MWFPA Fact Sheet
The Midwest Food Processors Association (MWFPA) is the foremost legislative voice of the food processing industry in the Midwest. MWFPA actively represents and lobbies on behalf of food processors in the state legislatures and agencies in Illinois, Minnesota and Wisconsin. Information is furnished on government and agency regulations, technical matters and general food processing industry affairs. Food processor membership is open to all food processors in the Midwest. Associate membership is open to all affiliated industries.
MWFPA maintains an office in Madison, Wisconsin, and carries on the following activities through its professional staff, in accordance with policies established by its Board of Directors and committees:
INFORMATION SERVICE - A monthly e-bulletin reports to members on legislation and administrative rulings affecting the industry, on MWFPA activities and events, and on other news of the industry. Information regarding the industry is also supplied to news media.
GOVERNMENT LIAISON SERVICE - MWFPA represents the industry before the Illinois, Minnesota, and Wisconsin Legislatures, and serves as liaison between the industry and state and federal administrative agencies on environmental matters, business practices, safety concerns, transportation, and other issues.
TECHNICAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS - Through advisory committees, the MWFPA supports continuing industry education by sponsoring issue-specific seminars, workshops, and conferences and provides scholarships in food science and agriculture through the University of Wisconsin.
SAFETY PROGRAM - A safety contest, based on OSHA data in Illinois, Minnesota, and Wisconsin food processing plants, is conducted by MWFPA with monthly reports of incident rates for participating plants. The plants with the best safety records receive recognition at the MWFPA annual convention in December of each year.
RESEARCH - MWFPA makes annual grants to universities to support research affecting the industry on crops, processing methods, and waste disposal.
MEETINGS - Regularly scheduled meetings/events for members are: The Midwest Convention and Expo in December; the Processing Crop Conference in December; the Annual Member Meeting in December; the Executive Spring Meetings & Golf Outing in June; and the Safety Conference in February. The Board of Directors normally holds four meetings per year; committees meet on a regular basis, and on the call of the chairperson.
COMMITTEES - Standing committees are: Convention, Environmental, Food Science and Technology, Human Resources, Legislative, Raw Products, and Safety. Representatives of Processors and Associate Members are eligible to attend and/or serve on MWFPA Committees, and assist in MWFPA activities. The Associate Member Organization (AMO) maintains a committee for the Executive Spring Meetings & Golf Outing, as well as membership on MWFPA standing committees.
PUBLICATIONS - In addition to the monthly e-bulletin and safety contest reports, MWFPA issues an annual directory listing key personnel, products/services related to each member, and a business category for suppliers. Committee reports are sent as needed.
CONVENTION & TRADE SHOW - MWFPA hosts an annual 2 day convention in December of each year where experts in the food industry conduct presentations/seminars in all areas of the food industry. The annual convention is held in conjunction with the Processing Crops Conference. The Processing Crops conference is a 2-day Conference presented and conducted by the Wisconsin, Illinois and Minnesota Universities. Agriculture, processing equipment, and supply/service companies are also invited to exhibit. The convention is held at various locations throughout the Midwest. Please visit the Upcoming Events page for dates and locations.