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News/Press Releases
Industry Update on Canola Meal being treated with Formaldehyde
On August 23rd the CGFA Feed Manufacturing Study Group and the Environmental & Safety Study Group met to discuss and address concerns about Canola Meal being treated with Formaldehyde to satisfy the FDA’s current zero tolerance policy for Salmonella.
As follow up to this meeting we have collected useful pieces of information that assist in answering questions about the use of formaldehyde in feed.
Key Points:
Formaldehyde in most applications is completed dissipated within 24 hours after treatment (see Formaldehyde release from treated canola)
Feed that containing ingredients that were treated with formaldehyde would not need to be labeled with the caution statement nor would formaldehyde need to be listed separately in the ingredient statement. (See FDA Letter labeling complete feed)
At this time it is our understanding there is no Prop 65 labeling requirement
There are studies that show that feed treated with formaldehyde can increase milk production (See studies on formaldehyde in oil seed for cattle)
Formaldehyde in oil seed for cattle - Hamilton 1992
Formaldehyde in oil seed for cattle - Burgess and Nicolson
Formaldehyde in oil seed for cattle - Sharma 1972
Formaldehyde in oil seed for cattle - Tymuck 1998
Antitox product fact sheet for Termin-8 (see Termin 8 domestic tech sheet)
VETO CARD CHECK: Senate Bill 1474 (Steinberg)
CGFA members are urged to write the Governor urging that he veto SB 1474. Please feel free to personalize or alter the letter as you feel necessary but the important thing is to get as many people as possible to weigh in with the Governor's office. Letters can be sent to the Governor via fax by dialing 916-558-3160.
The measure would not only harm my business and my employees, but the measure would undermine the most fundamental of democratic principles: the right to cast a vote privately and free from intimidation through a secret ballot.
(Click here for sample letter)
Governor Vetos Ag - SB 1121 - Ag Overtime Bill
Late Wednesday afternoon (July 28), California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger vetoed SB 1121 (Florez, D-Shafter), legislation that would have required overtime pay for field employees after eight hours per day and 40 hours per week.
To the Members of the California State Senate:
I am returning Senate Bill 1121 without my signature.
In 1999, California enacted sweeping legislation concerning overtime wages and adopted the requirements that overtime be generally paid after eight hours of work. However, in enacting the “Eight-Hour-Day Restoration and Workplace Flexibility Act of 1999" the Legislature specifically exempted agricultural workers from such overtime requirements, recognizing that agricultural work is different from other industries: it is seasonal, subject to the unpredictability of Mother Nature, and requires the harvesting of perishable goods. Indeed, while California is the most progressive state in the nation by allowing overtime pay for agricultural employees after 10 hours of work, federal law exempts workers employed in agriculture from overtime pay altogether. Senate Bill 1121 would cast aside these longstanding rules and would require overtime pay for agricultural workers after eight hours per day and 40 hours per week.
My administration has made great strides to improve the lives of agricultural workers. I have signed legislation to increase the minimum wage, fought hard to improve our state’s infrastructure to ensure adequate water supplies for our agricultural regions, and enacted the first-in-the-nation outdoor heat stress regulations to help keep agricultural workers safe. Unfortunately, this measure, while wellintended, will not improve the lives of California’s agricultural workers and instead will result in additional burdens on California businesses, increased unemployment, and lower wages. In order to remain competitive against other states that do not have such wage requirements, businesses will simply avoid paying overtime. Instead of working 10-hour days, multiple crews will be hired to work shorter shifts, resulting in lower take home pay for all workers. Businesses trying to compete under the new wage rules may become unprofitable and go out of business, resulting in further damage to our already fragile economy.
Finally, it should be noted that Senate Bill 1121 would not just change the rules governing overtime pay for agricultural workers, but would also apply California’s confusing and burdensome rest and meal requirements. Unfortunately, while there have been several attempts to clean up this section of law, efforts at comprehensive reform continue to fail. There is no reason to exacerbate this continuing problem by adding agricultural workers to it. For these reasons, I am unable to sign this bill.
