NAMA Brings Voice of Milling Industry to D.C. During Fly-In and Food Aid Showcase

May 2, 2024 – This week, North American Millers’ Association (NAMA) members traveled to Washington, D.C. to participate in both the annual NAMA fly-in and an inaugural international food aid showcase at USDA.

“NAMA’s annual fly-in brings the milling industry’s collective voice to Capitol Hill like nothing else does,” NAMA Vice President of Government Affairs Kim Cooper said. “Policymakers heard firsthand from millers in their districts and states about the importance of investing in grain research and opportunities to strengthen U.S. international food aid programs in the farm bill.”

During the fly-in, representatives from 14 NAMA member companies participated in a total of 58 meetings with congressional offices, including key members of the House and Senate Agriculture Committees and appropriators. Conversations with lawmakers and their staffs focused on farm bill priorities, including advocating for the American Farmers Feed the World Act and investing in federal wheat, corn, and oat research on a range of topics impacting grains production and milling. 

The fly-in was also timely as NAMA members had the opportunity to participate in an international food aid showcase hosted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The event brought together diverse stakeholders from all segments of the U.S. international food assistance value chain — from farmers to millers to implementing partners and government agencies. NAMA was joined by the American Peanut Council, U.S. Dry Bean Council, U.S. Dry Pea & Lentil Council, USA Rice, U.S. Wheat Associates, and the National Sorghum Producers in supporting the event. 

NAMA’s policy priorities reflect the role of millers as a crucial link in the food supply chain. More information is available online at namamillers.org/our-priorities. 

NAMA members visit the House Agriculture Committee.

From left: Brent Bash (General Mills), Tom Rabaey (General Mills), Rep. Val Hoyle, Eric DeBlieck (Oat Millers), Molly Miller (NAMA), and Jim Meyer (Richardson Milling).

From left: Brian Doyle (King Milling), Rep. Daniel Kildee, and Mike Fassezke (Star of the West).

Rep. Zach Nunn, Liz Payne (Bunge), and Kevin Kelly (LifeLine Foods).

NAMA members and Rep. Tracey Mann (center).

NAMA members and staff participate in the USDA international food aid showcase.

About NAMA:

NAMA is the only national trade association that exclusively represents the interests of the North American wheat, corn, oat, and rye milling industry before Congress, federal agencies, and international regulatory bodies. Member companies operate mills in 30+ states, Puerto Rico, and Canada, representing more than 90 percent of total industry production capacity.