Search Results

The American Feed Industry Association’s (AFIA) Board of Directors wrapped up its annual spring meeting in Arlington, Va., late last week, where they heard from federal officials, advocated for key policy priorities impacting the animal food industry on Capitol Hill and conducted other official business, including installing new Board leadership and directors.

This week is a very important week. On Tuesday, the nation votes in the midterm election. On Friday, we give thanks to our nation’s veterans who served to protect the freedom and liberties we sometimes take for granted. (It is also my daughter’s birthday, so we will celebrate her and the joy she brings to our family.)

Dogs and cats have been part of my life ever since my parents brought a stray kitten home from the bustling streets of New York City. I realize how fortunate my family is to have the means to care for our pets including flying them to Europe when we moved abroad.  Not all companion animals are blessed to have stable homes and not all pet owners have the means to cover the cost of routine care or find new homes when life changes force the surrender of loved animals. Subsidized programs to neuter and rehome pets and feral cats are part of a caring culture. But should the cost of these efforts be borne by pet food businesses through legislatively mandated taxation? My response is a firm “no.”

A few weeks ago, our American Feed Industry Association Board of Directors met with their congressional officials to discuss matters of importance to the animal food industry. For some, it was their first chance to walk the halls of Congress and take part in the political process, but for others, it was a chance to reconnect in person after a while of virtual visits. Hear what they had to say about the issues that are important to them and why members should get involved in federal advocacy.

It is very difficult for me to believe how quickly the past year has come and gone. It seems like only yesterday I was thanking Church & Dwight Company’s Scott Druker, previous AFIA Board chair and our first “virtual” one at that, for his leadership through some very challenging times. While some uncertainty remains in the global marketplace, significant progress has been made toward realizing our new post-pandemic normal. This has certainly been the case for the American Feed Industry Association.

State legislators are to be admired for the work they do. Most are paid very little for their service – all the way down to the $100 annually that New Hampshire’s lawmakers make for months of work, entailing long hours and time away from home. But sometimes, it would be appreciated if state legislators didn’t work quite so hard... This year, we have been tracking several state bills that hold no regard for federal regulations or the appropriate use of funds collected from businesses.

One of the main priorities of the American Feed Industry Association is to represent our industry on legislative and regulatory issues. The AFIA staff consistently communicates with legislators to provide them valuable data that assists in determining policy positions and regulations. These efforts are critical in driving the positive changes required in our common goal of producing safe, nutritious and high-quality animal food.    

It’s September. Growing up on the farm that always meant a few things were certain – the corn harvest would start, the air would become crisper and there was a lot of work to do as the days got shorter. In Washington, there is also a level of excitement this time of year as it means Congress is in a mad dash to complete its work before the end of the fiscal year. This year is shaping up to be the same for my family back on the farm and in Congress.