Meat Institute Congratulates Rep. Thompson for Being Elected Chairman of House Ag Committee

The North American Meat Institute (Meat Institute) today released the following statement from Meat Institute President and CEO Julie Anna Potts regarding the House Republican Conference’s election of U.S. Representative Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-PA-15) to serve as Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee for the 118^th Congress.

“Chairman Thompson has been an outspoken supporter of the meat and poultry industry and we congratulate him on his selection by his colleagues to serve as Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee,” says Meat Institute President and CEO...

Retailers Commend Congressional Leaders for Swift Action to Prevent Catastrophic Rail Strike

The National Retail Federation today issued the following statement from President and CEO Matthew Shay following the U.S. Senate’s passage of H.J. Res. 100, sending the Tentative Agreement to President Biden’s desk for final signature. The resolution was approved yesterday in the House.

“The freight and commuter rail systems are essential partners to America’s retailers, moving goods throughout the country every day. A nationwide rail strike at this juncture would have had devastating consequences for our economy, and exacerbated inflation for American families...

NCBA Praises Senate Introduction of Protect Farmers from the SEC Act

Today, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) announced support for the Senate version of the Protect Farmers from the SEC Act, a companion bill to legislation that was previously introduced in the House of Representatives by Rep. Frank Lucas (R-OK).

“The Securities and Exchange Commission’s overly broad rulemaking has the potential to increase burdens on cattle producers by requiring data that is impossible to provide,” said NCBA Chief Counsel Mary-Thomas Hart. “NCBA is proud to support the Protect Farmers from the SEC Act because it ensures that..."

NCBA Thanks Biden Administration for Actions to Avoid Rail Disruptions

Today, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) recognized the Biden Administration for taking quick action to avoid rail disruptions.

“On behalf of America’s cattle producers, we thank President Biden and Secretary Vilsack for their action to prevent a disruption in critical rail service across the country. We are also pleased to see bipartisan leaders in Congress working together to address this issue and protect our supply chains,” said NCBA CEO Colin Woodall. “We urge Congress to quickly pass the tentative agreement, which enforces the Presidential Emergency Board’s recommendations from..."

Congress Must Act to Prevent Rail Service Disruptions

The National Turkey Federation (NTF) released the following statement today urging congressional action to prevent rail service disruptions:

“The National Turkey Federation urges Congress to act swiftly on legislation to resolve rail labor disputes and prevent disruptions to rail service. The freight rail system plays an important role in the food and agriculture supply chain, including the transport of feed ingredients essential to turkey production. Transportation delays could have a sizable impact on turkey producers and consumers...”

NRF Reiterates White House Call for Congressional Action to Avoid Rail Strike

The National Retail Federation today issued the following statement from President and CEO Matthew Shay following the White House’s call for immediate congressional intervention to avoid a rail strike and subsequent shut down of the U.S. freight rail system. The directive comes as the cooling off period expires Dec. 8 and railroads begin to suspend operations ahead of a labor strike.

“The freight rail system is an integral part of America’s transportation system, moving cargo to communities in every corner of the country every day..."

NRF Calls on Congress to Take Action to Avert a Catastrophic Rail Strike

The National Retail Federation today issued the following statement from President and CEO Matthew Shay following the announcement that a fourth rail union has rejected the tentative agreement brokered by the administration among the labor unions and freight railroads.

“Millions of hardworking Americans rely on the freight rail system for their jobs and the economic security of our country. A nationwide rail strike during the peak holiday season will be devastating for American businesses, consumers and the U.S. economy..."

Albertsons Cos. Issues Statement Regarding U.S. District Court for District of Columbia’s Ruling

Albertsons Companies today announced that the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia has denied the request by the California, Illinois and District of Columbia Attorneys General for a temporary restraining order (“TRO”) against the Company’s previously announced $6.85 per common share Special Dividend (the “Special Dividend”), originally scheduled to be paid on November 7, 2022.

Albertsons Cos. continues to seek to overturn the existing temporary restraining order granted by the Washington State Court on November 3, which was based on the incorrect assertion that...

