Trade Associations
News releases, reports, statements and associated documents from national and international trade associations influencing the debate on federal policies.
Featured Stories
USDEC Concludes MOU With World Farmers' Organisation, Champions U.S. Dairy With FAO and Member States
ROME, Italy, May 1 -- The U.S. Dairy Export Council issued the following news release on April 30, 2024:
U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC) President and CEO Krysta Harden and World Farmers' Organisation (WFO) Secretary General Andrea Porro today signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to deepen collaboration between their organizations in supporting greater farmer representation in global policymaking, promoting the role of international trade in delivering sustainable food systems and elevating the focus on nutrition security in climate conversations. The signing took place in Rome today,
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ROME, Italy, May 1 -- The U.S. Dairy Export Council issued the following news release on April 30, 2024:
U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC) President and CEO Krysta Harden and World Farmers' Organisation (WFO) Secretary General Andrea Porro today signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to deepen collaboration between their organizations in supporting greater farmer representation in global policymaking, promoting the role of international trade in delivering sustainable food systems and elevating the focus on nutrition security in climate conversations. The signing took place in Rome today,as Harden also led a delegation of U.S. dairy farmer leaders to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), championing the role of U.S. dairy exports in achieving global goals for nutrition security and sustainable food systems.
The U.S. dairy delegation comprised: USDEC Chair Alex Peterson, USDEC Vice-Chair Becky Nyman, Dairy Management Inc. Chair Marilyn Hershey, USDEC Executive Vice President for Policy Development Jaime Castaneda, USDEC Senior Vice President for Sustainability and Multilateral Affairs Nick Gardner, and USDEC Vice President for Sustainable Nutrition Janice Giddens.
Discussions with FAO Directors for animal production and health, environment, economics, and trade focused on evidence demonstrating U.S. dairy's unique nutritional contributions around the world and its progress toward ambitious sustainability commitments. The discussions also highlighted scientific and technological innovations U.S. dairy is developing to deliver sustainable food system solutions. In addition, the delegation took the opportunity to underscore the importance of engaging farmers in global policymaking impacting agriculture and to stress the role of trade in delivering sustainable food systems around the world.
Besides FAO staff, the delegation conducted bilateral engagements with representatives from more than a dozen UN member states who represent important markets for U.S. dairy exports and are allies in global food systems discussions, particularly regarding the important role of trade, livestock production and animal-source foods in achieving global goals. This was a unique opportunity for those member states to hear directly from the farmers about their commitments to sustainable dairy production and practical ways the UN can support nutrition security and strong rural communities around the globe.
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USDEC President and CEO Krysta Harden welcomed the conclusion of the USDEC-WFO MOU and encouraged senior FAO and member state officials to accelerate their partnership with U.S. dairy stakeholders, commenting:
"With the world facing the simultaneous crises of increasing nutrition insecurity and climate change, now is the time for a partnership like the one USDEC signed today. This collaboration with WFO will bring our organizations together to support effective global policy frameworks informed by farmers.
"We are aligned in our commitment to promote science-based solutions that provide options for food producers to be both profitable and sustainable. Together, we can more effectively encourage policymakers to fully consider nutritional, social and economic tradeoffs of policies that seek to reduce consumption of animal-sourced foods like dairy.
"U.S. dairy exports offer a solution to this complex puzzle by delivering nutrient-dense, responsibly produced products to populations around the world."
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WFO Secretary General Andrea Porro also welcomed the MOU, commenting:
"In recent years, WFO has had the opportunity to work with USDEC in several multilateral contexts, and we witnessed their commitment to a farmer-driven, science-based, and outcome-oriented approach to tackling global challenges that resonates with our values and commitments towards farmers.
"The formalization of our partnership provides a framework to further our cooperation and highlights our shared goal of contributing to the transition towards resilient, sustainable, and inclusive food systems, with the experiences and needs of farmers at their core."
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USDEC Chair Alex Peterson added:
"It is critical for USDEC to work with partners like WFO. This MOU will help ensure decision makers hear from farmers and see tangible evidence that U.S. dairy responsibly produces the nutrient-dense foods people need while taking meaningful action to optimize our sector's environmental footprint."
