Coalitions and Global Leadership

shutterstock_143215912It is one of ASTA’s strategic goals to collaborate with other organizations that share the same objectives on an issue. This allows ASTA to have a stronger voice in the public policy arena. ASTA works with industry partners as needed and is a member of a number of standing industry coalitions.

 

 

Coalitions

Global Leadership

Alliance for a Stronger FDA
Member
Funding for the FDA has not kept pace with the FDA’s additional responsibilities. The FDA needs more resources to fulfill its mission, and the Alliance works with Congress to build support for more Congressional funding for the FDA.
IOSTALOGO

The International Organization of Spice Trade Associations (IOSTA)

The spice industry is an inherently global industry that supports the livelihoods of farmers in many developing nations. Spices are sourced from countries all over the world, and as such, the spice industry is entrenched in global trade. Food safety is of the utmost importance to the worldwide spice industry.  Spice associations from regions and importing countries around the world came together to form IOSTA, a global leadership focused on the issues of importance to the spice industry.  IOSTA addresses common issues and seeks sensible solutions to ensure the sustainability of the spice industry. Food safety is of the utmost importance to the worldwide spice industry, and IOSTA works to advance education on good agricultural practices to protect the consumer and comply with regulatory requirements.

ASTA’s Executive Director holds the position of Secretariat for IOSTA.  The following organizations, along with ASTA represent IOSTA.

canadian-spice-association-lgo2Canadian Spice Association3c3ab0bThe Grain and Feed Trade Association
582413_370347313012678_726648949_nMalaysia Pepper Board
VPA_LogoVietnam Pepper Association
SriLankaLogoThe Spice Council of Sri LankaAustralian Food and Grocery Council

 

allied_logoSpices & Allied Products Producers’ and Traders’ Association

NSA_LogoAll Nippon Spice Association

 

International Pepper Community
Food & Beverage Issues Alliance
Regulatory Committee, Co-Chair
The FBIA is a coalition of over 60 U.S. based food and beverage trade associations. The FBIA, through collaboration with regulatory authorities, ensures that food and beverage regulations and guidance are justified by verifiable, peer reviewed, published science that is accessible through an open and transparent process and enhance consumer understanding. In addition, FBIA works to ensure regulation implementation timelines are reasonable, achievable and economically feasible for both small and large food and beverage manufacturers. FBIA includes several working groups that ASTA Staff participates on, including co-chairing the Regulatory Working Group.
Crop Life America
Member
The Crop Life America Food and Beverage Subcommittee works to increase understanding and cooperation between international food and beverage companies and associations with the plant science and crop protection community to identify opportunities that support the continued production of safe, sustainable and affordable agricultural products that meet the needs of our consumers. The Subcommittee serves as a forum through which food and beverage stakeholders can help advance regulatory approval, consumer acceptance and international harmonization of new and existing crop science technologies based on a rigorous, science-based process. These efforts will serve to reduce trade barriers while ensuring the availability of sustainable solutions to global food production needs.
Food Industry Codex Coalition
Member
The Food Industry Codex Coalition (FICC) represents over 70 U.S. food companies, beverage companies and trade associations keenly interested in the international standard setting activities of the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC). The primary objective of the FICC, which represents the entire food chain from production to retail, is to advocate for international food standards and policies based on science.