NCC Urges Biden Administration to Prevent Possible Railroad Strike

NCC joined over 320 local, state, and federal trade associations in urging the Biden administration to continue working with a collection of railroad unions and the railroad operators on an agreement to prevent a possible strike.

“With your help, from establishing the Presidential Emergency Board to involvement in the direct negotiations among the parties, the tentative agreement was reached on September 15,” the letter to President Biden said. “We have seen six of the twelve unions ratify the agreement to date. Unfortunately, we have seen two unions reject the agreement and..."

NTF Statement on FSIS Salmonella Framework

The National Turkey Federation (NTF) issued the following statement on the release of the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service’s (FSIS) Proposed Regulatory Framework to Reduce Salmonella Illnesses Attributable to Poultry:

“National Turkey Federation members are committed to further enhancing the safety of their products and building on the turkey industry’s ongoing efforts to address Salmonella throughout turkey production. As FSIS and industry look towards comprehensive strategies to advance this priority, it is imperative that the best science drive food safety policy. The Salmonella..."

NCC Says FSIS’s New Salmonella Framework Lacks Data, Research

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced a new regulatory framework in an effort it says will reduce Salmonella illnesses associated with poultry products.

Specifically, FSIS said it would be proposing three components, including:

- Requiring incoming flocks be tested for Salmonella before entering an establishment;
- Enhancing establishment process control monitoring and FSIS verification;
- Implementing an enforceable final product standard.

“We support the need to develop science-based approaches that will impact public health, but this is being done backwards,” said Ashley Peterson...

NPPC Statement on U.S. Supreme Court Oral Arguments on California Proposition 12

The following statement (from Oct. 11) can be attributed to the National Pork Producers Council:

“This is a historic day for American farmers. National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) and American Farm Bureau Federation presented oral arguments on NPPC v. Ross before the U.S. Supreme Court challenging the constitutionality of California Proposition 12. As we’ve contended since 2018, one state should not be able to regulate commerce in another state and set arbitrary standards that lack any scientific, technical, or agricultural basis..."

NRF Opposes Proposed Independent Contractor Rule

The National Retail Federation today issued the following statement from Senior Vice President of Government Relations David French regarding the new proposed rule from the Department of Labor on independent contractor status.

“The modern workplace is more complex in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Retailers, along with countless other employers, maintain a wide range of business relationships with independent contractors, including billing, facility maintenance, data analysis, delivery, marketing and other critical services...

NPPC Statement on Federal Ruling on USDA’s New Swine Inspection Program

The following statement can be attributed to the National Pork Producers Council:

“We are pleased that the federal judge upheld the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) New Swine Inspection System (NSIS) that incentivizes investment in new technologies while ensuring a safe supply of wholesome American pork. Pork producers use science-based approaches to continuously improve and modernize their practices to ensure product quality and consistency and their..."

USMEF Statement on Advancement of Under Secretary for Trade Nomination

Today the Senate Agriculture Committee reported favorably on the nomination of Alexis Taylor to serve as USDA under secretary for trade and foreign agricultural affairs.

U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) President and CEO Dan Halstrom issued this statement in support of the nomination:

USMEF thanks the Senate Agriculture...

NCBA Statement on Cattle Contracts Library Pilot Program Notice to Trade

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) released the following statement in response to a Notice to Trade published today by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) related to the Cattle Contracts Library (CCL) pilot program:

“The Cattle Contracts Library is designed to be a tool for cattle producers, making information accessible which may in turn allow them to capture unrealized value for their livestock,” said NCBA Vice President of Government Affairs Ethan Lane. “We are pleased to see the pilot program progressing and note the..."

NCBA Urges Senate to Confirm Key USDA Nominees

Today, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) urged the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry to confirm key nominees for Under Secretary for Food Safety and Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs in the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

“Cattle producers need strong, stable leadership in top positions at USDA and we urge the Senate to move quickly on confirming these highly qualified nominees,” said NCBA Vice President of Government Affairs Ethan Lane.

For the position of Under Secretary for Food Safety, the President nominated Dr. Jose Emilio Esteban...

NCBA Extremely Disappointed with White House Biotechnology Executive Order

Today, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) raised questions on President Biden’s Executive Order on Advancing Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing Innovation for a Sustainable, Safe, and Secure American Bioeconomy, following its release last week.

