As 2024 comes to a close, the American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) is gearing up for 2025 by focusing on key areas of interest in the US feed and pet food ingredient sectors. Constance Cullman, the president and CEO of AFIA, emphasizes the importance of collaborating with the new presidential administration and US Congress to update regulations on animal food ingredient reviews, address trade barriers, and tackle trade imbalances.
Cullman highlights the AFIA’s goal of showcasing how US animal food ingredients can contribute to addressing major challenges in food security, the economy, and the environment. The association anticipates that the incoming administration will continue regulatory reform efforts, including the ‘two-for-one’ policy introduced during the previous term, where for every new regulation implemented, two must be reviewed or repealed.
Furthermore, AFIA expects the new administration to focus on ensuring the safety of the US food supply under its ‘Make America Healthy Again’ agenda. The association hopes for responsible, science-based policies that promote better animal nutrition, enhance product quality, ensure workplace safety, and improve regulatory efficiency.
In terms of feed ingredient review processes, Cullman emphasizes the need for regulations to keep pace with advancements in animal nutrition science. AFIA has been working closely with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to modernize regulatory review processes for new animal food ingredients. This includes advocating for updates to outdated policies and supporting legislative solutions like the Innovative Feed Enhancement and Economic Development (Innovative FEED) Act.
The AFIA is optimistic that modernized policies around feed ingredients will help keep the US feed industry competitive in the global marketplace. Additionally, the association received federal funding from the USDA’s Regional Agricultural Promotion Program to develop new export markets for US food and agricultural products.
On the topic of trading partners, AFIA acknowledges President Trump’s commitment to holding partners accountable through tariffs and negotiating trade agreements. The association hopes for a reconsideration of unscientific policies that hinder trade with valuable partners like Mexico and seeks to explore opportunities for new international markets for animal food exporters.
The AFIA also continues to advocate for measured action toward foreign suppliers, particularly in cases where alternative sources for key vitamins, minerals, and amino acids are limited. With China currently dominating the production of many essential nutrients, the AFIA is urging federal agencies to assess supply chain vulnerabilities and invest in domestic manufacturing to ensure a stable supply chain and protect US trade interests.
In conclusion, the AFIA is focused on collaborating with the new administration and Congress to address regulatory reform, trade barriers, and trade imbalances in the feed and pet food ingredient sectors. By advocating for responsible policies, modernizing regulatory review processes, and exploring new export markets, the AFIA aims to support the competitiveness and sustainability of the US feed industry.