For Immediate Release
International Poultry Expo
Tucker, Ga. - February 1, 2024

Feed Education Program Discusses Upcoming Priorities for the Industry

The American Feed Industry Association’s (AFIA) Production Compliance Committee hosted its annual Feed Education Program Jan. 31 during the 2024 International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE), covering what the animal food industry can expect from U.S. federal regulators in 2024. In addition, in partnership with Feedstuffs, the AFIA also named MFA Incorporated’s Aurora Mill plant as its 2023 Commercial Dry Feed Facility of the Year.

The program discussed upcoming priorities for the Environmental Protection Agency, Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Food and Drug Administration along with AFIA’s 2024 educational program opportunities.

“Jason Lents provided a great presentation on the forthcoming OSHA heat illness standard and how companies should start implementing written, comprehensive safety plans to prevent and manage heat injuries or illnesses, a new area of focus that manufacturers need to be aware of and consider at their facilities,” said Gary Huddleston, AFIA’s director of feed manufacturing and regulatory affairs. “Overall, the AFIA educational program provided a quick overview of what else is coming down the pike this year that may impact manufacturers’ ability to do business.” 

The lineup of speakers featured Christian Richter, principal at The Policy Group, who delved into the anticipated developments for the EPA, including the future use of formaldehyde in the animal agriculture industry and what agencies can expect with the upcoming election. Huddleston shared insights from OSHA, including on the guidance surrounding heat illness prevention in outdoor and indoor settings and an update on emergency response. Leah Wilkinson, AFIA’s vice president of public policy and education, shed light on the FDA’s plans for 2024, including fiscal 2023 current good manufacturing practice (CGMP) inspections results and common citations, along with an anticipated rulemaking.

The 2025 AFIA Feed Education Program will take place again at IPPE next year in Atlanta, Ga., during the International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE). For more information, visit afia.org/events.

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), the Meat Institute 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 650 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% of the feed and 70% 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 the Meat Institute
The Meat Institute 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. The Meat Institute'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 Association progressively serving its poultry and egg members through research, education, communications and technical services. Founded in 1947, USPOULTRY is based in Tucker, Georgia.

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