Sincerely,
Arnold Schwarzenegger
Changes made to Federal Quarantine Regulations for Karnal Bunt
Changes to Section 218.1 Karnal Bunt in the California Department of Food and Agriculture Plant Quarantine Manual.were recently announced.
Karnal Bunt is under a Federal Domestic Quarantine. The changes to the manual include the addition of La Paz County, Arizona to the designated list of quarantined areasand the Texas counties formerly on the list have been removed. If you handle or produce any of the regulated articles the designated quarantine areas please read the attached excerpt from the PQM to ensure that you are in compliance with this quarantine regulation.
301.89 KARNAL BUNT
Federal Domestic Quarantine
A. Pest. Karnal bunt, a plant disease caused by the fungus Tilletia indica (Mitra) Mundkur.
B. Regulated Articles.
1. Conveyances, including trucks, railroad cars, and other containers used to move wheat, durum wheat, or triticale;
2. Grain elevators/equipment/structures used for storing and handling wheat, durum wheat, and triticale;
3. Milling products or byproducts, except flour;
4. Plants, or plant parts, including grain, seed, or straw of all varieties of the following species: wheat (Triticum aestivum), durum wheat (Triticum durum), and triticale (Triticum aestivum x Secale cereale;
5. Root crops with soil;
6. Soil from areas where field crops are produced;
7. Manure from animals that have fed on wheat, durum wheat, or triticale;
8. Used bags, sacks and containers;
9. Used farm tools;
10. Used mechanized cultivating equipment;
11. Mechanized harvesting equipment (i.e., mechanized harvesting equipment used in the production of wheat, durum wheat, and triticale that test positive from Karnal bunt);
12. Used seed conditioning equipment (i.e., equipment that has been used in the production of wheat, durum wheat, and triticale);
13. Used mechanized soil-moving equipment; and
14. Any other product, article or means of conveyance when:
a. An inspector determines that it presents a risk of spreading Karnal bunt due to its proximity to an infestation of Karnal bunt; and
b. The person in possession of the product, article, or means of conveyance has been notified that it is regulated.
C. Quarantined Areas.
The following areas are designated as quarantined areas:
Arizona
La Paz Portions of the county.
Maricopa County Portions of the county.
Pinal County Portions of the county.
California Riverside County Portions of county in the Palo Verde Valley.
Click below for .pdf
301.89 Karnal Bunt Federal Domestic Quarantine
Conveyor Currents
Below is the link to archieve copies of CGFA's Conveyor Currents
http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs075/1102179965151/archive/1102257351135.html
Manager's Guide To Safe Trucking During Agricultural Planting and Harvest Season
Guide Promotes Safe Trucking in Agriculture
With springtime comes warmer weather and blooming flowers. In many parts of the country fertilizer is being applied to fields and tractors are rolling through to plant crops. This is the start of another busy growing season for many in agriculture. At this time the Agricultural and Food Transporters Conference (AFTC) of the American Trucking Associations (ATA) is rolling out an effort to educate the agricultural industry about the importance of safe operation on rural roads and highways during planting and harvest seasons.
The purpose of the “Manager’s Guide to Safe Trucking During Agricultural Planting and Harvest Season” is to educate truck drivers and their managers in the agricultural industry about the importance of safe operation during agriculture’s busy seasons and give them active strategies that they can apply. Much of the information was taken from a comprehensive textbook, “Safety for the Long Haul,” recently released by ATA.
Timing is often critical and flexibility is needed in the agricultural industry to get the job done during the busy seasons. While government regulations limit truck drivers’ working hours, agricultural haulers are allowed an exemption from these hours of service regulations. Agricultural operations are accustomed to difficult working conditions and familiar with the importance of operating machinery in a safe manner on the farm and in agricultural processing operations. Safety is especially critical in the case of truck driving since accidents on the road can affect not only the company but others in the public who share the road.
