WASHINGTON, D.C., U.S. — Top level executives from North American Miller Association’s (NAMA) member companies met in Washington, D.C., U.S., this week with legislators and regulators to discuss the important role that grain milling plays in providing abundant, affordable and nutritious food and the impact that federal policies have on this industry. NAMA board members discussed international food aid, government nutrition guidance, public access to flour production data and mill sanitation.

NAMA Chairman Paul Maass, president Commercial Foods, ConAgra Foods said “NAMA members enjoy working with the entire grain chain to insure that government regulation is based on sound science, transparency, and is evenly applied and respectful of the financial cost to the industry. Our members take time from their busy schedules to come to Washington annually to personally discuss these concerns with decision makers.”


“NAMA members are engaged in public/private partnerships to address a variety of current and future challenges. We think it is essential for our regulators and legislators to hear from NAMA leaders on these projects and other issues that are important to the industry,” said NAMA President Mary Waters.

NAMA members had meetings in the offices of Sen. Jerry Moran, Sen. Ben Nelson, Sen. Roy Blunt, Sen. Mike Johanns, Congressman Jim McGovern and Lawrence Elworth, Agricultural Counselor to the Administrator, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

They discussed the supply benefits that could result from technology advances in wheat production, including biotechnology, with senior flour milling officials visiting from Japan. Members also met independently with their Congressional representatives. Briefing papers about the issues discussed are posted in the Issues section ofNAMA’s website.