Shaping the Future: AFIA's Commitment to Leadership and Innovation in Feed and Pet Food Manufacturing

Written by: AFIA Editor   |   August 26, 2024

Promises Report, Impact, Feed Safety, Sustainability, Growth, International Trade

Today, we released our annual, “Our Industry, Our Promise” report, highlighting AFIA’s Four Promises to our members of being their industry voice at home and abroad, representing them in conversations with decisionmakers, lending expertise to support members with regulatory and trade questions and challenges, and engaging with industry through our industry meetings and events.  

Among the items detailed in the report, the report shows the U.S. animal food industry’s incredible impact in local communities across America. In 2023, the U.S. animal food manufacturing sector saw 5,650 companies generate over $267.1 billion in sales, while paying $6.9 billion in wages to over 80,300 employees.  

Safety in the animal food industry is paramount, with nearly 900 facilities certified under the AFIA’s Safe Feed/Safe Food (SF/SF) certification programs, which emphasize compliance and best practices.  

In 2023, U.S. animal food exports reached a total value of $13.4 billion, demonstrating the industry's global competitiveness. Top exports by value included corn co-products, pet food, animal feed preparations, alfalfa/hay and enzymes, with major export destinations including Canada, Mexico, China, Japan and South Korea, underscoring the industry's strong global presence. 

The U.S. animal food industry is a leader in , with over 40% of feed ingredients sourced from coproducts of other industries, diverting 113.6 million tons of materials from landfills annually and preventing significant greenhouse gas emissions.  

Challenges to the industry’s continued success include, but are not limited to: 

• Global policy challenges, including advocating for sound international policy at the national level and within global fora, holding U.S. trading partners accountable and opening new markets for U.S. 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. 

• 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. 

• The business climate for U.S. animal food manufacturers, including managing domestic supply chain challenges, resolving discrepancies between state and federal regulations and advocating for modernized pet food labels. 

The report also highlights updates on AFIA’s professional networking and educational programs, recognizes several industry award recipients, and acknowledges the association's contributions to local communities and social media engagement. 

As we look to the future, the AFIA is not just reflecting on past achievements but also positioning the industry for continued success. The challenges and opportunities highlighted in this year's "Our Industry, Our Promise" report underscore our commitment to proactive leadership. By focusing on innovation, resilience and collaboration, we are ensuring that our industry remains a global leader in safety, competitiveness and sustainability. Together, we are not only meeting today's demands but also shaping a sustainable and prosperous future for our industry. 

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