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Thank You 2018 MWFPA Convention Sponsors
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The MWFPA News Bulletin is underwritten in part by Bug Blocker Doors & Screens
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LEADERS SIGN NEW US-MEXICO-CANADA TRADE DEAL
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The leaders of the US, Canada and Mexico signed a new trade pact to replace the North American Free Trade Agreement during the recent G-20 summit.
The legislatures in each country will have to approve the deal, and both parties in Congress have criticized parts of the agreement, which may make passing it difficult.
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FARM BILL HEADS TO PRESIDENT'S DESK
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Congress has passed the Farm Bill and President Trump is expected to sign the measure. It would mark the first time since 1990 that a farm bill has been enacted in the same year that it was introduced.
The U.S. Senate voted overwhelmingly 87-13 to pass the compromise package. The House followed where the vote was 369-47.
According to Michael Best Strategies, the Farm Bill takes important steps towards protecting America's fruit and vegetable processing industry with provisions protecting base acres under fruit and vegetable production as well as language geared toward enforcing the National School Lunch Program's Buy American provision.
MWFPA's activities through the American Fruit and Vegetable Processors & Growers Coalition (AFVPGC) helped ensure that the goal of maintaining equal market access for all forms of fruits and vegetables was met by successfully advocating against new programs with limiting language against all forms. As such, the farm bill does not include the retailer incentive programs from the House bill that would have limited participation to "minimally processed" fruits and vegetables.
MWFPA, through AFVPGC, has supported expanding the utilization of all forms of produce - fresh, frozen, canned and dried - in government programs. This is consistent with USDA's Dietary Guidelines for Americans.
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WISCONSIN LEGISLATURE MOVES AHEAD WITH LAME-DUCK SESSION
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The Wisconsin legislature passed several significant pieces of legislation as part of it lame-duck session
passing a package of special session bills on a broad range of topics that included administrative rule reform, powers and duties of state agencies, and government transparency.
Of special interest were the administrative rulemaking reforms approved limiting the deference a court may afford an agency when interpreting the law (incorporating the 2018 Wisconsin Supreme Court decision Tetra Tech v. Department of Revenue, in which MWFPA filed a brief), and shining light upon agency guidance documents, which have been used by state regulatory agencies to avoid the required rulmaking process
. These enactments will help ensure that state government remains both transparent and accountable.
Republicans moved quickly on the measures before the holidays but, more importantly, before GOP Gov. Scott Walker leaves office and the new Democrat governor is sworn in on Jan. 7.
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IL LEGISLATURE CONCLUDES VETO SESSION
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IL lawmakers concluded their Fall Veto Session with plans to return to Springfield in early January before the new legislature is inaugurated.
Eighty-three bills passed earlier this year by the Legislature were vetoed in whole or part by Governor Rauner leaving lawmakers with the decision to try and override his action during the veto session. That requires a supermajority vote in each chamber.
With Governor Rauner's influence waning on his way out of office, the General Assembly easily overrode his vetoes on nearly three dozen measures that will now become law.
Before adjourning, the Speaker and Senate President announced that legislators will return to the Capitol for two additional days on January 7-8 prior to the inauguration of the 101stGeneral Assembly.
The Senate calendar for 2019 can be found
here and the House calendar can be found
here.
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114th ANNUAL MWFPA CONVENTION AND TRADE SHOW A HUGE SUCCESS!
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The MWFPA Annual Convention once again proved itself the venue for identifying trends, gathering information, and forming and maintaining business relationships
The convention drew over 900 attendees who participated in 13 educational sessions, heard 29 speakers on topics ranging from drone programs to intentional adulterization
.
Read more about the convention
here. See photos from the convention at our
Facebook page.
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FOOD INDUSTRY SEEKING WIDE RANGE OF WORKERS
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 The Green Bay Press-Gazette recently reported on the WI food manufacturing industry and the need for skilled labor. MWFPA is featured prominently in the article.
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FEEDING AMERICA WANTS OTHERS TO LOVE "BIG FOOD"- BY TONY MANS OF FEEDING AMERICA
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In his presentation as the Wednesday morning Keynote Speaker at the recent MWFPA Convention, Charlie Arnot of the Center for Food Integrity talked about "Why We Love To Hate Big Food." Charlie stated that there are five elements of our "New Reality":
- The social decision making process is complex and multidimensional
- Decisions are not made on facts and rational thoughts alone
- Mistrust of institutions has become the norm
- Tribal communication and "relational expertise" influences trusted sources and messages
- Growing pressure on brands to drive social change
It can be a challenge to overcome these new trends. Feeding American would like to offer one possible solution: Share the work you are doing to support the Feeding America food banks with your consumers.
Many of the members of the Midwest Food Products Association make product donations to our food banks. Let your consumers know about the impact you are making on your community by doing so.
This can be done via social media, press releases, or any other social media channels you have. Consider sharing the social media that is created by Feeding America or the food bank that you work with as another way to easily show support of your community.
Feeding America food banks want to be your partner in getting consumers to start loving "Big Food" again. For more information on how we can work together on this, contact your local food bank or Tony Mans at Feeding America
[email protected]
Thanks so much for all of your support!
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MARK YOUR CALENDAR: EVENTS YOU
DON'T TO
WANT TO MISS
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February 7, 2019:
WI Dept. of Natural Resources/Food Industry Meeting, NOAH'S Event Center, 5020 American Family Drive, Madison, WI
February 14, 2019:
Resolving Conflicts Seminar. MWFPA Conference Room, lower level, 4600 American Pkwy., Madison, WI
February 20, 2019:
MWFPA Board of Directors Meeting.
May 29-30, 2019:
MWFPA Spring Summit & Scramble
. Trappers Turn Golf Course, Wisconsin Dells, WI.
December 3 - 5, 2019:
MWFPA 115th Annual Convention and 92nd Processing Crops Conference. Kalahari Resort & Convention Center, Wisconsin Dells, WI.
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MEMBERS ONLY: CHECK OUT MWFPA'S CUSTOMIZED PROPERTY &
CASUALTY INSURANCE
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The Midwest Food Products Association is pleased to provide
its members with access to an exclusive insurance program that is written specifically for our industry through Hays Companies.
This month MWFPA members will be receiving a flyer along with their membership invoice explaining the program and the value delivered.
We are confident the program will be advantageous for many of our members. Even if you currently have insurance, it is important for you to take a look at what you have and compare it to what we now offer and determine if it can enhance your situation.
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