SAN ANTONIO The National Turkey Federations (NTF) Board of Directors today
elected Yubert Envia to serve as the federations 2010 chairman. Envia is vice
president of turkey and prepared foods for Foster Farms in Livingston, Calif.
I guess I could say that I am somewhat optimistic about our future
profitability, Envia said during his acceptance speech, but I dont think we
should be relying on production as an indicator and instead should be looking
more at capturing a larger share of the consumers interest by offering them the
widest possible variety of turkey products in the marketplace.
Envia recognized the turkey industry survived through one of the toughest years
and held together with coordination and collaboration. Although optimistic,
Envia also spoke of the numerous regulatory and legislative issues that will
continue to confront the turkey industry environmental regulations, antibiotic
use in animal agriculture and changes to the food safety inspection system and
encouraged NTF members to play an important part in the public affairs process.
During his acceptance speech, Envia also complimented the NTF membership: It is
this powerful membership base that is willing to help each other fight through
common legislative, regulatory and food safety challenges, share innovative
ideas, discuss new technologies and open their doors, that ensures the strength
and viability of this outstanding trade association.
Envia began his career at Foster Farms after receiving his B.S. degree in
business administration from California State University, Stanislaus. In his 21
year career, he has moved through the ranks from accounting, packaging, line
supervisor, plant manager and general manager to his current position as vice
president of the turkey and prepared foods divisions.
Since 1939, Foster Farms, a family owned and operated business, has specialized
in producing fresh, all natural turkey products on the West Coast. Based in
Californias Central Valley, the companys chicken and turkey products are
produced in or near the region served.
During Saturdays meeting at NTFs Annual Convention, the Board of Directors
also elected Richard Huisinga, president and COO, Willmar Poultry Company, as
vice chairman; and Steve Willardsen, president, Cargill Value Added Meats, as
secretary-treasurer. Walter Gator Pelletier, corporate secretary, Butterball,
LLC, assumes the position of immediate past-chairman.
During the convention, the Board also reelected John Burkel, Northern Pride,
Inc.; Gary Cooper, Cooper Farms; Jihad Douglas, Aviagen Turkeys; Paul Hill, West
Liberty Foods; Ted Seger, Farbest Foods, Inc.; and Carl Wittenburg, Protein
Alliance, Inc. to the Executive Committee (EC).
Elected to the EC were John Reicks, Sara Lee Food and Beverage, and Ron Prestage,
Prestage Farms.
After the Board meeting, Jim Leighton, Perdue Farms, Inc., and Petri Papinaho,
Jennie-O Turkey Store, were appointed to the EC.
About the National Turkey Federation
The National Turkey Federation (NTF) is the national advocate for all segments
of the $8 billion turkey industry, providing services and conducting activities
that increase demand for its members’ products by protecting and enhancing their
ability to profitably provide wholesome, high-quality, nutritious products. Its
award-winning web site, EatTurkey.com, offers consumers, food professionals and
the media an extensive library of information including healthy eating and
restaurant trends, turkey cuts and purchasing tips, turkey nutrition and cooking
techniques, and turkey facts and trivia. Additionally, the site presents a
searchable database of more than 1,900 recipes, offers a recipe E-mail program
and provides special seasonal and holiday ideas. The National Turkey Federation
is headquartered in Washington, D.C.
Source: National
Turkey Federation