2011 NASDA Annual Meeting

<p>PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT: The objective of the 2011 NASDA Annual Meeting is to provide information on current and emerging feed and food safety issues impacting agriculture, and to build consensus among the states on regulatory approaches to these issues. The plenary speakers will give state regulators an opportunity to hear a national perspective on feed and food safety, something to which they may not be exposed in the irrespective states. At recent meetings NASDA members have stressed the fact that there must be continuous efforts made on the part of FDA and NASDA members to collaborate and cooperate in discussions on emerging FDA topics that directly and indirectly affect agriculture. The states and FDA share similar authorities, missions and responsibilities, and the partners have been working to improve communications. The passage of the Food Safety and Modernization Act has created a plethora of issues to be discussed and resolved as we seek to establish an integrated federal-state food and feed safety system. The need for conversation and decision making cannot be overstated. NASDA has two membership meetings a year. One is the annual meeting in the state of the current president; the other is a 'midyear meeting' held in Washington, DC. The focus of the meetings is legislative and regulatory issues of interest to the members. These two occasions and one additional meeting, held regionally, are the opportunities for NASDA members to converse on issues, make contacts with each other and other leaders, set priorities and goals for the coming year and meet face-to-face with NASDA staff and FDA officials. As a result of the November 2010 elections, NASDA has 21 new members that have yet to attend a full round of NASDA meetings. The annual meeting presents the perfect opportunity for these new members to get acquainted with NASDA staff and key FDA leaders that are dealing with feed and food safety and regulatory issues in their state, and promote partnerships to ensure program success. The meeting this September is four days long, and the agenda includes committee meetings and plenary sessions and speakers. NASDA has a Food Regulation & Nutrition Committee that meets during this time to discuss topics focusing on FDA program areas such as the Produce Safety Alliance, Milk Residue project, and the Food Safety and Modernization Act. In addition, NASDA Members and key FDA leadership find time during the meeting for mini-conferences on issues of interest and concern. All states have cooperative agreements with the Food & Drug Administration. The conference will be held at the Little America Hotel in Salt Lake City, UT from September 14-19, 2011. The number of participants is anticipated to be approximately 200 people. The meeting attendees consist of US representatives of state and federal regulatory agencies charged with feed and food safety responsibilities, the regulated industries, and university and research institution professionals.</p>