Mission to National Summit on Agricultural and Food Truck Transport for the Future - Washington, D.C. - April 24-26, 2007

Purpose of travel:
To attend and participate in the National Summit on Agricultural and Food Truck Transport for the Future (NSAFTT).

Overview:
The National Summit on NSAFTT brings together senior agricultural congressmen, senators and key transport industry contacts from the United States (US) to discuss transportation policy challenges and to exchange best practices. This was Alberta’s first NSAFTT meeting. The Summit was attended by key US influencers and the meeting provided a unique opportunity to build relationships and advance our agriculture interests with influential US congressmen and senators.

Minister Lloyd Snelgrove was invited to attend the Summit, in his role as board member for the State Agriculture Leaders (SARL) Board. Minister Snelgrove was elected to the SARL board for a two year term, in 2006. Len Mitzel MLA, Cypress Medicine Hat attended the Summit on behalf of Minister Snelgrove.

Objectives of NSAFTT are to:

provide a venue for the trucking industry and other interested organizations to discuss critical issues and bring forth ideas to strengthen commercial trucking as a partner in the future success of US agriculture; and to
encourage proactive and coordinated efforts and contribute to efficient and effective transportation of agricultural commodities and food.

Mission Objectives:

network, maintain and strengthen relationships with key US agriculture representatives and counterparts;
gain insight and provide perspective on any policy decisions that may impact Alberta’s agriculture and agri-food trade interests; and
meet with key influencers to advance Alberta’s agriculture and agri-food interests.

The agenda for the NSAFTT was a combination of keynote speakers, panels and roundtables. Main themes included: the 2007 Farm Bill; commercial agricultural and food trucking industry structure, performance, capacity and challenges; biofuels; innovative truck/rail transport and the future of trucking and agricultural shipping; a global perspective on transport; threats to agriculture and food truck transportation industry security, and regulatory and business issues.

Representatives and staff from the US Congress and Senate Ag Committees provided an overview of priorities for the 2007 Farm Bill. US Secretary of Agriculture, Mike Johanns, addressed key points from the 2007 Farm Bill, highlighting the linkage between the agriculture and transportation industries. In 2007, the trucking industry will be responsible for the transport of 90 percent of all agricultural products and half of all grain movement. The US export projections for 2007 are estimated at $78 billion US. The Farm Bill includes tax credit packages to promote renewable fuels and increase crop production. This will result in an exponential increase in the need for trucks and rail to move primary products used for biofuels production.

Kelly Morrow, Vice President, Transportation, CHS Inc., addressed current challenges the trucking industry is facing. The overview of issues consisted of the need to consider privatization of roads in the US, the shortage of qualified truck drivers, and Canada/US border crossing problems resulting in reluctance of drivers to cross the border.

Public private partnerships (P-3s) were discussed to address the cost of maintaining and constructing new roads for the movement of goods. The trucking industry suggested the P-3s consider “reasonable rates” be charged at tolls providing owners with a reasonable profit.

The President of the Agricultural Retailers Association discussed concerns of railway transport challenges that will possibly hinder the movement of agricultural products. Railways no longer want to transport agricultural products such as ammonia or ammonium nitrate. In addition, the industry is increasing demurrage fees and are organizing a “chain of custody” to ensure that all rail cars have someone to receive each car. Background checks will increase and result in further shortages of qualified transport staff.

The agriculture industry is facing the challenge of an animal rights movement lobbying against transportation of live animals. Currently the 35 animal rights groups are requesting that the 2007 Farm Bill allow the animals enough room for movement for sleeping and stretching. In addition, they are lobbying for “animal law” to grant animals the same legal status as children.

Threats to food security appeared as the largest concern at the Summit, which is being taken very seriously by government and industry. There is strong concern that agriculture and agri-food products can be crippled by the destruction of fuel sources, or the contamination of products. In addition, threats of bio-terrorism will result in enhanced security seals on containers and more rigid background checks for drivers.

The Summit provided an opportunity for Alberta to exchange information with key US influencers and provided an opportunity to learn and exchange information on the 2007 US Farm Bill as it relates to current and future transportation issues.

Results:
Mr. Mitzel met with key agriculture legislators to advance Alberta’s agriculture and agri-food interests.

Alberta enhanced its profile with key contacts in the US transportation sector.

An invitation was extended to Mr. Mitzel to attend next year’s Summit and participate on one of the panels to provide an Alberta perspective.

Delegation:
Len Mitzel MLA, Cypress–Medicine Hat

For more information about the content of this document, contact Annalisa Baer.
This information published to the web on June 5, 2007.
Last Reviewed/Revised on May 31, 2019.