The American Bakers Association works on well over 50 legislative and regulatory issues. Each of the issues falls under the umbrella of one of ABA's committees,  which is headed by an ABA staff liaison and a Chairman (and Vice-Chair in some cases) from one of ABA's member companies. The top ten legislative and regulatory issues are listed below, along with the appropriate staff contact and committee. 

 

 

1. Volatility in the Commodity Futures Market — Commodity market volatility remains high due to the influence of index funds in the markets. ABA is working with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission to create responsible market regulations that secure future participation for traditional market participants.
    
2. Food Safety —ABA is leading industry implementation strategies for the new Food Safety Modernization Act. These include a citizens petition to exempt low risk depots from costly preventative control requirements and responses to FDA proposals that would impact the baking industry.
    
3. Nutrition & Wellness —ABA continues to lead the grain chain on post Dietary Guidelines nutrition policy issues. These include grain messaging for the MyPlate food icon, USDA’s school meal standard proposal, marketing to children, sodium reduction strategies and front of pack labeling opportunities.
   
   
4. Labor and Workforce Issues — In the 111th Congress, ABA successfully prevented egregious proposals from becoming law, including the Employee Free Choice Act (Card Check), the Employee Misclassification Act and the Patriot Employer Act.  While the legislative threat is neutralized, ABA is working closely with 112th Congress to address major concerns with the National Labor Relations Board’s activist agenda.  The NLRB is attempting to dramatically prohibit employer bargaining rights and election timelines, as well as decrease the size and scope of a bargaining unit, making it easier for unions to target smaller numbers of employees.  ABA will continue to be a strong advocate for the industry ensuring that the bakers’ voice is heard regarding labor and workforce issues.
    
5. Sustainability —The ENERGY STAR® Challenge for the baking industry highlights ABA’s sustainable development efforts. Customers and consumers have placed an increased emphasis on corporate citizenship and operational efficiency. ABA continues to partner with the Allied Trades of the Baking Industry and grain chain to develop sustainability guidance for the baking industry.
   
   
6. Sugar Program Reform — The current U.S. sugar program costs bakers and consumers upwards of $4 billion dollars each year in higher sugar costs and has led to a loss of more than 112,000 U.S. jobs since 1997. Sugar policy restricts imports – many years leading to dangerously low supplies. ABA is working vigorously with Congress to create a more baker and consumer-friendly sugar program. 
    
7. Biotechnology & Wheat Research — Federal funds for USDA’s basic wheat research initiatives are severely threatened. ABA is actively urging members of Congress to continue vitally important wheat research to improve yield, nutritional quality and disease resistance to benefit both bakers and consumers. ABA is also working together with the wheat growers and millers to address issues surrounding the future commercialization of biotech wheat.
   
   
8. Proof Box Emissions — The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) may seek precedent-setting control requirements for proof boxes that would significantly impact ABA members nationwide. The estimates for these controls could range from $150,000 - $180,000 per ton of volatile organic compounds per bakery line. These would include capital costs, added personnel time, inefficiencies and interruption of production, and additional energy costs. ABA continues to actively engage with IDEM and bakers to find a solution.
   
   
9. Health Care Reform and New Regulations — Congress passed a massive overhaul of the health care system in 2010. Soon to be enforced provisions include a new tax on health care plans, an employer mandate to provide a certain level of health care benefits, new restrictions on HSAs and FSAs and much more. ABA is actively engaged in “repeal and replace” efforts in the 112th Congress. ABA will continue to seek opportunities to mitigate the impact to the baking industry.
    
10. Ethanol Policy – Corn-based ethanol has accelerated the decrease of wheat acreage in the U.S. over the past 30 years and tightened food supplies around the world. Further, the 30-year-old ethanol tax credit costs the nation more than $6 billion dollars per year. The Volumetric Ethanol Excise Tax Credit expired at the end of 2011. After three decades, this is a first step toward restoring the balance between food and fuel crops. ABA called on bakers to march on Washington four years ago as part of the Band of Bakers, starting a sea change of attitudes around the country and on Capitol Hill regarding ethanol.
    
    
11. Combustible Dust — Dust explosions have raised the profile of dust issues. The U.S. Chemical Safety & Hazard Investigation Board has recommended that ABA continue promoting improvements in combustible dust hazard awareness and control throughout the wholesale baking industry. ABA is actively engaged on these issues urging cost-effective regulatory solutions.
     
12. Butter Flavoring ‐ Diacetyl — Legislation restricting the use of diacetyl has pressured the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) regulatory process. ABA participated in OSHA’s assessment on regulatory impacts to small businesses urging cost effective regulatory solutions. Additionally, the State of California has finalized its diacetyl regulation.