The American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) is a
not-for-profit organization
A nonprofit organization (NPO) or non-profit organisation, also known as a non-business entity, not-for-profit organization, or nonprofit institution, is a legal entity organized and operated for a collective, public or social benefit, in co ...
that represents the
feed industry in industry-wide events, national and state legislation, etc. Members of the AFIA include livestock feed manufacturers, ingredient suppliers,
pet food
Pet food is animal feed intended for consumption by pets. Typically sold in pet stores and supermarkets, it is usually specific to the type of animal, such as dog food or cat food. Most meat used for animals is a byproduct of the human food ind ...
manufacturers, supplier companies, regional and state associations, and international firms.
The AFIA currently has over 550 members including the
U.S. Poultry & Egg Association and the
United Soybean Board. The AFIA collaborates with associations and organizations such as the
Association of American Feed Control Officials
The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) is a non-profit organization which sets standards for the quality and safety of animal feed (fodder
Fodder (), also called provender (), is any agricultural foodstuff used specifical ...
and the Institute for Feed Education & Research.
Foundation
By 1909 thirty states had already developed individual feed regulations. The 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
A trade association, also known as an industry trade group, business association, sector association or industry body, is an organization founded and funded by businesses that operate in a specific industry. An industry trade association partic ...
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. Editor for ''Flour & Feed'' magazine, G.D. Simonds, urged these manufacturers to join 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).,
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.
Goals and mission
The AFIA provides representation and support for legislative and regulatory issues concerning the feed industry on a state, national, and global platform. Additionally, the AFIA aims to provide educational outreach, training, and networking services to the industry, its members, and members' communities. The AFIA is committed to leading the American feed industry in producing safe and reliable food.
Services
The AFIA monitors state and federal legislative and regulatory actions, and takes a proactive approach in addressing issues that impact its membership. The AFIA
represents member interests in legislation, and keep members up to date and informed on relevant issues such as production standards,
food safety
Food safety (or food hygiene) is used as a scientific method/discipline describing handling, preparation, and storage of food in ways that prevent food-borne illness. The occurrence of two or more cases of a similar illness resulting from ...
, commodity and
international trade
International trade is the exchange of capital, goods, and services across international borders or territories because there is a need or want of goods or services. (see: World economy)
In most countries, such trade represents a significa ...
, 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.
Safe Feed/Safe Food Certification
Safe Feed/ Safe Food (SF/SF) Certification is a voluntary program that establishes standards, in addition to existing regulations, to promote feed safety and reduce risk. SF/SF is an extension of the 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. Over three hundred facilities have been certified under the AFIA's SF/SF Certification Program. The AFIA launched this third-party certification program in 2004. With the tightening of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), these third-party certification programs will become increasingly significant in meeting the strict government standards.
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 the AFIA in 2010.
Pet Food Manufacturing Facility Certification Program & Pet Food Ingredient Facility Certification Program
The AFIA launched a Pet Food Manufacturing Facility Certification Program and 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.
References
External links
* {{official website, http://www.afia.org
IFEEDER
Agricultural organizations based in the United States
Business organizations based in the United States
Lobbying organizations in the United States
1909 establishments in the United States