No images? Click here GCCA Sponsored Study Reveals Critical Role the Food and Agriculture Sectors Play in Feeding the EconomyOver the past year, the ongoing COVID-19 crisis has served as a reminder of the critical role that the United States food and agriculture industry plays in a resilient food supply chain, ensuring that Americans are supplied with an abundance of safe food during this time of need. A new nationwide economic impact study, entitled “Feeding the Economy,” was commissioned by 33 food and agriculture groups and reinforces the significance of the food and agriculture industry as critical to day-to-day American life. This study sheds light on how the food and agriculture sector not only feeds Americans, but also fuels the U.S. economy. The COVID-induced economic downturn of the past year has only served to further highlight the critical importance of the food and agriculture industries. Read the study HERE. Bipartisan Congressional Letter Sent to Biden Administration Calling for Sound Science on COVID-19 Transmission and Safety of the American Food SupplyA bipartisan letter signed by 15 congressional leaders was sent to Biden Administration officials expressing concern that the World Health Organization (WHO) may modify its assumptions regarding viral transmission of COVID-19 via food and food packaging at the urging of the Chinese government. The letter calls on the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Department of Agriculture (USDA), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and Office of the U.S. Trade Representative to urge the WHO to commission a panel of objective and independent virus experts to review the evidence presented by the Chinese government. GCCA continues to work with food industry partners and policy makers in Congress and the Administration to communicate the safety of the food supply and the importance of using sound science to form policy. Read the full letter HERE. Biden Team Eyes $3 Trillion Economic PlanThe Biden administration is considering a multipart infrastructure and economic development package that could cost as much as $3 trillion and fulfill key elements of President Biden’s campaign agenda. The first proposal would center on roads, bridges and other infrastructure projects and include many of the climate-change initiatives the Biden Administration outlined in the “Build Back Better” plan. That package would be followed by measures focusing on education and tax priorities. Stay tuned for additional updates as we expect to learn more details on this package in the coming weeks. Congress Passes the PPP Extension ActWe are happy to announce that on Thursday, March 25, Congress passed the PPP Extension Act of 2021 and it has been signed into law by President Biden. GCCA has been actively working with industry partners to advocate for this legislation, including a recent coalition letter to the House and Senate Small Business Committees urging passage of the bill. The PPP Extension Act of 2021 extends the application deadline, which will allow businesses until May 31, 2021 to apply for a first or second PPP loan and allows the Small Business Administration until June 30 to review and approve loan applications submitted before June 1. Read the final bill HERE. USDA Announces Additional Pandemic AssistanceOn March 24, 2021, USDA announced it will dedicate at least $6 billion to develop a number of new programs or modify existing proposals using discretionary funding from the Consolidated Appropriations Act and other coronavirus funding to assist the food and agriculture industry. GCCA is actively engaging with USDA as it implements these and other COVID relief provisions to communicate the pandemic impacts on our industry and how this type of assistance can be helpful to members. GCCA will keep you updated on these programs as the rulemaking process begins. Click HERE for more. Find out more about the program HERE. Call to Action: Nominate a Cold Chain Champion Do you have a colleague who you believe performs exceptional work and deserves special recognition? We are highlighting our members and their achievements on social media. Nominate yourself, your company, or your colleague for a chance to be spotlighted as a #ColdChainChampion! Submit nominations, a short explanation, and a photo to Rachael Oury at roury@gcca.org. GCCA Launches Advocacy CenterGCCA has launched a new Advocacy Center as part of the association’s expanded advocacy efforts. This new platform will enable GCCA members to engage with their elected officials to promote and protect the industry. All GCCA members are encouraged to SUBSCRIBE to the new Advocacy Center program to receive the latest on policy developments and grassroots campaigns. Advocacy Fund Established to Support Enhanced ServicesGCCA has established a new strategic initiative, the Advocacy Fund, to expand our advocacy efforts on behalf of our industry. This Advocacy Fund will support our increased efforts to promote and protect the cold chain. Members are urged to consider making financial contributions to support these expanded advocacy efforts. To learn more about the Fund or about how you can contribute click here or please contact Lowell Randel. |