Agriculture Nutrient Policy Council
On January 13 Joel Brinkmeyer, AAI CEO, was an invited guest at a teleconference meeting of the Agriculture Nutrient Policy Council (ANPC) to discuss the Des Moines Water Works law suit and the Agricultural Legal Defense Fund (ALDF).
The ANPC council is made up of about 50 national, regional, state ag organizations and businesses who are affected by state and national legislation, regulation, and practices having an impact on their members businesses regarding plant nutrients.
David Chung, from the Crowell & Moring law firm in WDC also joined the call regarding the DMWW law suit.
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AAI CEO Presents at Young Leaders Conference
Joel Brinkmeyer, CEO of AAI, was a guest presenter at the Heartland Co-op Young Leaders Conference, held on January 14 and 15, at Prairie Meadows, Des Moines. Heartland Cooperative selected approximately 20 of their young customers (age 31-39) and their spouses to join them for a two day conference, discussing a multitude of current events and topics.
Brinkmeyer addressed the primary purpose of the Agribusiness Association of Iowa, membership, primary mission and objectives, and how we collaborate with other state associations and Iowa farm and commodity organizations to advocate on behalf of our membership. Brinkmeyer also discussed the two new 501(c )3 organizations formed by AAI allowing a strong offense and defensive strategy regarding environmental and conservation efforts.
Several questions surfaced regarding current events and the future expectations regarding rules and regulations affecting Iowa farmers and their local agribusiness providers.
Heartland Cooperative manager Tom Hauschel and several Heartland Senior staff attended the event along with their Coop Board members.
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I-80 Planning Survey
The Iowa Department of Transportation is conducting a study of Interstate 80.
The study will be developed and released through a series of technical reports that identify existing conditions of I-80, the way the system is performing, short- and long-term issues, and strategies to improve the route.
Each report will be accessible online as it becomes available on the Iowa DOT's I-80 Planning Study website:
AAI and the Transportation Committee encourages the membership to take this survey to help the Iowa DOT understand differing opinions on industry needs, as this may provide a balanced response for their improvements.
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ARA, TFI Encourage Retailers to Prepare for PSM Compliance
On December 23, 2015, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued a revised Interim Enforcement Policy on its website, addressing enforcement of Process Safety Management (PSM) requirements for agricultural retailers. These facilities became newly subject to the PSM standards pursuant to a prior OSHA enforcement memorandum, dated July 22, 2015.
The revised policy is the result of language included in the Joint Explanatory Statement, which accompanied the FY2016 Omnibus Appropriations Bill.
The language specifically prohibits OSHA from enforcing or implementing its July 22, 2015, memorandum until:
- The Census Bureau creates an agricultural retail NAICS code, and
- OSHA goes through formal notice and comment rulemaking.
However, the appropriations bill is only effective through the end of the federal fiscal year, which ends September 30, 2016.
OSHA narrowly interpreted the Joint Explanatory Statement, indicating that they expect retailers to be in compliance with the PSM requirements on October 1, 2016.
At this time, it appears OSHA does not intend to conduct formal rulemaking and is, in effect, taking the position that this Congressional directive need not be followed after the current fiscal year ends.
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President Vetoes WOTUS Bill
As expected, President Obama has
vetoed the measure passed by both chambers of Congress to kill the Clean Water Act/Waters of the U.S. rule.
National Corn Growers Association
President Chip Bowling says the veto is a disappointment, "especially in light of the recent GAO report that says EPA engaged in 'covert propaganda' in an effort to sell the American public" on the rule.
U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst said she will continue
to fight implementation of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's definition of waterways that are subject to the federal Clean Water Act. The rule is opposed by farm groups, including the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation (IFBF) and Agribusiness Association of Iowa.
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey also comments on Obama's veto of the resolution, saying in a news release that the rule is governmental overreach and that efforts should be made to adopt a definition that is acceptable to all stakeholders.
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Iowa Precision Ag Specialist One of Four to Receive 4R Advocate Award
Five American farmers and their fertilizer retail partners have been named as 4R Grower Advocates for 2016 by the Fertilizer Institute (TFI). The winners represent growers and retailers across the nation, dedicated to implementing the 4Rs of nutrient stewardship - using the right nutrient source at the right rate, the right time and in the right place.
The 4R Advocate program is one of many facets of a high-priority campaign to raise awareness and adoption of 4R nutrient stewardship practices. Read full bios of winners here.
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Attendee
Pre-registration Closes Jan 29!
Attendee registration for the 2016 Agribusiness Showcase & Conference is open through January 29. Onsite prices will be applied to all payments after this date.
Available sessions:
More information:
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Upcoming Events
& Meeting
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AAI Legislative Reception
January 26
8:00 AM
Capitol Building
AAI Board Meeting
AAI Board Room
AAI Services Board Meeting
January 29
10:00 AM
AAI Board Room
Showcase Committee Meeting
January 29
10:00 AM
AAI Board Room
Grain / Feed & Livestock Committee Meeting
February 2
10:00 AM
AAI Board Room
AAI All Member Annual Meeting
February 9, 2016
3:00 PM
VI Building, Upper East Room
Iowa State Fairgrounds
Agribusiness Showcase & Conference
February 9-10, 2016
VI Building, Iowa State Fairgrounds
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2016 Membership Directory Advertising Benefits
Benefits of advertising in 2016:
- 5 Free listings in Buyer's Guide printed version
- A linked listing on digital Buyer's Guide (www.agribiz.org/aai-buyers-guide)
- Special listing in Advertiser's Index printed version showing page number of your ad
- Yearly Recognition by over 1,200 AAI members who use our directory daily
- Member discounted rates - see pages 2-3 of enclosed packet
- Yearly Recognition by over 1,200 AAI members
Please download our advertiser packet today!
Deadline to advertise is February 29, 2016.
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