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Environmental, Workplace & Transportation Regulations Related News

April 13, 2023
FeedGram Issue 105, April 13, 2023
This issue includes: Port Problems Resurface California AB 240 Maryland SB 158 New York AB 6435 Oregon HB 3049 Tai Tells "New Story on Trade"? IPEF Set to Meet Again in May AFIA Can Help You Train Your Employees
November 10, 2022
FeedGram Issue 86, Nov. 10, 2022
In this issue: Control of Congress Hangs in the Balance Rail Labor Talks Continue Bills Introduced to Increase Funds for Foreign Market Programs Tell FDA to Modernize Its Regulation of Animal Food Ingredient Claims by Nov. 17 PFAS Deadlines Looming With No Consistency Among States FTC Seeks Information on Marketing Aspects AAFCO Schedules IDC Webinar for January AFIA to Hold Meetings at AAFCO AFIA Participating at COP 27 This Week USTR Posts Questions on Section 301 Review Equipment Manufacturers Tackle Sustainability Issues at Annual Conference Sustainable Ag Summit Showcases Feed's Role in Corporate Environmental Goals Cullman Looks Ahead at Issues Impacting Industry in 2023 Who Should Come to the Facility Inspection Package Training by APHIS?
July 28, 2022
FeedGram Issue 71, July 28, 2022
In this issue: Remote Regulatory Assessments: What's Expected of Animal Food Facilities? AFIA Supports Freight Rail Shipping Fair Market Act Senate Discusses Ag Trade Nominee California State Update AFIA Committees Meet at AAFCO AAFCO to Host Webinar on Hemp in Feed FDA to Host Webinar on Biennial Food Facility Registrations Annual Organic Oversight and Enforcement Report Now Available AFIA Receives Funds to Conducts Market Assessment in Brazil AFIA Sustainability Committee Discusses National, International Sustainability Initiatives Feed is the Secret Ingredient for Meeting Food Company Sustainability Targets Join Us in New Orleans for the Liquid Feed Symposium
June 16, 2022
FeedGram Issue 65, June 16, 2022
In this issue: Ocean Shipping Reform Bill Sails to President's Desk Appropriations Process Begins USDA Launches 'Protect Our Pigs' Campaign Formaldehyde: A Follow-Up Latin American Countries Agree to "Good Regulatory Practices" USTR Asks for Comments on Taiwan Cullman Speaks at Midwest Dairy Conference AFIA Thanks Outgoing Committee Members See Liquid Feed Friends in the Big Easy
June 2, 2022
FeedGram Issue 63, June 2, 2022
In this issue: New USDA Framework Pushes Local Food Production, Distribution California Senators Urge Rail Fixes Louisiana State Update New York State Update Ohio State Update FDA Issues Warnings on Animal Food Products with Illegal CBD Claims HHS Withdraws Trump-Era 'Sunset Rule' USDA Increases Funding for HPAI Response Coalition Calls on Biden Administration to Ease Tariff Use ICCF Requests Comments on Identifying and Characterizing Feed Ingredients Document Survey Shows Consumers Acceptance of Bioengineered and Gene-edited Foods Increases with Benefits Messaging FII Spots Are Filling Up! Class Starts Monday Plant Managers: Do Your Employees Need More Training?
April 28, 2022
FeedGram Issue 58, April 28, 2022
In this issue: Need Your Help Today to Secure Funds for Animal Food Ingredient Reviews Congress is Back to Work Ag Sector, Governmental Agencies Weigh in on Rail Issues Maine State Update ASF Vaccine Candidate Advances Ag Groups Request More Time to Comment on SEC Climate Disclosures Proposed Rule FBI Warns of Seasonal Threats for Cyber Attacks FSVP Importers: "UNK" No Longer an Option in Lieu of DUNS Number AFIA Talks HPAI, ASF and VS 16-4 Certificates With APHIS Administrator Shea Regulatory Reforms Needed to Fully Realize Benefits of Sustainability Tools USRSB Releases Sustainability Goals and Sector Targets at Annual Meeting CISA Calls for Increased Supply Chain Integrity FII Early-bird Registration Ends Tomorrow
April 14, 2022
FeedGram Issue 56, April 14, 2022
