New AFIA report details industry challenges, opportunities in US animal food manufacturing

August 27, 2024 - The American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) released its annual, 'Our Industry, Our Promise,' report today, detailing the operational challenges facing US feed and petfood manufacturers and actions the AFIA is taking to address them. The report provides an analysis of the animal food industry's contribution to the US and global economies and the forces creating an uncertain business climate. It also provides an inside look at efforts underway to usher the federal regulation of animal food into the 21 century and steps the industry is taking to better protect animal and human health while producing safer, more sustainable food.

"We owe the AFIA members and staff a debt of gratitude for their dedication to our industry and for encouraging us to continue improving and innovating. Our future is bright, and it will be brighter with your participation," said Carlos González PhD, 2023-24 AFIA Board Chair and Vice President of Global Regulatory Affairs at Hill's Pet Nutrition.

The report focuses on work completed during AFIA's fiscal year from May 1, 2023, through April 30, 2024, with sections on:

• The business climate for US animal food manufacturers, including managing domestic supply chain challenges, resolving discrepancies between state and federal regulations and advocating for modernised petfood labels.
• Animal food safety, including preparing manufacturing facilities for routine Food and Drug Administration inspections, safeguarding against potential animal disease outbreaks, protecting worker health and calling for the continued safe use of formaldehyde in swine and poultry feed.
• Global policy challenges, including advocating for sound international policy at the national level and within global fora, holding US trading partners accountable and opening new markets for US animal food exporters in key countries.
• Industry progress in sustainability, including standing up for the animal food industry in international dialogues, sharing how feed is a solution to global food security and climate challenges as well as equipping members with resources needed to meet their customers' and stakeholders' sustainability pledges.

The report also provides an update on AFIA's professional networking and educational offerings, recognises several industry award winners and acknowledges the ways the association has given back to local communities and engaged in social media.

For more information, visit HERE.

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