Cory Winstead, the general manager at FS Grain, LLC, is the chair of NGFA’s Sustainability Committee, which met for the first time in March 2024 at the NGFA’s annual convention in Orlando, Fla. NGFA formed the Sustainability Committee at the recommendation of NGFA members and the Committee Structure Task Force. The Association had previously formed a temporary task force on sustainability, in which Winstead also participated.
In the following Q&A, Winstead answers some questions about the goals of this committee and the role NGFA can play for the industry as sustainability commitments evolve throughout the supply chain.
Q: Sustainability is one of NGFA’s newest committees. What are some of the goals that have been outlined for the committee in its first meetings?
Winstead: “The primary mission of the committee is to help NGFA member companies create a more resilient and sustainable future for North American grain and feed supply chains. Our work aims to advance food security, resource optimization and economic growth via knowledge sharing, partnerships, and influencing domestic and global policy as it concerns sustainability issues.
“Many sustainability initiatives that companies have undertaken are voluntary in nature and are being driven by market forces. When these initiatives intersect with the grain and feed industry, we want to be engaged and work to achieve positive outcomes for NGFA-member companies.
“Some specific committee work examples include comments to the SEC on Scope 3 emission reporting rules, providing input to USDA as it implements its Partnership for Climate-Smart Commodities Program and aspects of the Growing Climate Solutions Act, and participating in the Field to Market coalition and Food and Agriculture Climate Alliance.
“One of our top priorities is implementing a framework for sharing sustainability information with the rest of NGFA membership.”
Q: Why do you believe it is important for NGFA to have a Sustainability Committee? How will the rest of the NGFA membership benefit from its work?
Winstead: “Many consumer package goods companies that buy and use U.S. grain and feed products are making decisions in this space that affect how commodities are grown, handled and transported.
“For example, most sustainability programs have some sort of traceability or chain of custody standards. For the majority of NGFA members, the most efficient and effective way to store and distribute commodities is in a commingled manner. This way of handling products can most easily accommodate mass balance accounting for traceability purposes. If entities seeking identity-preserved grain and feed will participate in the cost of specialized handling systems, that can be an option for willing parties. NGFA and its member companies need to be at the table while these programs are being developed and implemented to ensure our industry has a voice.
“It is clear the topic of sustainability is here to stay. NGFA members will benefit from the Association having a committee in place that consists of individuals with sustainability expertise who can actively engage in relevant topics, whether they be voluntary programs or regulatory proposals. Members will also benefit from the knowledge and information gathered and shared by the committee.”
Q: “Sustainability” is often perceived as a marketing buzzword. How do committee members address this?
Winstead: “The term is used very broadly across all industries and groups. However, the impact of programs being implemented to influence how commodities are grown, how they move throughout the supply chain and how much money can be made have real-world consequences. “Sustainability” can apply to many things, but often the term encompasses environmental, social and governance issues and how companies handle these topics. One of our committee goals is to provide information to NGFA members that can help them navigate sustainability topics relevant to their operations.”
Q: Why did you decide to volunteer your time to serve on the Sustainability Committee?
Winstead: “There is value in the NGFA committee system, networking and participating in general.
“The issues being tackled by the committee are pertinent to my career personally, but more importantly, will have long-term impacts on the entire agricultural supply chain. Members should provide input to our association when developing policy. The best policy is produced from good debate and compromise.”