The second annual National Renderers Association (NRA) Congressional Fly-In held in June was a success on many fronts. First, there was an excellent turnout of renderers participating – 34 individuals – who journeyed to Washington, DC, to represent the rendering industry to members of Congress and their staffs. Second, over 150 congressional offices were visited and presented with the renderers’ message. Third, there were positive responses and support from many of those who were visited.
Three messages were developed and conveyed to the Hill in addition to presenting general background information on the rendering industry.
1) We told our audience of the importance of rendering as it addressed public health and environmental concerns much better that any other form of disposal such as burying, composting, or burning.
2) We sought equity for renderers in the tax provisions in H.R. 4, the “Energy Policy Act of 2002.” The Senate version of H.R. 4 provides tax incentives for the production of biodiesel; however, the incentives for biodiesel from plant-based feedstocks are more than double those provided for animal fats, greases, and recovered cooking oils feedstocks. If this provision were to prevail in final legislation, it would essentially take away any potential for use of rendered products in the production of biodiesel. Our message was that there must be equity in any tax incentives for all sources of feedstocks. The House passed energy bill has no tax provisions. The differences between the House and Senate passed bills must be worked out in conference over the next several months.
3) And finally, we addressed trade related issues that affect the rendering industry. We expressed our support for the passage of Trade Promotion Authority, which will allow the president to enter into negotiations with other countries with the understanding that any agreements will be subject to approval by Congress on an up or down vote with no amendments. Every president since 1974 has had this authority and its renewal was considered routine. However, after the North American Free Trade Agreement during the Clinton administration, giving the president this authority became a hot political potato. It became the vehicle for those who were not satisfied with previous trade negotiations to stop future trade negotiations.
In addition to the Hill visits, the NRA leadership also met with key administration officials: Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Deputy Commissioner Lester Crawford; FDA/Center for Veterinary Medicine Director Steve Sundlof; U.S. Department of Agriculture Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs Bill Hawks; and Deputy Under Secretary for Farm Services and International Programs Hunt Shipman.
The fly-in is without question the most effective way for the rendering industry to make its presence in Washington, DC. A year ago, at the conclusion of the first fly-in, I wondered if there would be any enthusiasm for doing it again. The response was an emphatic yes. Now that we have two fly-ins under our belt, I believe it is safe to be planning for another one in 2003.
If we don’t speak up for ourselves, no one else will. We’re being faced with more and more issues every year that need to be met with a direct response. I hope we can encourage even more renderers to participate next year.
Convention Time
You should be making plans to attend the 69th Annual NRA Convention October 22-26, 2002, in Santa Barbara, CA. Come early and help the Fats and Proteins Research Foundation celebrate its 40th anniversary at its annual meeting October 21-22.
The format for the NRA convention has changed so that the Legislative Action Committee and the Environmental Committee will be at the beginning of the convention on the morning of the 23rd. This will allow us to take the time necessary to address some very important issues facing the industry.
The committee meetings are the business end of the convention. They provide the opportunity for all NRA members to become involved and have a say in the policies of the organization. You cannot afford not to attend this year’s convention.
From the Association - August 2002 Render