The delegation will travel next to Northern Italy for two days of meetings with International Dairy Federation President Piercristiano Brazzale and with leaders of the Italian dairy industry association Assolatte. USDEC, the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF), and Assolatte concluded an MOU in 2023 that increases collaboration between the three groups as they promote the nutritional benefits of dairy products and support dairy-friendly policies in global and international forums.
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The U.S. Dairy Export Council is a non-profit, independent membership organization that represents the global trade interests of U.S. dairy producers, proprietary processors and cooperatives, ingredient suppliers and export traders. Its mission is to enhance U.S. global competitiveness and assist the U.S. industry to increase its global dairy ingredient sales and exports of U.S. dairy products. USDEC accomplishes this through programs in market development that build global demand for U.S. dairy products, resolve market access barriers and advance industry trade policy goals. USDEC is supported by staff across the United States and overseas in Mexico, South America, Asia, Middle East and Europe. The U.S. Dairy Export Council prohibits discrimination on the basis of age, disability, national origin, race, color, religion, creed, gender, sexual orientation, political beliefs, marital status, military status, and arrest or conviction record.
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Original text here: https://www.usdec.org/newsroom/news-releases/news-releases/news-release-4/30/2024
[Category: Agriculture]
NetChoice Applauds Congress for Passing the REPORT Act, Helping Victims Online
WASHINGTON, May 1 -- NetChoice, a coalition of trade associations that says it makes the internet safe for free enterprise and expression, issued the following news release on April 30, 2024:
Last night, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Revising Existing Procedures On Reporting via Technology (REPORT) Act, which provides common-sense updates to current reporting standards for NCMEC and online services, helps law enforcement investigate these crimes by requiring evidence to be preserved longer, and provides victims with additional support and resources.
"NetChoice applauds Congress
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WASHINGTON, May 1 -- NetChoice, a coalition of trade associations that says it makes the internet safe for free enterprise and expression, issued the following news release on April 30, 2024:
Last night, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Revising Existing Procedures On Reporting via Technology (REPORT) Act, which provides common-sense updates to current reporting standards for NCMEC and online services, helps law enforcement investigate these crimes by requiring evidence to be preserved longer, and provides victims with additional support and resources.
"NetChoice applauds Congressfor passing the REPORT Act, a smart and effective solution," said Amy Bos, NetChoice Director of State & Federal Affairs. "This important legislation is designed to help law enforcement more effectively stop online predators and provide additional support and resources for victims of these horrific crimes. We hope to see the President sign it."
To learn more about the REPORT Act, click here (https://netchoice.org/the-report-act-empowers-law-enforcement-ncmec-victims-to-help-stop-child-predators-online/). To read the REPORT Act, click here (https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/senate-bill/474).
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Original text here: https://netchoice.org/netchoice-applauds-congress-for-passing-the-report-act-helping-victims-online/
[Category: Business]
NMA Applauds DOE Loan Eligibility Expansion for Extraction
WASHINGTON, May 1 -- The National Mining Association issued the following news release on April 30, 2024:
The National Mining Association (NMA) today issued the following comment from Rich Nolan, president and CEO, on the announcement from the Department of Energy's (DOE) Loan Programs Office (LPO) expanding its loan support to minerals mining and extraction activities as eligible project costs under the Title 17 Clean Energy Financing Program.
Nolan said, "It's great to see the Department of Energy recognizing and leaning into the fact that strong minerals supply chains begin in the mine, with
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WASHINGTON, May 1 -- The National Mining Association issued the following news release on April 30, 2024:
The National Mining Association (NMA) today issued the following comment from Rich Nolan, president and CEO, on the announcement from the Department of Energy's (DOE) Loan Programs Office (LPO) expanding its loan support to minerals mining and extraction activities as eligible project costs under the Title 17 Clean Energy Financing Program.
