AFIA's Pet Food Conference Attracts Full House
February 13, 2019
Contact Victoria Broehm
The American Feed Industry Association wrapped up its 12th annual Pet Food Conference yesterday in conjunction with the International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE), happening this week in Atlanta, Ga. The event brought together approximately 340 industry leaders to discuss everything from regulatory issues to the technical aspects of pet food production to product claims, marketing and nutrition, helping attendees tackle the latest challenges in the evolving marketplace.
“The AFIA Pet Food Conference provides a dynamic opportunity for pet food manufacturers and ingredient suppliers to gain cutting-edge information and network on all aspects of the industry,” said Louise Calderwood, AFIA director of regulatory affairs. “The participants had many questions about global trends, product traceability and pet food diet formulation – all and all it was a great dialogue on issues impacting the pet food sector.”
The AFIA Pet Food Conference, one of three AFIA-sponsored events at IPPE, is an affordable conference designed to inform pet food representatives about the latest industry initiatives and technical and regulatory issues impacting this unique animal food manufacturing sector.
This year’s program included seven expert speakers from associations, private entities and universities, who discussed a variety of topics, including: domestic and global industry trends, a legal perspective of blockchain management of pet food, canine dilated cardiomyopathy, several updates on pet food from the Association of American Feed Control Officials, animal health and more.
One of the highlights of the conference included an overview of policy development and programming in support of service dogs for military veterans.
“Service dogs for veterans are mitigating anxiety and helping them heal. The dogs build confidence in the veterans they serve,” said Robin Ganzert, Ph.D., president and CEO of American Humane. “Let’s save lives on both ends of the leash.”
IPPE is a collaboration of three shows – the International Feed Expo, International Meat Expo and International Poultry Expo – representing the entire chain of protein production and processing. The annual event is sponsored by AFIA, the North American Meat Institute and the U.S. Poultry & Egg Association.
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ABOUT IPPE
The International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE) is a collaboration of three shows - International Feed Expo, International Meat Expo and the International Poultry Expo - representing the entire chain of protein production and processing. The event is sponsored by the American Feed Industry Association (AFIA), North American Meat Institute (NAMI) and U.S. Poultry & Egg Association (USPOULTRY).
ABOUT AFIA
Founded in 1909, the American Feed Industry Association (AFIA), based in Arlington, Va., is the world’s largest organization devoted exclusively to representing the business, legislative and regulatory interests of the U.S. animal food industry and its suppliers. The organization’s membership is comprised of more than 680 domestic and international companies that represent the total feed industry—manufacturers of commercial and integrated feed and pet food, ingredient suppliers, pharmaceutical companies, industry support and equipment manufacturers. AFIA members manufacture more than 75 percent of the feed and 70 percent of the non-grain ingredients used in the country. AFIA is also recognized as the leader on international industry developments and holds membership in the International Feed Industry Federation (IFIF).
ABOUT NAMI
The North American Meat Institute (NAMI) is the leading voice for the meat and poultry industry. Formed from the 2015 merger of the American Meat Institute (AMI) and North American Meat Association (NAMA), the Institute has a rich, century-long history and provides essential member services including legislative, regulatory, scientific, international and public affairs representation. NAMI’s mission is to shape a public policy environment in which the meat and poultry industry can produce wholesome products safely, efficiently and profitably. Together, the Institute’s members produce the vast majority of U.S. beef, pork, lamb and poultry and the equipment, ingredients and services needed for the highest quality products.
ABOUT USPOULTRY
U.S. Poultry & Egg Association (USPOULTRY) is the all-feather organization representing the complete spectrum of today’s poultry industry, whose mission is to progressively serve member companies through research, education, communication and technical assistance. Founded in 1947, USPOULTRY is based in Tucker, Ga.