This fall, I had the opportunity to sit in on several virtual roundtables with many American Feed Industry Association members talking about how they dealt with COVID-19 in their businesses and operations. I was proud to hear every participant start by saying the health and safety of their staff, customers and suppliers was, and remains, their primary focus.
As a child, I would frequently get frustrated when the world (or in this case, my parents, teachers or siblings) dictated what I couldn’t do. I had plans! One day, my favorite fourth grade teacher, Mrs. Underwood, suggested that instead of thinking about what I can’t do, that I should think about what I can do. Turns out, there was a lot!
Having a Board as engaged as the Institute for Feed Education and Research trustees are is something that all of us should celebrate. Their time, expertise and commitment to helping IFEEDER address critical issues and conversations that build trust and protect choice are key to ensuring that America continues to find value in the farmers, ranchers and processors who put safe, nutritious food on our tables.
During my COVID-19 stay-at-home experience, I have had more time to read a variety of e-newsletters and participate in educational webinars. Much of the focus has been on the immediate and long-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the industry. However, one theme that is always in the background and occasionally steps to the forefront is: climate change.
It has been about a year since I joined the American Feed Industry Association. I can say without a doubt – it has not been the year I expected! Instead of spending my days on the road meeting AFIA’s members in their offices or at their facilities, attending events and seeing the AFIA team work with our members to deliver first-class education and networking events, or meeting in-person with elected officials and government representatives, half of the year has been spent learning a new way of doing business.
Before I dive into this Food and Drug Administration news update, I would be remiss if I didn’t somehow address the COVID-19 pandemic and its implications for the animal food industry. FDA is so grateful for the industry’s cooperation with us during this trying time. We have really relied on animal food trade associations, like the American Feed Industry Association, to help gather information on supply chains and to share critical information with industry. I’m impressed by how well you’ve managed to maintain supply while still protecting your employees. Rest assured, FDA is working with our state partners and agencies, like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Occupational Safety and Health Administration and Federal Emergency Management Agency, on an all-of-government response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The only way we are going to get through this is if we work together.
Our summer issue of the AFIA Journal is out! As the editor of the biannual publication, it is always my pleasure pulling the content and design of this piece together, but this issue is much more meaningful to me for several reasons.
“There's nothing that does so much harm as good intentions.”
That quote was one of the first things I heard in my college introductory economics course. American economist Milton Friedman formally introduced me to the concept that every action has consequences – intended and unintended – and responsible decision-makers should do their best to understand those before taking strong actions. The quote could not be more fitting than now, following the newly announced European Green Deal.
At its recent meeting, the American Feed Industry Association’s Board of Directors discussed many topics, but Scott Druker of Church & Dwight Company, the new Board chair for 2020-21, said that at the forefront was the industry’s response to the coronavirus pandemic.
Tim Belstra of Belstra Milling, the American Feed Industry Association’s 2019-20 Board chair, delivered a short video message today to members detailing how the animal food industry is supporting local communities throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.