ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA, U.S. — The American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) honored Philip Olsson with its 2014 Distinguished Service Award for his life-long contributions to the feed industry and to AFIA. He was honored May 13, at the board of directors meeting in Arlington, Virginia, U.S.
The Distinguished Service Award is AFIA's highest honor. Since 1981, only 30 individuals have received this award. The award winners are elite members of the U.S. feed industry that have through their careers provided outstanding support to AFIA and the entire feed industry.
Olsson has more than 40 years of law experience and is a founding principal of OFW Law, AFIA's legal counsel. Olsson counsels companies and trade associations involved in food and agriculture-related businesses and is an advisor to the U.S. Delegation to the Codex Alimentarius Committee on Residues on Veterinary Drugs in Foods. AFIA, then named the American Feed Manufacturers Association, was one of OFW's original clients when the firm was founded in 1979.
"I am honored to be presented with the Distinguished Service Award, as my near career-long relationship working with AFIA has been rewarding to say the least," said Olsson following the ceremony. "I have had the pleasure of working with numerous boards, executive committees, members, three AFIA presidents and staff over the years who have all contributed to the great prosperity of the organization today."
Prior to founding OFW, Olsson served as a legislative assistant to Reps. Hastings Keith in 1967 and Bob Mathias from 1967-69. He was the assistant to assistant secretary of agriculture for marketing and consumer services from 1969-71 and the deputy assistant secretary of agriculture for marketing and consumer services from 1971-73. As deputy assistant secretary of agriculture, Olsson was responsible for regulatory programs ranging from commodity futures trading to consumer protection and food inspection.
He received both his bachelor of arts degree, Cum Laude, and bachelor of law degree, from Harvard University.
Olsson provided guidance on animal welfare issues during AFIA's formation of Animal Industry Foundation (now Animal Agriculture Alliance), the American Feed Industry Insurance Co. and the Institute for Feed Education & Research (IFEEDER). He has also been heavily involved during AFMA/AFIA's successful mergers with several organizations.
"Phil has been a life-long contributor and supporter of the work we are able to successfully produce here at AFIA. Our team does not think of OFW as your typical outside legal counsel, but more so as a partner; and that is due to Phil's leadership and dedication to the industry. I cannot think of a more deserving recipient of 2014 Distinguished Service Award than Phil Olsson," said AFIA President and Chief Executive Officer Joel G. Newman.