Nolan said, "It's great to see the Department of Energy recognizing and leaning into the fact that strong minerals supply chains begin in the mine, withextraction. Given that responsible sourcing is a stated priority for the administration, by supporting domestic extraction, DOE will help ensure that the minerals that feed our manufacturing supply chains are produced in accordance with the world's strongest environmental and labor laws, instead of being sourced from global incumbents with inferior standards. We look forward to seeing this policy gain traction on the ground and hope to see more guidance and programs from across the agencies acknowledge that responsible sourcing starts in American mines."
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Original text here: https://nma.org/2024/04/30/nma-applauds-doe-loan-eligibility-expansion-for-extraction/
[Category: Materials Management]
Longtime Safety Expert Honored as ASSP Fellow
PARK RIDGE, Illinois, May 1 -- The American Society of Safety Professionals issued the following news release:
The American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) has bestowed the honor of Fellow on Daniel G. Hopwood, who has made significant contributions to the occupational safety and health profession for decades. He is the 2024 recipient of the Society's highest honor, becoming the 147th Fellow since the world's oldest professional safety organization was founded in 1911.
"ASSP Fellows are an elite group of influential safety leaders who have played key roles in improving workplace environments
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PARK RIDGE, Illinois, May 1 -- The American Society of Safety Professionals issued the following news release:
The American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) has bestowed the honor of Fellow on Daniel G. Hopwood, who has made significant contributions to the occupational safety and health profession for decades. He is the 2024 recipient of the Society's highest honor, becoming the 147th Fellow since the world's oldest professional safety organization was founded in 1911.
"ASSP Fellows are an elite group of influential safety leaders who have played key roles in improving workplace environmentsas well as the safety and health profession overall," said ASSP President Jim Thornton, CSP, CIH, FASSP, FAIHA. "Dan is a highly respected expert who has broadly helped prevent injuries, illnesses and fatalities on the job."
Hopwood, M.P.H., CSP, SMS, ARM, CBCP, FASSP, is vice president and director of risk control field services at Sompo, North America. An ASSP member since 1978, Hopwood has worked throughout his distinguished career as a risk manager, instructor, keynote speaker, author, technical expert and occupational safety and health advocate. He is an expert at developing methodologies for crisis management and business continuity planning. He also serves on the board of directors for the Board of Certified Safety Professionals.
"As a senior member of our team, Dan develops safety programs, conducts incident investigations and provides extensive safety and health training," said Christine Sullivan, CSP, ARM, former ASSP president and current executive vice president and head of risk control at Sompo. "He is a true collaborator who is always willing to share his expertise with colleagues and mentor industry newcomers."
Hopwood has taught undergraduate and graduate safety courses for 25 years, including time at Cuyamaca Community College, San Diego City College and San Diego State University, all in California. As a result, he has advanced the workplace safety and health profession and has profoundly impacted the careers of many students.
Hopwood has guided thousands of professionals through his many writings and by leading dozens of educational and training sessions at national conferences and seminars. He authored the book "Safety & Health Management: Essential Considerations for Human Resources and Allied Professionals" and co-authored "Workplace Safety: A Guide for Small and Midsized Companies." He also has written chapters in several other books and has been published in more than 25 journals, magazines and professional publications.
As an ASSP volunteer leader, Hopwood has served at the local, regional and Society levels. He is past president of the San Diego Chapter and former Region I vice president. He was the San Diego Chapter Safety Professional of the Year in 2012 and earned ASSP's Charles V. Culbertson Outstanding Volunteer Service Award in 2017.
"Dan is a constant advocate who serves our profession with impartiality and a moral compass that makes the world a better place," said Jose Perez, CSHM, CIT, SMS, OHST, CHST, an area director in ASSP Region I. "Many have experienced the value he brings to the humanity of our profession through his equitable and inclusive leadership. His exemplary approach and positive influence make others feel welcome, visible and heard."
Hopwood will be honored at ASSP's Safety 2024 Professional Development Conference and Exposition, set for Aug. 7-9 in Denver. The honor of Fellow recognizes an ASSP member's lifetime commitment, achievement and leadership in occupational safety and health. Nominees must have a history of major contributions to the profession for at least 15 years. Find a complete list of Society Fellows on the ASSP website (https://www.assp.org/membership/awards-and-honors/honor-of-fellow/assp-fellows).