“We encourage the administration to support the biotechnology innovations already occurring in the cattle industry. Technology like gene editing is critical to improving cattle health and wellbeing, while also helping the U.S. cattle industry demonstrate climate neutrality by 2040. These tools are necessary to build on our legacy as sustainable providers of beef to consumers..."

NCBA Calls for Limited SEC Greenhouse Gas Rule Following Senate Hearing

Today, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) reiterated the need for a limited version of the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) greenhouse gas disclosure rule following SEC Chairman Gary Gensler’s testimony before the U.S. Senate Committee on Banking.

“The SEC’s proposed greenhouse gas disclosure rule is aimed at large publicly traded companies but would lead to unintended consequences for small businesses like farms and ranches. The rule would require data that simply does not exist at the farm or ranch-level and increases the regulatory burden on individual cattle..."

NRF Statement on Tentative Rail Agreement

The National Retail Federation today issued the following statement from President and CEO Matthew Shay following the White House’s overnight announcement that a tentative agreement has been reached between freight railroads and rail labor organizations, avoiding a shutdown of the freight rail system.

“We are relieved and cautiously optimistic that this devastating nationwide rail strike has been averted. We appreciate the Biden administration’s intervention on behalf..."

NPPC Statement on SCOTUS Reply Brief to Petitioners on California Proposition 12

Attribute statement to Terry Wolters, NPPC president and owner of Stoney Creek Farms in Pipestone, Minnesota

“Today’s filing of our reply brief to petitioners brings the National Pork Producers Council and the American Farm Bureau Federation one step closer to the Supreme Court hearing our case on how California Proposition 12 violates the U. S. Constitution.

“Ironically, California’s Department of Food and Agriculture also announced today it finally completed the Proposition 12 implementation rules, more than three years after the original statutory deadline. This delay unnecessarily exacerbated..."

USMEF Statement on Advancement of Chief Agricultural Negotiator Nomination

Today the Senate Finance Committee reported favorably on the nomination of Douglas McKalip to serve as chief agricultural negotiator for the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative.

U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) President and CEO Dan Halstrom issued this statement:

In addition to USTR’s ongoing efforts to improve and maintain international market access for U.S. red meat, several new Biden administration...

NCBA Urges Senate Committee to Pass Livestock Regulatory Protection Act

Today, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) urged the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works to approve the Livestock Regulatory Protection Act.

“American cattle producers’ commitment to reducing their environmental footprint while simultaneously improving efficiency makes our farms and ranches the most sustainable in the world. Unfortunately, overregulation and excessive permitting would jeopardize the cattle industry’s progress towards greater sustainability,” said NCBA Chief Counsel Mary-Thomas Hart. “NCBA strongly supports the Livestock Regulatory Protection Act, which protects farmers and ranchers from onerous regulation. We thank Senators John Thune..."

McDonald's Appoints Jon Banner as Executive Vice President and Global Chief Impact Officer

Today, McDonald's CEO, Chris Kempczinski sent the following message to the McDonald's global System, announcing the company's new Chief Impact Officer, Jon Banner.

The Digital CV and headshot for Mr. Banner are embedded within this release.

+ + +

I am thrilled to share that Jon Banner will be joining McDonald's as Executive Vice President and Global Chief Impact Officer, reporting directly to me and serving on our Global Senior Leadership Team.

Jon is the perfect leader to oversee our Sustainability & ESG, Government Relations and Public Policy...

NPPC Statement on Spot Market Hog Payments

Statement by Terry Wolters, NPPC president and owner of Stoney Creek Farms in Pipestone, Minnesota

“We appreciate FSA’s commitment to providing assistance to those pork producers hit hard by the economic disruptions caused by the pandemic. Producers forced into spot market hog sales are still challenged by the market disruptions of COVID-19, and these funds will contribute to the ongoing recovery of the U.S. pork industry...”

NCBA Disappointed in House Passage of Special Investigator Bill

Today, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) expressed strong disappointment in the House passage of the Lower Food and Fuel Costs Act, which incorporates the Meat and Poultry Special Investigator Act.

