Membership Benefits

 

  1. NGFA Arbitration System - In operation since 1896, the NGFA Arbitration System is the quick, inexpensive and practical alternative to resolving trade disputes in court. Cases are heard and decided by industry volunteers who know the business - not by unpredictable judges and juries with no expertise in the industry. Increasingly, the system resolves disputes between grain companies and producers.
  2. Rail Arbitration and Mediation Services - This unique and historic agreement between the NGFA and all Class I North American railroads, as well as a handful of shortline/regional railroads, for the first time provides rail shippers/receivers a practical way to resolve disputes with their rail carrier. This important service is available only to NGFA-member companies.
  3. NGFA Trade Rules - Grain, feed, barge, and barge freight trade rules reflect historic industry practices and minimize the potential for disputes by making clear the rights and obligations of buyer and seller. The NGFA Trade Rules are referenced in many grain purchase contracts.
  4. Information Services - The NGFA's E-Alert service informs NGFA members of timely and important news once or twice weekly via e-mail. The bi-weekly NGFA Newsletter is available to all members via either e-mail or regular mail and also is available on the web site. The NGFA's web site, www.ngfa.org, provides important information on legislative and regulatory issues, industry news, reference and historical materials and much more. Easily accessible and logically organized, ngfa.org is a valuable information resource. Many other informational, educational and training resources are available on-line, in print, or on video.
  5. Professional Development - The NGFA offers a full roster of professional development and training opportunities each year in areas like safety, health and environmental compliance; transportation; trade rules and dispute resolution; risk management; feed quality assurance programs; and other fields. Key executives, managers and personnel all will find relevant and affordable seminars and workshops.
  6. Major Meetings/Business Relationships - The NGFA's two major meetings each year offer excellent programming and business information, together with opportunities to develop and maintain critical industry business contacts. The NGFA Annual Convention in March, and the NGFA's Country Elevator/Feed Industry Council conference in December, provide excellent business and social settings. The NGFA Trade Show at the December conference is a valuable opportunity for product/service suppliers to showcase their offerings to the year's biggest and best meeting of feed and country elevator personnel.
  7. Representation - The NGFA is "Your Washington Office." Experienced professional staff represent the industry's interests on Capitol Hill and before regulatory agencies. Staff always are available to answer any question - the NGFA is known for its excellent customer service to members. The common thread of NGFA's representational activities: advocating policies and regulations that make sense in the "real world" to spur economic growth and promote private sector solutions.