Happy Holidays from MWFPA!

December 15, 2023 Issue

Winter greetings from the Midwest Food Products Association! It has been a challenging and yet productive and rewarding year for the food processing industry. We at the Association are grateful for our members' engagement and support during the past year and particularly during our successful Convention last month. Thank you again to all our members who attended and supported MWFPA events in 2023. We look forward to seeing you in the New Year!

INDUSTRY NEWS

Despite Supreme Court Ruling, State Regulation of Food Production Remains a Big Question

While the U.S. Supreme Court upheld California’s law regulating how much space pigs must have -- even for those raised outside the state -- the fight appears to be far from over. Now the pork industry and others in agriculture are waiting to see if more states are likely to follow California and Massachusetts in passing animal welfare laws and whether other judicial and legislative action could stop prevent future state regulations. MORE

Source: MBS

Consumer Brands' CEO Addresses Problems with the Term "Ultra-Processed"

In a Real Clear Policy op-ed penned by Consumer Brands President and CEO David Chavern, Chavern discusses the glaring problems surrounding the term "ultra-processed" and shares his perspective on the importance of food processing. "Nearly a quarter of the adult population in the U.S. is considered food insecure, and nutrient-dense food options that are affordable, shelf-stable, and easily prepared - regardless of kitchen access - are made possible by food processing," he said. MORE

Source: CBA

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GOP Bill Would Pull Farmland Tax Credits from Farmers Hosting Solar Power Installations

Farm fields with solar power installations would no longer qualify for state tax credits under a new Republican bill. One GOP lawmaker claims it's about protecting farmland from being used for "nonsense" renewable energy projects. The legislation, introduced by state Rep. Ellen Schutt, R-Clinton, and state Sen. Cory Tomczyk, R-Mosinee, is brief. With two sentences, the bill would block farmers from receiving Wisconsin farmland preservation tax credits for any part of their fields with solar panels that aren't specifically used to support farming. During a Wednesday public hearing before the Assembly Committee on Ways and Means, Schutt said the bill is addressing a "loophole in current law" that allows farmers to get state funds meant to preserve farmland "despite completely changing the land to build solar energy facilities on it." MORE

Source: WisPolitics

This Land is our Land: States Crack Down on Foreign-Owned Farm Fields

As foreigners buy up American agricultural land, lawmakers want to keep certain countries out. Lawmakers are targeting nations considered hostile to U.S. interests, such as China and Russia, and looking for new enforcement measures. Many see Arkansas as leading the latter push; officials there invoked a new law in October that bans certain foreign owners and ordered a Chinese seed company to divest its land. Nearly half the states have some restrictions on the books, some of them dating back to the 1700s. … lawmakers in 36 states proposed some sort of legislation on the issue this year, ranging from caps to bans to targets on certain countries, with measures passing in about a dozen of them. MORE

Source: WisPolitics

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President’s Export Council Sends Biden Ag Trade Letter After Ford’s Presentation

President Biden’s Export Council sent Biden a letter today urging him to take several actions on agricultural trade after Land O’Lakes Inc. President and CEO Beth Ford, who is the only agricultural member of the council, presented a letter from 35 agriculture industry groups urging support for several proposals. The 35 groups signing the letter included the U.S. Dairy Export Council, American Farm Bureau Federation, National Corn Growers Association, American Soybean Association and National Pork Producers Council. MORE

Source: Constitution Partners

Tinplate Steel Tariff Would Hurt "Most Vulnerable" Shoppers

The Consumer Brands Association is urging the Department of Commerce to reject a proposed tinplate steel tariff of up to 300%. The tariff would compromise the production of canned foods by driving up costs, said Tom Madrecki, vice president of supply chain and logistics at Consumer Brands, adding, "For America's most vulnerable that rely more on canned food, that can actually mean something quite significant." MORE

Source: CBA

USDA, FDA, EPA Propose National Food Waste Reduction Strategy

More than one-third of municipal waste streams is organic waste — nearly 100 million tons — and food waste comprises 66 million tons of that total. Aiming to reduce food loss and waste by 50% in the U.S. by 2030, three national agencies — the Food and Drug Administration, the Dept. of Agriculture and the Environmental Protection Agency — have released a proposed national strategy that builds upon previous efforts to create a more sustainable future food supply. MORE

Source: CLFP

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U.S. Economic Growth for Last Quarter is Revised up to a 5.2% Annual Rate

Shrugging off higher interest rates, America’s consumers spent enough to help drive the economy to a brisk 5.2% annual pace from July through September, the government reported Wednesday in an upgrade from its previous estimate. MORE