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About ASSP - Working together for a safer, stronger future
Since 1911, the American Society of Safety Professionals has helped occupational safety and health professionals protect people, property and the environment. The nonprofit society is based in Chicago's suburbs. Its global membership of over 35,000 professionals develops safety and health management systems that prevent injuries, illnesses and fatalities. ASSP advances its members and the safety profession by providing member communities, serving as a trusted advisor, and elevating safety through workforce development. Its flagship journal, Professional Safety, is a longtime leader in the field.
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Original text here: https://www.assp.org/news-and-articles/longtime-safety-expert-honored-as-assp-fellow
[Category: Engineering]
CropLife America: University of Arkansas Releases Lifecycle Assessment Showing Pesticides Advance Sustainable Agriculture
ARLINGTON, Virginia, May 1 -- CropLife America issued the following news release on April 30, 2024:
In a first of its kind effort to assess the environmental footprint of pesticide use, CropLife America (CLA) commissioned the University of Arkansas, led by researchers Dr. Marty Matlock and Dr. Greg Thoma, to conduct an independent three-year cradle-to-farmgate Life Cycle Assessment that comprehensively evaluates the environmental benefits and impacts of pesticide application in the cultivation of corn, cotton, and soybeans in the U.S.. The study examined crop productivity with and without pesticides
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ARLINGTON, Virginia, May 1 -- CropLife America issued the following news release on April 30, 2024:
In a first of its kind effort to assess the environmental footprint of pesticide use, CropLife America (CLA) commissioned the University of Arkansas, led by researchers Dr. Marty Matlock and Dr. Greg Thoma, to conduct an independent three-year cradle-to-farmgate Life Cycle Assessment that comprehensively evaluates the environmental benefits and impacts of pesticide application in the cultivation of corn, cotton, and soybeans in the U.S.. The study examined crop productivity with and without pesticides(herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides) for three crops. The completed assessment successfully underwent an independent third-party ISO review.
The assessment's key results include:
* Without pesticides, the yields of corn, cotton, and soybeans declined up to 70 percent, underscoring the indispensable role of pesticides in agriculture.
* Cultivating corn, cotton, and soybeans without pesticides resulted in upwards of three times more land, water, energy use, and greenhouse gas emissions.
* Pesticides not only enhance productivity but significantly reduce pressure on our water, land, and energy resources per bushel of corn and soybeans and per pound of cotton produced.
"This three-year, independent assessment demonstrates that pesticides play a critical role in increasing crop yields while decreasing consumption of natural resources. We are pleased to have the data to support the work we do as we advance our commitment to sustainability," said Alexandra Dunn, CropLife America, president and CEO. "In a world grappling with food security and climate change, the researchers' findings affirm the significant role pesticides play in helping to feed, fuel, and clothe our world's growing population in a sustainable manner. This is good news for today and the future."
CropLife America will be hosting the lead author for a public webinar to further explain the LCA and findings on May 16, 2024. You can register for the webinar here (https://claandrise.swoogo.com/LCARollOut).
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Original text here: https://www.croplifeamerica.org/news-releases/life-cycle-assessment
[Category: Agriculture]
BIO Statement Re Updated GREET Model to Measure Lifecycle Emissions From Sustainable Aviation Fuels
WASHINGTON, May 1 -- The Biotechnology Innovation Organization issued the following statement on April 30, 2024:
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The following statement may be attributed to Beth Ellikidis, BIO's Vice President for Agriculture & Environment:
"Today's release of an updated methodology to qualify crop-based sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) for federal tax credits is a positive step toward meeting the rapidly growing demand for SAF and leveraging agricultural innovation to make air transportation cleaner and greener.
"Biotech innovation is a critical tool to help farmers adopt climate-smart agricultural
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WASHINGTON, May 1 -- The Biotechnology Innovation Organization issued the following statement on April 30, 2024:
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The following statement may be attributed to Beth Ellikidis, BIO's Vice President for Agriculture & Environment:
"Today's release of an updated methodology to qualify crop-based sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) for federal tax credits is a positive step toward meeting the rapidly growing demand for SAF and leveraging agricultural innovation to make air transportation cleaner and greener.