In this issue: Food Security Through Feed Resiliency FDA Criticized for Not Prioritizing "Food" House China Competition Bill Conferees Named Louisiana State Update Maine State Update Maryland State Update OSHA Launches National Emphasis Program to Protect Workers from Heat Hazards Vilsack Optimistic About Biotech in Mexico Russia, Belarus Permanent Normal Trade Relations Suspended, Energy and Oil Imports Banned Indo-Pacific Talks Coming Soon Rural Broadband Funding On the Way IFEEDER on TV and Radio AFIA PCQI Training Has Limited Capacity Get Feed Industry Fundamentals With AFIA-KSU Modules
March 31, 2022
FeedGram Issue 54, March 31, 2022
In this issue: Taking a Closer Look at the SEC's Proposed Climate Reporting Rule Biden Boosts Ag/Food Safety Funding in 2023 Fiscal Budget Plan Senate Confirms CFTC Commissioners Maine State Update Electronic Logging Device FAQs Updated Legislators Urge Agriculture Take Priority in Indo-Pacific Talks AFIA Takes Part in International Feed Industry Meeting IFEEDER to Release GM-free Feed Study Results ICYMI: AFIA Talks Pet Food Shortages Watch Last Week's Legislative & Regulatory Webinar Why AFIA's PCQI Course is a Great Value
March 24, 2022
FeedGram Issue 53, March 24, 2022
In this issue: "All Ag, All In" Senate Commerce Committee Approves Shipping Rule Changes Louisiana State Update SEC to Focus on Climate Risks in Corporate Financial Reports AAFCO Discusses Modifying Names of Certain "Gluten" Ingredients USDA Partners with Northwest Seaport Alliance to Ease Port Congestion West Coast Ports Should Start Labor Negotiations Now Canada Pacific Railway Reopens House Passed Bill to Revoke Russian "Permanent Normal Trade Relations" Ag Industry a Major Contributor to Nation's Economy Production Compliance Committee Meets Equipment Manufacturers Committee Plans Fall Conference AFIA Invites Industry Newcomers to Feed Industry Institute
March 3, 2022
FeedGram Issue 50, March 3, 2022
In this issue: Biden Doubles-Down on Fight Against Corporate Monopolies Expect Swift Action on Supreme Court Nominee AFIA Supports CFTC Nominees Entry-level Driver Training Requirements Updated Ag Outlook Forum Highlights Feed Industry's Role in Curbing Emissions USDA-Port of Oakland Closer to Agriculture Export Incentives Donating to Ukraine Relief Efforts? Let Us Know! Aquaculture Committee Meets Join Us for AFIA's Legislative and Regulatory Review Webinar
February 17, 2022
FeedGram Issue 48, Feb. 17, 2022
In this issue: States Told to Cease and Desist Approving Hemp for Use in Animal Food Appropriations Reconciliation Process to Begin Soon Senate Clears FDA Chief Maine State Update Maryland State Update Michigan State Update Oregon State Update South Dakota State Update AFIA Applauds Telecommunications and Information Administration on Broadband Program OSHA Updates Powered Industrial Trucks Standard AAFCO IDC Call Next Week 'Freedom Convoy' Protests Rattle Trade HPAI Hits Commercial Turkey, Chicken Operations in US Don't Miss AFIA at USDA Forum Represent US Ag in UNFSS Social Media Campaign PISC Registration Rates Increase This Weekend Having Labor Issues? We Want to Know
February 10, 2022
FeedGram Issue 47, Feb. 10, 2022
In this issue: FDA Is Resuming Routine Inspections: Are You Ready? Federal Feed Ingredient Review Process Under Congressional Eye Extension for Government Funding Coming Soon Ocean Shipping Reform Bills See More Action Maine State Update Maryland State Update South Dakota State Update Vermont State Update New Jersey State Update Producing a Climate-Smart Commodity? You Could Be Eligible to Partner with USDA FSIS to Host Salmonella in Poultry Roundtable 2021 Ag Exports Boast Record Levels Phase One Trade Agreement Commitments Canada Updates Feed Regulations Avian Influenza Found in Indiana Commercial Turkey Flock Watch: Gary Huddleston Speaking on Vaccine Mandates on Feedstuffs 365 Last Chance to Book Your PISC Hotel at a Discounted Rate!
