Research Priorities The FPRF Research Committee reviewed two at-large proposals, neither of which were chosen for funding. However, one of the researchers will be encouraged to submit a new proposal on energy and digestibility of rendered products. A membership task force met to explore ways to get more NRA members to participate in FPRF, particularly packer renderers. It was noted that research benefits the entire rendering industry and will yield dividends well into the future. Some members pointed out that FPRF is doing great work at low costs and with more funding, FPRF can do additional research with no added administrative expenses. Packer renderers commented that communication about the benefits of FPRF research is still lacking. FPRF staff will examine sending research reports to all NRA members, not just FPRF members, and highlight a few notable FPRF success stories, such as: • biodiesel research begun in the early 1980s resulted in a new market for animal fats beginning in 2007, returning billions of dollars to renderers; • research into using rendered products in aquaculture has significantly improved protein markets; and • boiler stack tests in Georgia 12 years ago led to a blanket permit for renderers to burn their own fats, putting a floor under fat prices and increasing profits. At the FPRF board meeting, communications was dis-cussed at length with the key being showing value for research dollars contributed. It was noted that the bi-annual Animal Co- Continued on page 14 A chemical spill in January that affected the drinking water of 300,000 residents near Charleston, WV, will likely lead to additional regulation of chemical storage, Vogler stated. A bill was passed in the West Virginia General Assembly requiring registration, inspection, spill response planning, financial responsibility, and maintenance and containment standards for tanks holding more than 1,320 gallons. A bill is pending in the US Senate requiring states to undertake similar regulation. Next, Kent Swisher, vice president, NRA International Programs, described to the Biofuels Committee how the combination of EPA’s Renewable Fuel Standard and federal tax credits for alternative fuels have resulted in an increased value of $1 billion for rendered products since 2009. On that note, the committee agreed to form a task force and develop a position to be delivered to lawmakers in Washington, DC, in June during NRA’s Washington Fly-in. The committee, and ultimately NRA, took the position of supporting the current tax extender’s package; supporting expansion of the Renewal Fuel Standard; and providing support for North American feedstocks that moderate the political risk of imported energy sources, including feedstocks for renewable fuels. In the Legislative Committee meeting, Kopperud reported that a flood of genetically modified organism labeling laws is winding through state legislatures across the country. NRA has joined a coalition led by the Grocery Manufacturers Association to try to get a federal preemption for such laws. Although the US Congress is often hesitant to step on states’ rights, the coalition is looking to FDA to reassert its right to govern labeling regulations and define “natural” in labeling. Chart 1. EPA’s rulemakings on the runway Graphic courtesy of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. www.rendermagazine.com Render June 2014 13
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