This week, North American Millers’ Association (NAMA) members traveled to Washington, D.C. for the annual NAMA fly-in.
“The fly-in was hosted at a critical time to help decision makers understand the milling industry’s role and priorities in nutrition, research, trade, and international food aid,” said NAMA President Jane DeMarchi. “It has never been more important for congressional offices to hear directly from millers in their districts and states about how current government policies are impacting milling businesses and the communities they support.”
During the fly-in, 28 representatives from 15 NAMA member companies met with top USDA staff and participated in 76 congressional meetings, including the offices of key members of the House and Senate Agriculture Committees and appropriators. During their meetings, NAMA members highlighted the essential role grains play in our affordable and nutritious food supply. They also expressed support for priorities including federal preemption for food regulations, oat and wheat research funding, and a renewal of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement.
The fly-in was held on May 4-5, just days after the House of Representatives passed the “Farm Bill 2.0.” Importantly, the bill permanently transfers Food for Peace to USDA. NAMA members urged the Senate to include similar language in their version of the bill.
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.
From left to right: Jim Meyer (Richardson International), Glenn Glenalick (ADM Milling and Baking Solutions), Henry Siemer (Siemer Milling), Kyle Hackbarth (SEMO Milling), Patrick Doyle (King Milling Company), Robert Harper (Hopkinsville Milling Company), and Monte White (REPCO).
From left to right: Eric DeBlieck (Grain Millers), Jane DeMarchi (NAMA), Terry Tyson (Grain Millers), Peter Lavangie (Bay State Milling), and Colleen Zammer (Bay State Milling).
From left to right: Patrick Doyle (King Milling Company) and Carla Schultz (Star of the West Milling).
From left to right: Terry Tyson (Grain Millers), Colleen Zammer (Bay State Milling), and Peter Lavangie (Bay State Milling).
From left to right: Chris Giguere (Iowa Corn Processors) and NAMA vice chair, Kyle Hackbarth (SEMO Milling), Kim Cooper (NAMA), and Monte White (REPCO).
From left to right: Kate Kimball (Ardent Mills) and Juliany Rivera Calo (Ardent Mills).
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 32 states, Puerto Rico, and Canada, representing more than 90 percent of total industry production capacity.