This guide is directed towards managers because it is incumbent upon managers to constantly impress on their employees the importance of safety in the workplace. Safety is especially critical in the case of truck driving since accidents on the road can affect not only the company but others in the public who share the road. This guide is directed toward the agricultural industry due to the unique seasonal nature of agricultural planting and harvest season which results in temporary periods of intense activity.
Agricultural and Food Transporters Conference (AFTC) of the American Trucking Associations (ATA)
The guide is available free for anyone to download and print at:
Manager's Guide to Safe Trucking
CGFA Takes Active Role in Addressing California Dairy Crisis
The Dairy Industry in California is in the midst of a perfect storm. High production costs coupled with the global economic crisis, lower consumption, increased imports and a major disruption in export markets has lead to a serious economic downturn within California’s dairy industry. While we hear that some are saying this is just a California crisis, it will be felt across the county and it is anticipated that the entire U.S. Dairy industry will be dealing with significant losses in the millions if not billions of dollars. The current situation certainly will have long term and far reaching impacts to all who serve the dairy industry, hence why we need to get and be engaged!
Early in February, CGFA began working with the dairy industry to learn more about solutions they believed would assist them in weathering the storm. In response to those discussion, CGFA sent a letter to USDA Secretary Vilsack requesting, reinstatement of the Dairy Export Incentive Program, Increased dairy and beef purchases in the nutrition and assistance and feeding programs, and purchases of butter, powder and cheese by the Commodity Credit Corporation; a copy can be found at
http://www.cgfa.org/documents/Letter%20to%20Secretary%20of%20Ag.pdf
On February 18th and 19th, CGFA’s Board of Directors discussed the situation at length and what possible actions CGFA could take to assist the industry. Based on the direction of the BOD to support the dairy industry’s requests to the USDA, staff began making regular contacts with our major dairy associations, processors and congressional offices.
On Wednesday, March 4th, several leading California Grain and Feed Association members traveled to Sacramento and then onto Sonoma to meet with state officials and dairy leaders face-to-face to discuss the crisis. In Sacramento, we met with former CDFA Undersecretary A.J. Yates, who is still at CDFA focusing specifically on dairy issues and with Undersecretary Will Brown to discuss their position regarding the crisis and the state’s role with assisting California’s dairy farmers. We then traveled to Petaluma where we met with the Alliance of Western Milk Producers and with the leadership of the Western United Dairymen to personally communicate CGFA readiness to engage and to discuss how CGFA can take an active role in supporting their efforts to assist dairy farmers both in the short and long term.
We learned a great deal during the meetings and as a result believe CGFA and our members can assist California’s dairy farmers in the following ways:
In the Short Term:
- Work alongside California’s dairy industry to communicate the seriousness and breadth of the crisis.
- Communicate directly with our Congressional Delegation – especially those that serve on the Agricultural Committees - to encourage the USDA:
- to quickly and fully implement the Dairy Export Incentive Program;
- to emphasize purchase of dairy and beef products in the USDA’s nutrition and feeding programs; and,
- to relax bureaucratic product and packaging specifications so that a variety of dairy products can be purchased by the USDA.
- Purchases of butter, powder and cheese by the Commodity Credit Corporation.
- Support current efforts to reduce supply within the industry; and,
- Continue to work and build a broad based coalition of agricultural organizations to assist the dairy industry in this crisis.
In the Long Term:
- Actively contribute to National efforts within the dairy industry to minimize the dramatic increases and decreases in supply and price peaks and valleys; and,
- Actively participate in support of federal dairy trade and market issues.
It is critical that we all work together to assist with stabilizing the dairy industry in California and across the country. We welcome your participation, ideas and support.
