American Feed Industry Association

The American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) is a not-for-profit organization representing all aspects of the feed industry in industry-wide events, national and state legislation, etc. Members include livestock feed manufacturers and ingredient suppliers, pet food manufacturers and supplier companies, regional and state associations, and international firms. AFIA is the world's largest organization devoted to representing the total feed industry.

Foundation

By 1909 thirty states had already developed individual feed regulations; these separate laws highlighted the need for a national feed law, which would help create uniformity between state regulations and encourage inter-state commerce. Recognizing the need for a trade association to strengthen and represent the feed industry in the development of these regulations, A.G. Winter and W.R. Anderson invited feed manufacturers to an industry-wide organizational meeting on March 26, 1909 in Chicago, IL. Editor for Flour & Feed magazine, G.D. Simonds, urged these manufacturers to join together in the creation of an industry association; thus, in the 1909 industry meeting, eighteen feed manufacturers came together to create the bylaws for the American Feed Manufacturer’s Association (AFMA).,,[1][2][3]

As members of the Association diversified, the American Feed Manufacturer’s Association evolved into the American Feed Industry Association (AFIA), officially changing the name in 1985.[1]

AFIA has over 550 members including U.S. Poultry & Egg Association, United Soybean Board, etc. AFIA collaborates with associations and organizations such as the Association of American Feed Control Officials and the Institute for Feed Education & Research.

Goals and Mission

AFIA provides representation and support for legislative and regulatory issues concerning the feed industry on a state, national, and global platform. Additionally, AFIA aims to provide educational outreach, training, and networking services to the industry, its members, and members' communities.[4] AFIA is committed to leading the American feed industry in producing safe and reliable food.[5]

Services

AFIA monitors state and federal legislative and regulatory actions, and takes a proactive approach in addressing issues that impact its membership. AFIA represents member interests in legislation, and keep members up to date and informed on relevant issues such as production standards, food safety, commodity and international trade,[6] etc.

The Association sponsors educational seminars and workshops throughout the year, contributes to agricultural research that contributes to food safety and security, and organizes a number of recognized industry conventions to foster industry-wide communication.[7]

Safe Feed/Safe Food Certification

Safe Feed/ Safe Food (SF/SF) Certification is a voluntary program that establishes comprehensive standards, in addition to existing regulations, to promote feed safety and reduce risk. SF/SF is an extension of AFIA's commitment to safe feed, and encourages members to continuously improve existing safety regimes. SF/SF is a third-party certification program that is recognized by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a model program in producing safe feed.[8] Over three hundred facilities have been certified under AFIA's SF/SF Certification Program.[9] AFIA launched this third-party certification program in 2004.[10] With the tightening of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), these third-party certification programs will become increasingly significant in meeting strict government standards.[11]

International Safe Feed/Safe Food Certification Program

The International Safe Feed/Safe Food Certification Program (ISF/SF) expands upon the principles and standards of the domestic SF/SF. This certification program is recognized by European Commission and The Feed Additives and Pre-Mixtures Association, a European feed association . The ISF/SF program was launched by AFIA in 2010.

Pet Food Manufacturing Facility Certification Program & Pet Food Ingredient Facility Certification Program

AFIA launched a Pet Food Manufacturing Facility Certification Program & Pet Food Ingredient Facility Certification Program, both of which are based on SF/SF guidelines. However, these certification programs are adjusted to specifically meet pet food safety requirements. The Pet Food Certification Programs are meant to help re-establish consumer confidence in quality feed provided by pet food companies.[12][13][14]

External links

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Association of American Feed Control Officials Incorporated (2009). AFFCO 100th Anniversary 1909-2009. AAFCO.
  2. ↑ Chapman, G.A.; Brown, L.F. (June 2013). "Feed Manufacturers Meet in Chicago". American Hay, Flour and Feed Journal. XXIII (1): 19–22.
  3. ↑ Whitty, Gerry (1 January 2009). "Celebrating a Centennial of Service". Feed&Grain. Retrieved 15 July 2013.
  4. ↑ "Feed Industry Donates $6 Million to Community Efforts". Feedstuffs Nutrition and Health: Poultry: 17. December 2012.
  5. ↑ "American Feed Industry Association Urges President Obama to Waive Ethanol Blending Mandate". Growing Georgia. Issuing Company. Retrieved 9 July 2013.
  6. ↑ Fatka, Jacqui (April 2013). "Coalition Backs Position Limits". Feedstuffs: Mill Market: 20.
  7. ↑ "AFIA Releases Study on Future Patterns of US Grains, Biofuels, Livestock, Poultry Feeding". Feed & Grain. F&G. Retrieved 9 July 2013.
  8. ↑ National Research Council; Subcommittee on Swine Nutrition; Subcommittee on Animal Nutrition (2012). Nutrient Requirements for Swine. National Academy of Sciences.
  9. ↑ "MFA Mills Certified As Safe Feed/Safe Food Facilities". Today's Farmer Magazine Online. Today's Farmer Magazine.
  10. ↑ "Griffin Industries Embraces Food Safety Leadership Role". Griffin Industries. Griffin Industries. Retrieved 8 July 2013.
  11. ↑ Caparella, Tina (April 2013). "Rendered Products Remain Quality Feed Ingredients". Render: the International Magazine of Rendering.
  12. ↑ Burns, Katie (16 May 2012). "Improving the Safety of Pet Food". Journal of American Veterinary Medical Association.
  13. ↑ "The Nutro Company First to Receive Pet Food Manufacturing Facility Certification Administered by the American Feed Industry Association". Natural Choice. Retrieved 9 July 2013.
  14. ↑ Roembke, Jackie; Schafer, Elise (April–May 2012). "Safe Pet Food Certification". Feed & Grain 51 (3): 31–32.