“Rising food, fuel, and fertilizer prices are hurting cattle producers around the country, but Congress is relentlessly focused on political posturing through this special investigator bill,” said NCBA Vice President of Government Affairs Ethan Lane. “NCBA strongly supports fairness and transparency in the market, but Congress is wasting time with legislative proposals in search of a problem while ignoring real..."

NAMI: Special Investigator to Cost Taxpayer $9 Million; is Redundant

The North American Meat Institute (Meat Institute) today released the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives approved H.R. 7606, the Lower Food and Fuel Cost Act, a bill that establishes a special investigator for meat and poultry at the U.S. Department of Agriculture:

"We are disappointed the House voted to waste $9 million in taxpayer dollars on a redundant special investigator when that money would be much better spent helping Americans seeking assistance from record inflation," said Julie Anna Potts, President and CEO of the Meat...

NCBA Congratulates Dr. Chavonda Jacobs-Young on Confirmation as USDA Under Secretary

Today, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) Vice President for Government Affairs Ethan Lane released a statement on the confirmation of Dr. Chavonda Jacobs-Young as Under Secretary for Research, Education and Economics at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

“NCBA congratulates Dr. Chavonda Jacobs-Young on her confirmation as Under Secretary for Research, Education and Economics. The Research, Education and Economics arm..."

The Wendy's Company Comments on Amended 13D Filing from Trian Partners

The Wendy's Company today issued the following statement regarding the Schedule 13D/A filed by Trian Fund Management, L.P. and certain of its affiliates with the Securities and Exchange Commission:

"The Wendy's Company's Board of Directors and management team regularly review the Company's strategic priorities and opportunities with the goal of maximizing value for all stockholders. Our Board is committed to continuing to act in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders. Consistent with its fiduciary duties, the Board will carefully review any proposal submitted by...

USMEF Statement on Study Confirming Effectiveness of Export Market Development Programs

On May 18, the U.S. Agricultural Export Development Council (USAEDC) released an economic impact study confirming the effectiveness of export market development programs in expanding demand for U.S. agricultural products and generating a strong return on investment. The study was commissioned by the U.S. Grains Council on behalf of USAEDC members. More details are also available in this USAEDC press release and infographic.

U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) President and CEO Dan Halstrom issued this statement...

NCC Response to House Committee Report on COVID-19 Workplace Safety

Attributable to National Chicken Council (NCC) President Mike Brown:

“NCC member companies have long been committed to protecting and enhancing worker safety, a commitment that well predates the COVID-19 pandemic. But when the COVID-19 pandemic reached American shores, it was immediately clear that worker safety would be paramount.

“As a critical infrastructure sector staffed by essential workers, the chicken industry was presented with a seemingly impossible task – keep food on the tables and keep workers safe, all in the face of a highly transmissible and all-but..."

USMEF Statement on USDA Undersecretary for Trade Nominee

Today the White House announced the nomination of Alexis Taylor to serve as USDA undersecretary for trade and foreign agricultural affairs.

U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) President and CEO Dan Halstrom issued this statement in support of the nomination...

Kroger Issues Statement Regarding Carl Icahn's Intent to Nominate Two Director Candidates

The Kroger Co. today announced that Carl Icahn has submitted an intent to nominate two director candidates – Alexis C. Fox and Margarita Paláu-Hernández – to stand for election to the Kroger Board of Directors at the Company's 2022 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. The date for the Annual Meeting has not been announced. Kroger shareholders are not required to take any action at this time.

The Company issued the following statement:

The Kroger Board and management team maintain regular communications with shareholders and other stakeholders on a range of...

NCBA Welcomes Announcement on Japan – U.S. Trade Agreement

National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) welcomes the announcement that the United States and Japan have reached an agreement in principle on the Japanese beef safeguard. As part of the terms of the Japan – U.S. Trade Agreement, both countries entered consultations after the volume-based safeguard was triggered in March 2021. NCBA strongly supported efforts to secure improvements to the beef safeguard that are mutually beneficial for Japanese consumers and American cattle producers.

“While the details of the agreement in principle have not been disclosed, NCBA is encouraged that today’s announcement means we..."