NAMA members on Capitol Hill (from left): Brian Anderson, Grain Millers; Chris Giguere, Iowa Corn Processors; Monte White, REPCO; Kim Cooper, NAMA; Eric Chutorash, SEMO Milling; and David Silver, Didion. Photos courtesy of NAMA.

Above. Meeting with Rep. Mike Bost (R-IL). NAMA members present include (from left): Henry Siemer, Siemer Milling; Ray Clark, Hopkinsville Milling; and Chris Egart, Bunge. Right. Meeting with Rep. Adrian Smith (R-NE). NAMA members present include (from left): Jim Meyer, Richardson International; Jasmine Dickerson, General Mills; Tom Rabaey, General Mills; and Brent Bash, General Mills.
Above. Meeting with Rep. Mike Bost (R-IL). NAMA members present include (from left): Henry Siemer, Siemer Milling; Ray Clark, Hopkinsville Milling; and Chris Egart, Bunge. Right. Meeting with Rep. Adrian Smith (R-NE). NAMA members present include (from left): Jim Meyer, Richardson International; Jasmine Dickerson, General Mills; Tom Rabaey, General Mills; and Brent Bash, General Mills.

In April, North American Millers’ Association (NAMA) members traveled to Washington, D.C. for its annual NAMA fly-in, an event that puts association members face-to-face with lawmakers to advocate for causes important to the milling industry.

“This year, it is particularly crucial for NAMA members to inform Congress about the milling industry’s role and advocate for millers’ priorities in research, trade, food policy, and international food aid,” said NAMA Vice President of Government Affairs Kim Z Cooper. “It has never been more important for lawmakers to hear directly from millers in their districts and states about how current government policies are impacting their businesses and the communities they support.”

During the fly-in, 29 representatives from 16 NAMA member companies participated in 70 meetings with congressional offices, including key members of the House and Senate Agriculture Committees and appropriators. Conversations with lawmakers and their staffs focused on legislation to move Food for Peace to the USDA, the importance of open trade with Canada and Mexico, and prioritizing a science and risk-based approach to food regulation.

More Information
NAMA’s policy priorities reflect the role of millers as a crucial link in the food supply chain. More information is available online at namamillers.org/our-priorities.