken Council (NCC) and the USA Poultry and Egg Export Council (USAPEEC) raised concerns with FSIS about a planned notice that would have prohibited the labeling of Mechanically Separated Poultry (MSP) as "for cooking only" when the products are intended for export. NTF questioned the need for such a change in policy, and outlined many concerns from trade issues to public perception, if the notice was issued.
FSIS officials originally said the change was necessary because they have no control over exported MSP once it leaves the United States and that it is theoretically possible the product could end up in the marketplace in an uncooked form.
NTF and its coalition partners subsequently were informed by the agency that they had reconsidered and would not issue a notice. In return, the agency requested industry immediately cease labeling MSP intended for export as "for cooking only." Industry can finish using existing boxes that are in stock, but should not cover up existing labels and/or text as this may only raise unnecessary concern by FSIS inspectors. Other labels, including "for further processing only" are not affected.
Comments Support USTRs Action to Open Indian Market for U.S. Poultry: NTF, along with the NCC and USAPEEC, submitted comments to the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) expressing strong support for USTR's action with the World Trade Organization to have India remove its non-tariff trade barriers for U.S. poultry and related products. India has prohibited poultry from the United States because of concerns -- all of which are scientifically unjustified -- about U.S. poultry posing an avian influenza risk to Indian poultry flocks. NTF and the other poultry organizations will continue to support USTR throughout the process.
Live Production and Environment
Chesapeake Bay Reports Issued: The Obama administration released the Chesapeake Bay Executive Order FY2011 Progress Report, which highlights actions undertaken by federal agencies, in cooperation with state and local partners, designed to increase the overall health of the Chesapeake Bay and achieve the goals set forth in the Strategy for Protecting and Restoring the Chesapeake Bay. In conjunction with the FY2011 Progress Report, the administration also issued the Chesapeake Bay Executive Order FY2012 Action Plan. These documents shed light on the administration's goals in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed, which could ultimately be expanded into other watersheds.
Separately from the Executive Order Reports, the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) issued Chesapeake Bay 2011 Activities Report on conservation practices in the bay. The report shows that with NRCS assistance, Chesapeake Bay region farmers, forestland owners and other partners put conservation practices on more than 650,000 acres of working land between May 2010 and September 2011, and states that farmers and forestland owners put nearly 61,000 conservation practices on agricultural land in the bay region during NRCS' FY2011.
Turkey Health and Welfare
CVM Releases Veterinary Feed Directive and Guidance Documents: FDA's Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM) released three long-awaited documents that could have a significant impact on animal drug use in the turkey industry. CVM's Guidance #209 informs the public of FDA's current thinking regarding the judicious use of medically important antimicrobial drugs in food producing animals. Draft Guidance #213 provides recommendations for drug companies to voluntarily align product use conditions with Guidance #209. Although this process is voluntary, FDA will be working closely with companies to encourage them to make these changes.
Also released was the draft text of the Veterinary Feed Directive (VFD), which seeks input regarding whether efficiency improvements to the current VFD regulations are necessary. The agency recognizes that there is a need to strike the appropriate balance between sufficient veterinary oversight and increased efficiency with VFD.
NTF Comments on Synthetic Methionine Use in Organic Program: NTF submitted comments to the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) regarding its proposed rule reducing the allowance for synthetic methionine in poultry produced in the National Organic Program. The comments commended AMS on its efforts to prevent an expiration of the current allowance (currently set to expire in October), but stressed that the proposed revised levels are too low and are a threat to animal welfare and sustainability. NTF also encouraged the National Organic Standards Board to revise its recommendation to the lower levels.
Worker Safety and Health/Human Resources
Human Resources Council Meeting: The Joint Poultry Industry Human Resources Council met during U.S. Poultry and Egg Association's Human Resources Seminar in San Destin, Fla. The meeting began with an immigration employment discrimination question and answer session. There were also presentations regarding the National Labor Relations Board fast-track elections and notice postings, racketeer influenced and corrupt organizations class action complaints, donning and doffing, and Affordable Care Act compliance. Open discussion focused on employee incentive and bonus programs, workers compensation cost controls and recent action from the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs. The meeting agenda and minutes are now available.
Motor Carrier Administration Grants Petition on Tank Vehicle Definition: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration granted a petition from the American Trucking Association to amend its definition of a tank vehicle in the final rule on Commercial Driver's License Testing and Commercial Learner's Permit Standards. NTF submitted a letter supporting this petition in March.
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Marketing Communications
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Marketing
NTF Recipe Photo Contest: Help spread the word about NTF's new Recipe Photo Contest utilizing social media platforms or other communication tools. Contestants should 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.
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Issues
NTF Responds to Men's Health Article: NTF sent a letter to Men's Health magazine Editor-in-Chief David Zinczenko after a recent article, "The 10 Dirtiest Foods You're Eating," included ground turkey on the list. In the letter, NTF set the record straight about the turkey industry's food safety practices and antibiotic use in animal agriculture. NTF will continue providing the media with information that will let their readers know the turkey industry is committed to providing consumers with a safe, nutritious and affordable product.
Social Media and Grassroots Advocacy Survey Results: Nearly 50 NTF members completed a survey on the use of social media and grassroots advocacy to help the industry maintain a positive legislative and regulatory environment. The results revealed that 78 percent of NTF's membership is currently utilizing Facebook and 55 percent would be interested in utilizing that social media platform for grassroots advocacy. A complete list of survey results is available here.
The survey results will assist NTF in the creation of an advocacy microsite that will provide NTF members with the tools they need to engage in legislative, regulatory and public relations activities.
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Member Services
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2012 Membership Survey Results: More than 190 NTF members responded to the 2012 Membership Survey, which showed that the highest benefits to NTF membership is being recognized as a leading voice on Capitol Hill, enabling the entire turkey industry to speak with one voice and keeping members informed about regulatory actions that affect day-to-day operations.
One new initiative that emerged was the creation of an "agriculture alliance" to promote the image of agriculture in America, especially in schools.
As a member-driven organization, the feedback received from members provides NTF with the opportunity to effectively and strategically plan the federation's direction for the future. A complete compilation of member survey results is available here.
2012 Leadership Conference: The 2012 Leadership Conference, July 8-10, will be at the Washington Court Hotel, located in the heart of Capitol Hill, which will provide easy access to congressional meetings. The conference will also include a Leadership Dinner that allows participants to learn more from regulatory agencies. More information about the 2012 Leadership Conference is available here. A meeting brochure will be mailed at the end of the month.
| Invoice Reminder: Invoices were sent last month. If you have not received your invoice, please contact Jennifer Zukowski Dansereau,
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Giblets
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Jim Leighton has been promoted to president of Perdue Food Products. He serves on NTF's Executive Committee and is co-chair of the Marketing Communications Committee.
Butterball, LLC partnered with The Poultry Federation, Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance and the Arkansas Foodbank to donate more than 6,400 pounds of turkey products to support the No Kid Hungry Arkansas Campaign™.
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(Left to right) Phyllis Hayne, Arkansas Foodbank Network; Ginger Beebe, First Lady of Arkansas; Andrew Lekwa, Butterball, LLC; Joyce Hardy, Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance/No Kid Hungry; Marvin Childers, The Poultry Federation.
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Turkey Sausage and Cheese Burrito is among the new options being launched by California-based company El Monterey.
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