President’s Update/Food Import Legislation
The push for food import safety food legislation, which once looked liked a runaway train that couldn’t be slowed, has indeed been slowed. I, along with David Cottam and David Rosenthal of Sunrise Commodities, participated with many other food industry representatives Nov. 16 in a day of meetings with members of Congress and their staff.
During those visits we were told the House Energy and Commerce Committee is not likely to vote on any food safety legislation this year. On the Senate side, no action is expected for quite some time.
AFI played a key role in this activity, as it was AFI who brought the issue to the attention of many in the food industry. Additionally, John Bode of Olsson, Frank, Weeda, Terman Bode Matz has been quite effective in educating legislators and the domestic food industry about the problems the proposed legislation would cause.
AFI has also informed the food industry that the food import industry does not support a proposed program by the Grocery Manufacturers Association/Food Products Association that calls for, among other things, mandatory quality control programs for all importers of record.
While things have slowed down, it doesn’t mean there’s time to rest. The education process needs to continue. We’ve been told it’s still certain that some sort of food safety legislation will be passed. It’s crucial AFI continue to take the lead in voicing importer concerns.
The 2008 AFI Convention will be held March 27-30 at the Hilton Clearwater Beach in Clearwater Beach, Fla. Look for convention details soon.
Even though the duty reductions/eliminations secured by AFI on processed artichokes, pepperoncini, giardiniera and capers are effective through the end of 2009, work will begin in 2008 to extend those reductions/eliminations. Congress likely will act on such requests in 2008 and then again in 2010; in order to avoid any uncertainty of whether action in 2010 would be retroactive, we will attempt to get the extensions in 2008.
There’s also the opportunity to present new items for consideration for duty reduction or elimination. Products need to be items not domestically produced. If you have an item you think should be proposed for duty elimination or reduction, please contact the AFI office. Proposals need to be made by Dec. 14, so please contact AFI as soon as possible.
AFI has a credit at the Westin Hotel in Hilton Head Island, S.C., site of the 2006 AFI Convention. If you, your company or someone you know might be able to make use of the hotel for a sales meeting or similar occasion, please contact the AFI office for details. The credit would go toward the meeting functions of your event – not the sleeping rooms. The credit is good for meetings held through March 2009.
AFI to Host Reception at SIAL Montreal
AFI will hold its second SIAL Montreal reception in 2008. The trade show is scheduled for April 23-25 at the Palais des Congres de Montreal. AFI will partner with the SIAL organizers to invite many suppliers to the reception to give both importers and suppliers an informal way to introduce themselves. A time and date for the reception will be sent shortly.
For information on SIAL Montreal, visit www.sialmontreal.com.
The National Honey Packers and Dealers Association will meet Wednesday, January 9 in Sacramento, Calif.
The North American Olive Oil Association will meet January 11 in San Diego, Calif., with a dinner held Jan. 10.
The 2008 AFI Convention will take place March 27-30 at the Hilton Hotel in Clearwater Beach, Fla.
AFI will host a reception during SIAL Montreal, April 23-25.
AFI will host a reception at SIAL in Paris, October 19-23.
