Just one year ago, Humphry Koch addressed the catastrophic event that rocked the Canadian rendering industry in May of 2003 (see “From the Association,” December 2003 Render). I speak today in the aftermath of December 23, 2003, the day that guaranteed even more far-reaching implications for the rendering industry in North America. With trade threatened, borders closed, countries banning entry of goods, and misunderstood actions by governments, confusion reigned.
The U.S. rendering industry has responded with every ounce of energy available to meet regulatory authorities on “their” ground to ensure the delivery of our message. The rendering industry is the “gatekeeper of animal health” and our focus has been to drive a scientific solution across this sea of political quagmire. Reason was apparently lost, and our detractors used the sensational media to their own benefit. Yet, we are in the middle of the increased testing period with more than 100,000 samples run without a positive for bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE). Compliance is the key, and the U.S. rendering industry can pride itself on the level of commitment given this critical issue and the rates of compliance achieved. The success of this compliance can only be measured by its success – that success being clearly that BSE has been prevented from establishing itself as a disease in North America. We thank the U.S. regulatory agencies for their cooperation through these years, for without them, we may not have succeeded.
The world continues to be baffled in the fact that BSE has not been found rampant in the U.S. cattle population. In fact, it has not been found at any level that could indicate a problem, much less a serious one. As a sporadic disease, where better to find the proof than in the world’s largest cattle population. We can literally guarantee the rest of the world that if, in fact, it is a sporadic disease in cattle, we will easily prove that here in the United States. As of today, we still do not have that proof. Yet trade issues seem to affect the policies of the world more every day.
When challenged by adversity, our industry responded. The National Renderers Association (NRA) is far stronger than it has ever been. The continuing rise in membership increases the strength of the industry’s voice in Washington, DC. And I take this moment not just to acknowledge NRA’s new or returning members, but also to recognize and acknowledge the total ongoing commitments of the association’s long-standing members. The NRA committee chairmen and the participating members must also be thanked for their time and efforts that have been made, and the efforts that will most certainly be required as we move forward. After 71 years, we find ourselves facing many challenges that will test this collective voice of the association as we present our position to the U.S. government.
Environmental issues continue to occupy our efforts on effluent limitation guidelines, nitrogen residuals, dioxin, air quality, burning permits for animal fats, homeland security, new regulations, and disposal of mortalities. Testing protocols for BSE, chronic wasting disease, as well as the scrapie eradication program will continue to stretch our resources, even with government assistance.
Biodiesel receives worldwide attention and certainly needs the energy bill to survive in the U.S. marketplace. Renewable efforts will remain on the front page for the foreseeable future and we stand ready to be an integral part of that energy program.
Please join me in welcoming Dr. David Meeker as the latest addition to the NRA staff as vice president, Technical Services, and president, Animal Protein Producers Industry. Meeker joins one of the most efficient and effective association staffs inside the beltway. Tom Cook, NRA president, continues to direct the association’s activities for the highest benefit of the membership and we thank him for his conscientious efforts for the good of the association, as well as those of Kent Swisher, International Programs vice president, Glenda Dixon, International Programs coordinator, Pam Morris, NRA administrative assistant, and the association’s three regional directors – Neville Chandler, Europe, Middle East and Africa; Dr. Yu Yu, Asia; and German Davalos, Latin America.
Our collective voice grows stronger every year. Make sure that your voice is heard as a member of the association. The coming year will require your input, time, and participation as we assure North America that the rendering industry is the most viable solution to the problem. Striving toward our mission as “an alliance that speaks with a collective voice that represents the best interests of its members in public, government, and regulatory affairs, and provides services, programs, and technical support to the North American rendering industry, both in the national and international markets,” we will succeed.
From the Association - December 2004 Render