"Biotech innovation is a critical tool to help farmers adopt climate-smart agriculturalpractices to qualify their crops as tax credit-eligible SAF feedstocks, including no-till farming and microbial biofertilizers.
"BIO's member companies stand ready to bring to market the innovations needed to reduce the carbon intensity of agriculture and crop-based fuels."
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Original text here: https://www.bio.org/press-release/bio-statement-re-updated-greet-model-measure-lifecycle-emissions-sustainable-aviation
[Category: Biology]
ATTA Partners With the Adventure Travel Conservation Fund and Jordan Tourism Board for the 2024 Tour Operator Scholarship
MONROE, Washington, May 1 -- The Adventure Travel Trade Association issued the following news release:
The Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA) is thrilled to announce the launch of the highly anticipated 2024 Tour Operator Scholarship Program in partnership with the Adventure Travel Conservation Fund (ATCF) and the Jordan Tourism Board.
Since its inception in 2013, this program has been a collaborative opportunity, empowering tour operators to further their expertise, expand their horizons, and grow their network within the adventure travel industry. This year, in continuation of our longstanding
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MONROE, Washington, May 1 -- The Adventure Travel Trade Association issued the following news release:
The Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA) is thrilled to announce the launch of the highly anticipated 2024 Tour Operator Scholarship Program in partnership with the Adventure Travel Conservation Fund (ATCF) and the Jordan Tourism Board.
Since its inception in 2013, this program has been a collaborative opportunity, empowering tour operators to further their expertise, expand their horizons, and grow their network within the adventure travel industry. This year, in continuation of our longstandingcommitment to fostering innovation and sustainability, we are proud to continue this tradition by awarding scholarships to another five deserving tour operators, an increased amount thanks to our collaboration with the partners.
To date, the Tour Operator Scholarship Program has awarded more than 30 scholarships, propelling recipients into a powerful community of adventure travel business leaders who have guided the industry's direction for two decades. Winners are carefully selected through a competitive application process, and ultimately chosen by a voting committee consisting of members of the ATTA team and Board of Directors as well as representatives from both of this year's partner organizations.
Mira Poling Anselmi, Vice President of Community at ATTA, reflecting on the journey of past scholarship recipients, shared, "The dedication and passion demonstrated by our past winners serve as a powerful reminder of the potential of adventure tourism to support conservation, communities, women and wildlife. We are continually inspired by their achievements and look forward to welcoming a new cohort of trailblazers into our community. These are the kinds of unique, impactful, small businesses that the ATTA community is known for."
This year, in an exciting new development, the Tour Operator Scholarship Program is proud to announce that as part of our collaboration with the Adventure Travel Conservation Fund (ATCF,) one ATCF grant winner will also be selected to receive a scholarship, which will include a special opportunity to share their conservation story on the global stage.
"Beyond the funding that is awarded to our grantees, the ATCF works hard to shine an international spotlight on the important conservation work these communities are doing," said Soraya Shattuck, ATCF Executive Director. "By bringing a grantee to Panama, they will have an opportunity to not only share the progress on their conservation work, but to connect with an exclusive group of international adventure travel businesses while at the Adventure Travel World Summit."
In addition to a year of business membership in ATTA, scholarship recipients will also receive a complimentary ticket to the event of their choice, along with a travel stipend and free access to online courses. For the first time ever, winners will have the opportunity to choose which event they wish to attend, the Adventure Travel World Summit or any regional AdventureELEVATE in 2025.
To qualify for the Tour Operator Scholarship Program, applicants must meet specific criteria. They must have been in business for at least two years, have an annual revenue under $250,000, and never before attended a Summit. Applicants will be evaluated based on their responses to questions regarding their impact and actions related to social, environmental, and economic sustainability.
Applications for the 2024 Tour Operator Scholarship Program will be open from 1 May to 17 May 2024. Tour operators from any country are encouraged to apply, regardless of current membership status. Winners will be notified by 28 June 2024.
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Original text here: https://www.adventuretravelnews.com/atta-partners-with-the-adventure-travel-conservation-fund-and-jordan-tourism-board-for-the-2024-tour-operator-scholarship
[Category: Travel]
