David and Heidi Brenner, Quality Bakers, with Patricia Pyle (center) at the National Press Club.

The Independent Bakers Association (IBA) held its summer convention at the Washington Court Hotel in Washington, D.C. in June.

Bakers and allied members gathered to hear speakers discuss regulatory issues and the current commodity crisis that is having such a tremendous impact on the baking industry.

Attendees listened to a variety of interesting and informative speakers: Senator Richard Lugar (R-IN); Rick Pasco, an attorney and lobbyist from the firm McLeod, Watkinson and Miller, discussed sugar provisions; Jim Hess, Horizon Milling, spoke about wheat trends; Angela Flood of DCI group described how a further push could be made for Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) release; William Cowen, solicitor for the National Labor Relations Board spoke on labor trends and issues; and Judi Adams discussed the valuable work being done by the Grain Foods Foundation; among others.

While on break from the meeting, IBA Chairman, John Popp met with White House Domestic Policy staff about the possibility of opening up CRP land to plantings. His efforts have seemingly generated some action, as the USDA has hinted that some changes could be imminent for fall and winter plantings.