The USDA has published a new regulation to “Strengthen Organic Enforcement” (SOE). The SOE states that “more types of businesses in the organic supply chain must be certified organic.” Among the new provisions is the requirement that facilities that “handle” or store organic products, such as distribution centers and warehouses, must be organic certified. USDA […]
Category: Association News
Posted inAssociation News, National
5 Questions For Kent Montgomery
The SVP of industry relations and multicultural development at PepsiCo shares his thoughts about the state of the industry for independent grocers and his outlook for the coming months. Challenges of the past year continue to linger into 2023, and despite a gradual easing of inflation, operators as well as consumers are still feeling the […]
Posted inExecutive News, Association News, Northeast
PFMA Adds Wawa’s Simonetti As New Board Member
The Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association (PFMA) has added David Simonetti, senior director of store operations and business operations for Wawa Inc., as a new member to its board of directors. “What a great addition to our board; it is always a pleasure to welcome members of the food and beverage industries to [the] PFMA board […]
Posted inMarket Profile, Association News, Southeast
LRA Backed Measures To Streamline Tax Remittance, Reduce Retail Crime
Executive director: Law enforcement needs to ‘have discretion to make arrests’ where necessary The Louisiana Retailers Association (LRA) supported legislation this year to benefit its members, according to Jessica Elliott, executive director. Two of the bills – HB 558 and SB 54 – were passed and have been signed into law by Gov. John Bel […]
Posted inAssociation News, Midwest
MGA Recognizes 2023 Award Winners, Hall Of Fame Inductees
The Minnesota Grocers Association (MGA) recognized its 2023 award winners and Hall of Fame inductees July 30 at the association’s annual conference in Brainerd, Minnesota. MGA annually presents awards to those in the industry that demonstrate excellence, have made significant contributions and are highly respected by their peers. The 2023 awards were presented by MGA […]
Posted inMarket Profile, Association News, West
MFDA President: Montana’s Economy Stronger In ‘23
At the end of fiscal year 2022, Montana saw a 39 percent increase in collections from its top seven taxes. Through the first 10 months of the current fiscal year, those same taxes had produced 3 percent less, according to the Bureau of Business and Economic Research at the University of Montana. Most of the […]
Posted inAssociation News, National
22 Students To Receive NGA Foundation Scholarships
As part of its effort to promote careers in the grocery industry, the National Grocers Association Foundation is awarding scholarships, provided by donors and affiliate groups, to 22 students for the 2023-24 academic year. “We are impressed by the dedication of these students to the food industry. The career plans many of them shared with […]
Posted inAssociation News, Guest Contributors, National
New Fees, Restrictions On SNAP Would Stifle Efforts To Help Food Insecure
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, commonly known as SNAP, is a public-private program that works as it was designed – to help feed the food insecure. And in many rural and urban areas, where independent community grocers often are the only convenient source of fresh groceries and other essential goods, SNAP has been an effective […]