Regards,
Chris Zanobini
Executive Vice President
__________________________________________________________
Summary of California Air Resources Board's Proposed Regulation to Reduce Emissions
Summary of California Air Resources Board's
Proposed Regulation to Reduce Emissions of Diesel Particulate Matter, and Other Pollutants from In-Use Heavy-Duty Diesel-Fueled Vehicals
(click here for Truck Rule Summary)
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Protecting the Food Supply
Safety Articles
Cal/OSHA Injury Summary - Log 300
Simplifying OSHA Forms 300, 300A, and 301 Including Posting Requirement of OSHA's Form 300A: "Summary of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses"
The Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Act of 1970 requires certain employers to prepare and maintain records of work related injuries and illnesses. In fulfillment of this requirement, OSHA developed a series of specific record keeping forms: OSHA's Form 300, 300A, and 301. The OSHA 300 series forms are written in plain language and are intended to simplify work-related injury and illness record keeping and enhance company safety and health programs. The resulting data collected by these forms will be used to track and compile statistics on work-related injuries, illnesses, and deaths so that employers and Cal/OSHA can develop a picture of the extent and severity of work-related incidents. They will also help Cal/OSHA identify the scope of employer-assistance needs.
Log of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses
During each year, OSHA's Form 300, the "Log of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses", must be used to classify work-related injuries and illnesses and to note the extend and severity of each case. When an incident occurs, employers must use the Log to record specific details about what happened. On this form, employers must record information about every work-related death and about every work-related injury or illness that involves loss of consciousness, restricted work activity or job transfer, days away from work, or medical treatment beyond first aid. They must also report significant work-related injuries and illnesses diagnosed by a physician or licensed health-care professional. Employers must also record work-related injuries and illnesses that meet any of the specific recording criteria listed in 29 CFR Part 1904.8 through 1904.12.
Injury and Illness Incident Report
OSHA's Form 301, the "Injury and illness Incident Report", is one of the first forms employers must fill out when a recordable work-related injury or illness occurs. This form, or its equivalent, must be filled in within 7 calendar days after receiving information that a recordable work-related injury or illness has occurred. The form must be kept on file for 5 years following the year to which it pertains.
Employees, former employees, and their representatives have the right to review the OSHA Form 300 in its entirety. They also have limited access to the OSHA Form 301 or its equivalent. (See 29 CFR Part 1904.35, in OSHA's recordkeeping rule, for further details on the access provisions for these forms.)
Summary of Work-Relted Injuries and Illnesses
At the end of the year, all establishments covered in 29 CFR Part 1904 must complete OSHA's Form 300A, the "Summary of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses", even if no work-related injuries or illnesses occurred during the year. After careful review of the "Log of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses" to verify that entries are complete and accurate, the total number of incidents in each category listed on OSHA's Form 300 must be transferred to the Form 300A. California law requires employers to post the "Summary" page from February 1 to April 30 of the year following the year covered by the "Summary". It must be displayed in a conspicuous location where notices to employees are customarily posted. A copy of the "Summary" must also be made available to employees who move from worksite to worksite and employees who do not report to any fixed establishment on a regular basis. At the end of the three-month period, the "Summary" should be taken down and kept on file for a period of five years following the year to which it pertains.
For copies of OSHA's Form 300, 300A, and 301 or further information clarifying mandatory recordkeeping, including which employers are exempt or no longer exempt, visit Cal/OSHA's Web site, or the federal OSHA Web site. For employers without Internet access or for questions not addressed on these Web sites, call your local Cal/OSHA consultation office.
Related Links
Prepared by: State Compensation Insurance Fund
California Grain & Feed Association Outside Contractor Guide
OVERVIEW
At times, our processing members may contract with outside parties to perform repair, maintenance and capital
improvement work on various equipment and facilities. In today's regulatory environment, members should be
concerned about the potential liability exposure created by outside contractors.
The following checklist is provided to assist you with ensuring that you and your outside contractors
are adequately prepared before commencing a project.