February 3, 2022
FeedGram Issue 46, Feb. 3, 2022
In this issue: It's Committee Season - Won't You Join Us? It's February...Almost Feb. 18... House Starts Focusing on Farm Bill Maine State Update USDA Announces Partnership to Ease Port Congestion Rodenticide Changes May Be on the Horizon Apply for an Antimicrobial Stewardship Grant Feed Ingredient Sustainability Topic at Upcoming USDA Forum Another Attack on Animal Ag Antitrust Official Details Focus Make Sales at PISC
January 27, 2022
FeedGram Issue 45, Jan. 27, 2022
In this issue: Back to Business: In-Person IPPE Returns to Atlanta Bipartisan Senate Shipping Reform Bill On Horizon Maine State Update OSHA Withdraws COVID-19 ETS Feed Trucks Stuck at Northern Border New Research Project to Investigate Feed Mill Decontamination in an ASF Outbreak Follow the Protein PACT on Social Interested in Joining an AFIA Committee? Boost Your Brand Recognition with Industry Buyers and Sellers at AFIA's PISC
January 20, 2022
FeedGram Issue 44, Jan. 20, 2022
In this issue: AAFCO Addresses Human-grade Pet Food, New Ingredients, Feed Labeling & More Califf Heads to Senate Floor Maryland State Update Maine State Update Missouri State Update US Supreme Court Blocks Expansive Workplace Vaccine Mandate OSHA Civil Penalties Announced for 2022 Pilot Program Supports Young Adult CMV Drivers Lock and Dam 25 on Upper Mississippi River Fully Funded New PSAs Encourage COVID-19 Booster Shots AFIA Talks ASF in Wisconsin ICYMI: 2022 Outlook from AFIA's CEO Interested in Joining an AFIA Committee? Visit AFIA at IPPE
January 13, 2022
FeedGram Issue 43, Jan. 13, 2022
In this issue: Some COVID-19 ETS Requirements Now In Effect FDA Commissioner Receives Vote Indiana State Update Maine State Update Maryland State Update FDA Releases Reportable Food Registry Data Dashboard Canada Issues Vaccine Mandate for American Cross-border Truck Drivers Effective Jan. 15 New ASF Resources Available Who Will You Meet at PISC?
December 16, 2021
FeedGram Issue 41, Dec. 16, 2021
In this issue: Reflecting On What's Important Congress Raises U.S. Debt Limit Senate Committee Holds Hearing for FDA Commissioner CFTC Commissioner Confirmed Rhode Island State Update AFIA Comments on Proposed Thoroughbred Racing Rules Mobile Carriers Are Sunsetting 3G ? Will Your ELD be Affected? AFIA Urges Commonsense on International Truck Driver Vaccine Requirement CISA Community Bulletin - A Cybersecurity Resource Antimicrobial Sales Down in 2020 Don't Miss the Animal Food Events at IPPE
December 2, 2021
FeedGram Issue 39, Dec. 2, 2021
This issue includes: OSHA Extends COVID-19 ETS Comment Deadline, No Word on Implementation Dates H.R. 4996 to Receive Vote Will the Federal Government Remain Open Past Friday? USDA Climate Official Receives Senate Nod AAFCO Mid-year Meeting Approaching AFIA, Ag Partners, Offer Supply Chain Relief Recommendations to White House USADEC Meeting Gives Ag Trade Insight China Updates Facility Lists for US Feed Additives, Premix and Compound Feed Products Mexico Needs to Reconfirm Commitment to Ag Biotech AFIA Earns Two MarCom Awards Pet Food Labeling: To Be Human Grade or Not Human Grade?
November 18, 2021
FeedGram Issue 38, Nov. 18, 2021
This issue includes: Raising Our Voice on Feed Sustainability Infrastructure Spending Bill Signed Into Law What's Congress Doing? Appeals Court Temporarily Halts OSHA's Employer Vaccine Mandate AFIA Congratulates FDA Commissioner Nomination CODEX, Antimicrobial Resistance Task Force Comes to a Close Biden Initiates Dialogue With China North American Leaders Meet IFEEDER, Partners Collaborate to Reduce Methane Emissions in Dairy Operations US Makes Climate Commitments at COP Bookmark It: New Website Shares Supply Chain Disruption Stats It's Time to Come Together for Animal Ag Learn How Seasoned Industry Experts Kept Their Businesses Going Amid Disruptions
November 15, 2021
Appeals Court Temporarily Halts OSHA's Employer Vaccine Mandate
On Nov. 5, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration published its COVID-19 emergency temporary standard (ETS) in the Federal Register, setting into motion a host of employee vaccination requirements in which companies with over 100 employees must abide by Dec. 6. Most of the major requirements are geared toward providing the right environment whereby employees are encouraged to get vaccinated, but should they choose not to for medical reasons or otherwise, then they must participate in weekly testing starting in January, with limited exceptions.
