President Trump signed proclamations on March 8 imposing tariffs on steel and aluminum imports, stating that the tariffs were designed to protect American industries. The tariffs include tinplate steel, which is the principle intermediate good used by food processors and canners. The proposed 25 percent steel tariff and 10 percent aluminum tariff will raise the cost of tin plate steel used in food cans and some types of aluminum foil used in food packaging. In response to the tariffs, China has announced that it will retaliate by imposing tariffs on 130 products imported from the U.S., including many agricultural products.

CLFP will hold its Annual Board of Directors Meeting April 19-20 in Anaheim at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel. CLFP will honor outgoing chair Janet Edwards of the Musco Family Olive Co. and elect its new slate of officers for 2018-19.

CLFP and Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) will hold a workshop to kick off the Industrial Strategic Energy Management (SEM) Program, a new state energy efficiency program that can help food processors lower their utility bills and become more energy efficient.

CLFP members had the opportunity to voice their concerns and opinions on a variety of issues affecting the state’s food processing industry during CLFP’s Fourth Annual Washington, D.C., Fly-In, March 6-8. A delegation of CLFP members met with members of California’s Central Valley congressional delegation, as well as the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) on issues relating to trade, water, immigration and Farm Bill provisions.

The California Legislature is holding Budget Committee hearings to consider Governor Jerry Brown’s 2018-2019 budget proposal. Following are details highlighting some of CLFP’s priorities in the proposed state budget. CLFP will continue to monitor these budget items and keep its members apprised of progress during the budget process.

Chapman University in Orange, CA, will hold Better Process Control Schools in August, including a Four-Day Low Acid Foods course, August 13-17, and a 2 ½ Day Acidified Foods course, August 13-15.

With 77 years of experience, ATAGO offers the food processing industry a wide range of precise quality control instruments. Whether you are looking for in-line units, benchtop refractometers, acidity meters or viscosity meters, ATAGO has you covered every step of the way in quality assurance. Learn how at www.atago-usa.com.

DKB, Inc. offers mechanical insulation and construction services to the industrial and commercial industries in the Pacific Northwest, Colorado and California. Our services include Mechanical Insulation, Noise Abatement, and Construction Support Services.

L&H Airco is a multi-discipline firm serving CA since 1968. We provide design/build energy management systems and fully integrated building automation solutions. We represent high efficient cooling equipment that is 80% more efficient than vapor compression machines as well as air purification technology that virtually eliminates air borne pathogens and odors.