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Who we are
The National Barley Foods Council (NBFC) is a not-for-profit 501(a) group based in Spokane, WA. The NBFC was established in 1989 to serve as an information clearinghouse for barley food issues and to promote awareness and usage of barley on behalf of the US barley industry.
Organization structure
The NBFC is led by a board of directors comprised of barley producer groups. The NBFC board oversees the development and execution of our annual program, which runs from July 1 to June 30. Currently, the NBFC is the only not-for-profit organization providing generic publicity and education specifically for barley on a national basis.
Key accomplishments
Financial contributions from NBFC-member organizations have helped us reach significant goals in our quest to increase consumption of barley as a healthful and practical food choice. Key accomplishments include:
- Submitted an unqualified health claim petition titled “Barley B-glucan Soluble Fiber and Barley Products Containing B-glucan Soluble Fiber and Coronary Heart Disease” to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA subsequently amended CFR 101.81, the regulation authorizing a health claim on the relationship between oat beta-glucan soluble fiber and reduced risk of coronary heart disease to include barley as an additional eligible source of beta-glucan soluble fiber. A final ruling was published in the Federal Register on May 22, 2006.
- Established the Barley Foods Research Steering Committee to provide technical assistance in identifying and directing future barley foods research projects.
- Collaborated with the National Barley Improvement Committee and the Barley Foods Research Steering Committee to secure permanent funding in the US Department of Agriculture/Agriculture Research Services budget for on-going barley foods research. Approximately $485,000 is currently available for future research projects.
- Delivered health and culinary messages about barley to consumers and food/nutrition professionals across the US through media outreach campaigns.
- Created and maintained an online news and information resource for barley food and nutrition issues.
Membership
NBFC membership is open to all state barley producer groups as well as other companies involved in barley foods production, milling or processing.
How we’re funded
All NBFC program and administrative costs are funded through member dues and contributions from private industry.
Membership dues structure
Board member
Annual contribution of more than $10,000 entitles member to one representative on the board of directors with voting privileges on program and administrative decisions.
Advisory member
Annual contribution of $1,000 to $10,000 entitles member to make program recommendations to the board of directors. Voting privileges are waived.
Associate member
Annual contribution of $500 to $999. Voting privileges are waived.
Looking to the future
Financial support from barley producer groups and private industry will enable the NBFC to help expand new markets for food barley through on-going education and promotional programs geared towards:
- Consumers
- Food manufacturers
- Health and nutrition professionals
- Foodservice operators and distributors
For more information
For more information on NBFC programs and funding opportunities contact:
National Barley Foods Council
907 W. Riverside Avenue
Spokane, WA 99201
Phone: (509) 456-2481
E-mail: mary@wagrains.com
For more information about our favorite grain including story ideas, recipes, photography, research updates and more, please contact:
Cindy Ritter
Media Representative
ritterc@earthlink.net
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