Source: MN Chamber

US Employers Add a Solid 199,000 Jobs and Unemployment Falls, Signaling a Still-sturdy Labor Market

The nation’s employers added a solid 199,000 jobs last month and the unemployment rate fell, fresh signs that the economy could achieve an elusive “soft landing,” in which inflation would return to the Federal Reserve’s 2% target without causing a steep recession. MORE

Source: MN Chamber

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Clock Ticking on FSMA Compliance

Experts advise food manufacturers and processors to prepare for 2026's compliance date for the FSMA Traceability Rule, which requires the FDA to designate foods with additional recordkeeping requirements to protect public health. The Food Safety Modernization Act, effective January 20, 2026, is crucial for ensuring food safety and meeting FDA regulations. MORE

Source: CLFP

Private Label Ends a String of Sales Gains, but Still Strong

The Oct. dip in both dollars and volume may be just a bump in an ascending road for store brands, especially after the innovation shown at the recent Private Label Trade Show. MORE

Source: CLFP

MN Budget Surplus at $2.4 Billion, Latest Forecast Shows, but Possible Deficit on Horizon

Minnesota’s budget surplus remains at an estimated $2.4 billion, according to the latest state forecast, but officials are warning of a possible deficit on the horizon. The latest projection, released Wednesday, comes two months after Minnesota Management and Budget (MMB) noted increased revenue adjustments and slightly lower spending from its end of the biennium report, which put the recalculated projected surplus at around $2.4 billion in October, up from nearly $1.6 billion in May. The forecast estimates that the state would have a $2.4 billion surplus at the end of the 2024-25 biennium, if unspent by state lawmakers. However, looking at the 2026-27 biennium, the forecast says a lack of change would wipe out nearly that entire surplus, leaving only $82 million left over at the end of that biennium. MORE

Source: Fluence Media

New MN Laws Taking Effect January 1

It’s almost time to ring in the New Year, and there are a few laws in Minnesota that are going into effect along with it. During the 2023 legislative sessions, several new laws were passed and signed into law by Gov. Tim Walz. While many went into effect throughout the year, here is a list of some new laws going into effect in Minnesota on Jan. 1, 2024.

Source: Fluence Media

Property Taxes See Biggest Jump Since 2007 Despite Influx of Cash for Local Governments

Wisconsin is set to see its largest increase in property taxes since the Great Recession — but the actual effect on homeowners will be cushioned by a boost to two state tax credits that lower the amounts homeowners and businesses must pay. That's according to a new report from the Wisconsin Policy Forum, which analyzed preliminary figures from the state Department of Revenue to project a 4.7% increase in gross property taxes as bills go out this month — the largest increase since 2007. MORE

Source: WMC

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General Mills Announces Senior

Leadership Changes

With Sean Walker, group president, International, heading into retirement, General Mills is shifting responsibilities and announcing promotions. MORE

Source: FoodProcessing.com

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Wisconsin Ranks Third for Working Least Hours

Wisconsin ranked third on a survey for working the least hours per week on average. The survey from finance site Wealth of Geeks used data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics to find out what states worked the least. By comparing total hours worked to total jobs, the survey calculated how many hours one person in each state works weekly on average. Wisconsin came in at 31.65 hours per week, making it the state with the third-lowest weekly hours. MORE

Source: WMC

Mounted Bearings: A Key Ingredient in Food Processing Equipment

The U.S. food processing industry consists of approximately 21,000 companies and $750 billion in annual revenue. This industry makes extensive use of automation, which requires the seamless operation of many moving parts. Sealed ball bearings, including those mounted in housings, are the unassuming — but vital — component at the heart of this automation. MORE

Source: CLFP

Trends in Cold Storage Equipment and Technology

The growing refrigerated and frozen food industry necessitates managers of cold storage facilities to maintain safety and efficiency. However, increased shipments lead to more freezer, cooler and loading dock door openings, exposing expensive conditioned air and causing product degradation. New technology, equipment and design advances can help mitigate these challenges, ensuring a safer and more efficient environment. MORE

Source: CLFP

GOP Lawmakers Circulate Bills that Would Allow WI to Access Federal Funds to Build EV Charging Stations

A pair of Republican lawmakers are circulating bills that would allow Wisconsin to use federal funds to nearly double the number of publicly available electric vehicle charging stations around the state. State Sen. Howard Marklein, R-Spring Green, and Rep. Nancy VanderMeer, R-Tomah, made the announcement Monday. They say the bills would change state law to allow private businesses to own and operate electric vehicle charging stations without being regulated as utilities. The bills are currently being circulated for co-sponsorship and will be introduced in December. They could see a vote as soon as January 2024. MORE

Source: WisPolitics