Snack World - May 1, 2011 - (Page 10)

Government Affairs SFA on the March Lawmakers hear from snack executives during Legislative Summit. BY BOB GATTY mid an atmosphere of political drama and momentous decisions on Capitol Hill, the Snack Food Association (SFA) is working hard to represent the interests of the snack industry on numerous measures of importance to member companies, their owners and employees. An important part of SFA’s government relations initiative is the annual Legislative Summit (formerly the Day in DC Spring Summit), which took place May 9-11, when SFA members met with lawmakers to express their views and concerns regarding more than a dozen issues ranging from Food Stamp choices to energy policy. Now that the conference is concluded, SFA president and CEO Jim McCarthy said the SFA government affairs team will follow up with lawmakers to make sure they understand the industry’s concerns and the impact their legislative decisions will have on businesses within their states and districts. SFA’s priority list includes: • Preserving Choice for SNAP (Food Stamp) Participants. Currently there are developments that could prevent some foods, including some snacks, from being offered to SNAP recipients. These efforts include proposed studies on food choices and potential bans on certain categories 10 Snack World May 2011 www.sfa.org A of foods, as well as state level requests for US Department of Agriculture (USDA) waivers to restrict certain SNAP purchases. SFA believes imposing such restrictions would reintroduce the complexities, stigmas, and confusion that food and nutrition interests have worked for nearly 30 years to eliminate. • Independent Contractor Status. There have been numerous efforts at the state and federal levels to reclassify independent contractors as employees. The Obama administration is developing proposed rules that would place new and onerous paperwork requirements on anyone using independent contractors. The US Department of Labor and the Internal Revenue Service plan to join with state governments to more vigorously enforce alleged misclassification of workers. SFA opposes actions that would place unnecessary or unreasonable burdens on SFA contractors in appropriate circumstances. • High Commodity Prices and Biofuels. US biofuels policy along with speculation in the commodity markets have been primary contributors to the continuing rise in food prices. USDA projects that more than 35% of the current corn crop will be diverted from the food and feed sectors for use in ethanol. This is supported by subsidies, tax credits, regulatory exemptions, an import tariff on ethanol and a mandated minimum use schedule known as the Renewable Fuel Standard. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has granted a waiver allowing automobiles and light trucks, model years 2001 and later, to use a 15% ethanol blend, increased from the current law’s limit of 10%. SFA has joined in a lawsuit against EPA aimed at the waiver and will continue to support efforts to reduce the diversion of food crops for fuel. Other key issues on the SFA agenda include potential restrictions related to acrylamide, promoting school nutrition science, 2010 dietary guidelines, sodium, the 2012 Farm Bill, front-of-pack labeling initiatives, USDA deregulation of GM corn amylase and several important transportation-related matters. For a detailed report on the 2011 Legislative Summit, visit www.sfa.org. sw http://www.sfa.org http://www.sfa.org

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Snack World - May 1, 2011

Snack World - May 1, 2011
Contents
Letter from SFA - Progress and Advocacy
Supplier’s Corner - Onward and Upward
Government Affairs - SFA on the March
Government Affairs - Change Ahead
State of the Industry Report - Brands are Back
For More Research on Snacks
Natural Chips Reign Supreme
Top Potato Chip Brands
TORTILLA CHIPS - Tackling Hot Trends
PRETZELS - Healthy and Beyond
SNACK CRACKERS - The More Healthful Snack
Top Pretzel Brands
Top Snack Cracker Brands
COOKIES - Decadently Healthy
CORN SNACKS - The Scoop on Corn Chips
Top Corn Snack Brands
SNACK NUTS & SEEDS - Investing in Innovation
Top Nut, Seed and Corn Nut Brands
CHEESE SNACKS - Say Cheese to New Snacks
Top Cheese Snack Brands
PORK RINDS - Still on a Fast Track
Top Pork Rind Brands
MEAT SNACKS - Meating High Expectations
Top Meat Snack Brands
READY-TO-EAT POPCORN - Expanding Indulgence
Top RTE Popc orn/Caramel C orn Brands
MICROWAVE POPCORN - Convenience and Health
OTHER SALTED SNACKS - Catch-all Segment Builds With Variety
Top Microwave Popcorn Brands
Top Other Salted Snack Brands
SALSA AND DIPS - Salsa Dips, Dips Rise
Top Salsa and Dip Brands
Innovative and Educational …
Earl Wise Sr. Enters Circle of Honor
Overheard at SnaxPro
Get Ready for SNAXPO 2012: Celebrating 75 Years
New Snacks
Products & Services
Ad Index

Snack World - May 1, 2011