November 4, 2021
FeedGram Issue 36, Nov. 4, 2021
This issue includes: Hot Off the Press: Workplace COVID-19 ETS Released Moving Closer to Reconciliation Package on Social Spending Industry Groups Demand Progress on Supply Chain Issues USDA Plans Return to Offices AAFCO Acts on MSBC During Ingredient Committee Webinar AAFCO Launches Animal Feed Ingredient Definition Course Biden Pledges Methane Cuts, Confirms Commitment to Ag Innovation at COP26 Think You're Prepared for a Cyberattack? Think Again. AFIA Updates ASF Resources, Calls for Support of Decontamination Research EMC: Happening This Week! AFIA Marketing Committee Tackles Changing Consumer Trends, Advocacy Keeping Your Business Running in Times of Disruption Hire Your Next Great Employee at IPPE
October 14, 2021
FeedGram Issue 33, Oct. 14, 2021
This issue includes: Biden Aims to Relieve Pressure at Ports Short-term Fix to Debt Limit Passes FDA to Hold Food Safety Summit on E-Commerce USDA Releases Climate Change Action Plan Biden Administration Talks with China on Trade Comments Sought on Section 301 Tariffs Happening TODAY: AFIA President and CEO to Discuss Industry's Trade Priorities Belstra Milling Advocates for Industry Register for AFIA Webinars Meet New Customers at IPPE Online, On-Demand Feed Modules Offer Affordable Training
June 10, 2021
FeedGram Issue 15, June 10, 2021
This issue includes: COVID-19 ETS Unveiled for Medical Community House Committee Tackles Transportation Issues Infrastructure Negotiations Continue Delaware State Update What's Next for FDA Inspections? Administration Focuses on Critical Supply Chains EEOC Updates FAQs on Employer Vaccination Policies Protecting Your Business From Ransomware What the World Would Look Like Without Agriculture Tariffs Exporting or Interested in Exporting to China? Take Note! AFIA's CEO Takes Stage at European Forum New Communications Resources Available on UNFSS Apply for the "Buyers to PISC" Scholarship
September 4, 2020
Department of Transportation Announces National Freight Strategic Plan
On Sept. 3, the Department of Transportation (DOT) announced its National Freight Strategic Plan (NFSP). U.S. Secretary of Transportation, Elaine L. Chao, as well as DOT modal administrators made the announcement on an industry webcast. A recording of the webcast can be viewed here.
June 12, 2020
AFIA Comments on Multi-Sector General Permit for Industrial Stormwater
In early June, the American Feed Industry Association joined the major poultry associations in submitting comments to the Environmental Protection Agency on its proposed changes to the Multi-Sector General Permit (MSGP) for Industrial Stormwater. The proposal, which resulted from litigation and a settlement with environmental groups, would affect many U.S. manufacturing sectors as well as livestock feed and pet food operations that receive permits for discharging stormwater.
May 29, 2020
FMCSA Modernizes Hours-of-Service Rules to Improve Safety, Increase Flexibility for America's Truck Drivers
The American Feed Industry Association commends the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) for issuing its final rule on changes to driver hours-of-service regulations. The rule change aimed to increase safety on roadways by giving commercial drivers more flexibility while maintaining safe limits on driving time. AFIA believes the final rule accomplished this goal and will benefit our industry.
May 29, 2020
FMCSA Extends CMV Declaration Until June 14
Last week, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) declared that the COVID-19 public health emergency continues to warrant an extension of Emergency Declaration No. 2020-002. This declaration provides regulatory relief for commercial motor vehicle operations that are providing direct assistance in support of COVID-19 emergency relief efforts, including transportation to meet the immediate needs for several high-demand products, such as food, paper products and other groceries, for emergency restocking of distribution centers or stores.
March 8, 2019
DOL Issues Revised Overtime Rule
Late Thursday, the U.S. Department of Labor proposed a revised rule expanding overtime eligibility to 1.1 million additional workers in the American workforce. The revised regulation comes several years after a federal judge blocked implementation of a regulation under outgoing President Barack Obama that would have covered an additional 4.2 million workers.
January 25, 2019
IFIF Provides Toolkit on GHS Implementation
Earlier this month, the International Feed Industry Federation (IFIF) launched an online toolkit to provide guidance to the animal food industry on implementing the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals.
December 14, 2018
WOTUS Is Back in the Limelight
On Tuesday, the Environmental Protection Agency and the Army Corps of Engineers announced their new "waters of the U.S." proposal at an event that attracted dozens of farmers and industry leaders who have long-sought straightforward definitions that allow farmers to more clearly decide how to operate on their lands.
November 2, 2018
EPA Takes Action Against Emission Reporting Requirement
This week, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency addressed a long-standing concern of the livestock and poultry industries related to air emissions reporting and received praise from trade associations and members of Congress alike.
August 10, 2018
Join AFIA in Promoting Safe + Sound Week Aug. 13-19
Next week is the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's Safe + Sound Week, intended to raise awareness and understanding of safety and health programs. The American Feed Industry Association will be promoting safety in the feed industry on social media throughout the week. Be sure to follow along on AFIA's Facebook and Twitter and use the hashtag #SafeAndSound2018.
June 15, 2018
FMCSA Clarifies Agricultural Commodity Exception
On May 31, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) released regulatory guidance that clarifies when the agricultural commodity exception is applicable in the hours of service (HOS) regulations in 49 CFR Part 395.
May 4, 2018
Alert to N.J. Truckers: State Cracking Down on Corporate Tax Violators
If you are a manufacturing facility with shippers that drop-off, pick-up or transport products within the state of New Jersey, you may want to pay attention to this alert. The New Jersey Division of Taxation is cracking down on truckers that transport goods in the Garden State that are not registered to pay the state's corporate business tax.