INSURANCE
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Workers' compensation insurance policy on file
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General liability insurance policy on file
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Performance bond(s) on file
COMPLIANCE WITH APPLICABLE REGULATORY AGENCIES
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Building permits (if required)
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Fire department approval (if required)
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Air permits (if required)
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Wastewater permits (if required)
SAFETY FOR CONTRACTOR AND COMPANY EMPLOYEES
General Requirements
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Use or transportation of alcohol, drugs, etc. on company premises prohibited
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Observe facility "no smoking" policies.
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Fire alarms, fire extinguishers, eyewash stations and showers should
be kept clear of any obstructions.
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Horseplay and practical jokes are prohibited.
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No machinery should be operated without proper guards.
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Facility lockout/tagout policies and procedures are to be followed
at all times.
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Wear appropriate personal protective equipment as necessary (review
company policies).
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Follow all safety rules for the areas and operations affected.
Specific Requirements
In order to help protect the host employer and outside contractors
from injury, it is essential that the following requirements be strictly
adhered to:
Before work commences, the contractor's superintendent/foreman must
meet with the plant manager in order to demonstrate how the contractor's
compliance with company safety programs will be accomplished and monitored.
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The company will assign a responsible and qualified person to oversee the
contractor's activities for compliance with company and regulatory safety
requirements.
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Permission must be obtained from facility management prior to commencing
work in any area of company premises.
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Contractor shall supply adequate tools and equipment for the safe performance
of activities.
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All electrical equipment used on-site must be in compliance with local,
state, and federal regulations.
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All scaffolds must have toeboards, midrails, and handrails as indicated
in Title 8 of the California Code of Regulations.
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Compressed gas cylinders must be stored in an upright position and
secured in place away from any source of heat or flame. Keep compressed
gas cylinders outside of operating buildings except by special permission.
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No welding, torching, cutting, or grinding is permitted unless contractor
fully complies with company and regulatory hot work permit requirements.
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Contractor's work area must be roped or taped off when slip, trip,
or fall hazards exist.
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All passageways, operating areas and roadways must be kept clear of obstructions
or trip hazards.
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Containers used for gasoline must have an Underwriters' Laboratories or
Factory Mutual Laboratories label.
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Contractors are expected to keep their work area neat and orderly at all
times. All spilled or scattered materials should be cleaned up as
the job progresses.
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Company employees are not allowed to use contractor's ladders, scaffolds,
tools or other equipment at any time. This condition may be waived
if the contractor's superintendent and company management agree.
Minimum Training Requirements
The following training requirements must be facility and job-specific:
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Company and Contractor's General Safety Rules
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Motorized Equipment Operations (i.e. forklifts, loaders, scissor
lifts, cranes)
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Hazard Communication (Chemical Safety)
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Lockout/Tagout
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Respiratory Protection
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Confined Space Entry and Rescue
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Hot Work Permits
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Fall Protection
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Evacuation Procedures
Disclaimer
The information contained herein ("Guide") was compiled by the California
Grain and Feed Association ("Association") from various sources for use
by Association members. Every effort has been made to provide the
most accurate and current information available. However, the Association
makes no warranties regarding the information contained in the Guide or
the applicability of such information to a particular operation. The Association
specifically disclaims any and all warranties, express or implied, including
but not limited to implied warranties or merchantability and fitness for
a particular use. The Association does not warrant that the information
contained in the materials will be error-free or that defects will be corrected.
This Guide is not intended as legal advice and is intended for informational
purposes only. Nothing in this Guide is intended to replace a member's
own technical experts or legal advisors, and the Association encourages
each member to consult such professionals before implementing specific
procedures. This Guide is not intended, nor should it be interpreted,
to create an industry-wide standard against which members will be measured,
regardless of whether they choose to follow any or all of the suggestions
in the Guide. The Association may update the materials in this Guide
from time to time, but the Association does not accept or undertake any
responsibility to update the information provided in this Guide on a regular
basis or at all.
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