On occasion, we’ve provided updates on issues and association activities. Until now, these have been done randomly, as conditions warranted. Going forward, our aim is to provide these updates six times a year, in months in which the AFI Newsletter is not published. It’s the hope of the staff and Board of Directors that these updates will keep members apprised of issues that impact them and of the workings of the association. All other AFI communications will continue to be handled as they are now, meaning members will continue to receive, on an ongoing basis, bulletins on issues that impact them.
As the recent notice from Jeff Levin stated, we’re playing a waiting game with regard to all impending or soon-slated-to-be-expiring trade issues. The situation is as clear as mud. There’s no way to know at this point what action(s) Congress will take. The only thing we know is Congress is slated to be back in session next week. Things will need to happen fairly quickly, so we should know where we stand within a few days of the beginning of the session.
AFI has made its presence and thoughts known regarding all of the trade issues. For example, AFI spearheaded the formation of a coalition to work on seeking an extension of benefits in the expiring Andean Trade Preferences Act. AFI has also participated in a coalition working for the extension of the expiring GSP program. (Members will receive a separate notice regarding GSP shortly.) AFI will continue to weigh in on all trade-related issues, keep abreast of developments and alert members of any news as soon as possible.
AFI is in the process of reaching out to exporter associations for input regarding updates to the AFI standard for cashews. The AFI Cashew Standard, developed with input from importers, exporters and others in the trade, is the standard used by buyers around the world. It was last updated in 1999. It’s hoped the revised standard will be agreed upon at a meeting held immediately prior to the 2007 AFI Convention in Longboat Key, Fla.
Among the information all members have received or will receive shortly related to AFI are:
- 2007 dues invoice, which included information on 2007 AFI Convention sponsorships. Become a sponsor by Dec. 31, 2006 and your company’s name will appear on all convention promotional material. For information on remaining sponsorships, please contact the AFI office.
- Information on reports available from AFI; subscription renewal forms for existing subscribers.
- Information on the 2007 AFI Convention
- Information on the 2007 AFI Annual.
AFI will have a booth at the SIAL show in Montreal, Canada, March 28-30, 2007. AFI’s receptions have been so well received, a reception at SIAL Montreal has been added. AFI’s reception will likely be held March 28. Look for complete details soon.
January 12, 2007 – National Honey Packers and Dealers Association Annual Meeting – Hyatt Regency, Austin, Texas.
January 19, 2007 – North American Olive Oil Association Meeting – Hilton Hotel, San Francisco, Calif.
March 28, 2007 – AFI Reception at SIAL Montreal
April 26-29, 2007 – 2007 AFI Convention – Longboat Key Club, Longboat Key, Fla.
