Cold Chain Policy Forum Connects Industry with Policy Makers

The Cold Chain Policy Forum, July 26-28, 2021, was GCCA’s first major in-person event since March 2020. Over 110 people registered, which is larger than the number in 2019 the last time the Policy Forum was held in-person. The strong turnout demonstrates the demand for members to meet and reconnect as the industry recovers from the pandemic. 

 

This year’s Policy Forum included some new initiatives and showcased GCCA’s expanded advocacy efforts. In addition to meeting with agency officials, the event featured high-level keynotes and included a trip to Capitol Hill to conduct a briefing on issues impacting the food supply chain. 

 

Keynote Speakers

The event began with an opening keynote session with Republican Sen. Mike Braun of Indiana. Sen. Braun currently sits on key committees important to the cold chain including the Agriculture Committee, Budget Committee and the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee. Sen. Braun spoke about the current environment in Washington, D.C. and shared his perspectives on working in a closely divided Senate. Before joining the Senate, Sen. Braun was actively involved in the logistics industry, so he understands the unique challenges of the supply chain. He discussed his concerns about legislation such as the PRO Act and proposals that would amend the tax code and increase taxes on small businesses and corporations. One of the new features of the Policy Forum is recognizing Congressional leaders who support policies that will strengthen the cold chain. GCCA is pleased to announce that Sen. Braun was awarded the inaugural Congressional Cold Chain Champion Award for his leadership in the Senate.

The Policy Forum also included a keynote session with Will McIntee, Associate Director of Public Engagement at the White House. McIntee plays a key role in building relationships between industry and the White House. The Biden Administration has made supply chain policy a high priority and McIntee spoke about COVID relief programs under the American Rescue Plan as well as Administration efforts through an Executive Order on Supply Chains and the newly created Supply Chain Disruptions Task Force. He highlighted opportunities for the cold chain industry to engage with the United States Department of Agriculture and the White House as the Administration considers additional initiatives to strengthen the supply chain.

 

Agency and Partner Education Sessions

In addition to keynote sessions with high level officials, the Policy Forum also presents an opportunity for members to engage with key agency representatives and other partners to discuss a variety of policies impacting the cold chain. This year, participants had the opportunity to meet with representatives including:

 

  • Paul Kiecker, Administrator of the USDA Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS) – Administrator Kiecker spoke about the agency’s current efforts to ensure food safety while supporting imports and exports, including new developments with the PHIS system.
  • Larry McGowan, Supervisory Industrial Hygienist, Directorate of Enforcement Programs, Occupational Safety and Health Administration –McGowan discussed the latest OSHA guidance related to COVID in the workplace, the Emergency Temporary Standard for Healthcare and the National Emphasis Program focused on enforcement of COVID safety practices in the workplace.
  • David J. Osiecki, President, Scopelitis Transportation Consulting – Osiecki described transportation policies being considered by the Biden Administrationand offered suggestions on how transportation companies can navigate these issues. He also outlined what to expect in pending legislation such as the Surface Transportation Reauthorization.
  • Deanne Grant, RMP Coordinator for the Office of Emergency Management, Environmental Protection Agency – Grant shared how EPA is considering additional rulemakings for the Risk Management Program. EPA is working to better address the impacts of climate change on facility safety and protect communities from chemical accidents through potential revisions.
  • Jeremy S. Schneider, Principal and Office Litigation Manager, Jackson Lewis P.C. – Schneider provided an overview of key labor initiatives being considered by the Biden Administration including efforts by the Department of Labor and National Labor Relations Board to advance policies promoted by organized labor.
  • Robb MacKie, President and CEO, American Bakers Association – MacKie discussed the importance of collaboration and partnerships. He highlighted the successful work of the food industry during the pandemic to engage with policy makers on the needs of the food supply chain, mitigating disruptions and opportunities to work together in the future.

 

Congressional Supply Chain Briefing

As part of GCCA’s expanded advocacy efforts, the association incorporated Congressional meetings into the 2021 Policy Forum agenda. Due to COVID protocols, movement around Congressional buildings continues to be tightly controlled, so a Congressional staff briefing was determined to be the most effective way to reach the largest number of Congressional offices. GCCA members began their visit to Congress by meeting with Senate Agriculture Committee staff to hear about the latest food and agriculture policy issues being considered. GCCA members then led a briefing for 40 Congressional staff from House and Senate offices regarding issues impacting the food supply chain. Members had the opportunity to share their perspectives and experience on topics including supply chain technology, labor constraints, regulatory flexibility, infrastructure and pandemic relief. GCCA provided Congressional staff with a one-page document outlining policy recommendations and key issues including:

  • Increased support for continued development and implementation of supply chain technology, including the strengthening of cyber security across the food industry.
  • Regulatory flexibility to address current and future supply chain disruptions and shifts in consumer patterns. • Improved FSIS policies and capacity including increased FSIS personnel, identifying alternative methods for achieving veterinary signatures and revision of the “50 mile” rule for import establishments.
  • Support for workforce development initiatives and policies to address labor challenges across the food supply chain.
  • Ensure COVID relief programs and funds assist food supply chain companies.
  • Utilize 2023 Farm Bill to comprehensively address food supply chain policies.

 

Despite the challenges of conducting a meeting in a pandemic environment, the GCCA Cold Chain Policy Forum was a success. All speakers participated live and in-person, and members had the opportunity to reconnect and engage directly with policy makers. GCCA looks to build on the success of the 2021 Cold Chain Policy Forum and its expanded advocacy efforts in the years to come.

 

LOWELL RANDEL is Senior Vice President, Government and Legal Affairs at GCCA.

EMAIL: lrandel@gcca.org

 

Source: Cold Facts September/October 2021 issue