For Immediate Release
International Poultry Expo
Tucker, Ga. - October 24, 2024

AFIA Education Program to Focus on APHIS Inspections, Trade Coordination

The American Feed Industry Association (AFIA), in collaboration with the Pet Food Institute (PFI) and North American Renderers Association (NARA), is hosting an educational program focused on the role the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) plays in overseeing animal food product facility inspections, processing import permits and export health certificates, and negotiating market access with global trading partners. “APHIS and Industry: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly of Importing/Exporting Animal Products” will be hosted Jan. 29, 2025, in conjunction with the International Processing & Production Expo, happening Jan. 28-30, 2025, in Atlanta, Ga.

“This program promises to be an excellent learning opportunity for anyone who is importing into the United States, or preparing to export rendered products, animal-based feed or pet food,” said Mallory Gaines, AFIA’s director of market access and multilateral affairs. “Attendees will have the unique opportunity to engage directly with APHIS staff and build stronger relationships with key regulatory contacts.”

The one-day program will offer industry professionals insights into APHIS’s operations and provide direct networking opportunities with APHIS headquarters negotiators and field office staff. "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly" of APHIS inspections will be a key focus, with discussions aimed at helping the industry better prepare for inspections, streamline paperwork processes and improve collaboration with APHIS to avoid trade disruptions.

Registration for IPPE and “APHIS and Industry: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly of Importing/Exporting Animal Products” is now open. The educational program will run 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. on Jan 29. Those interested are encouraged to register by Jan. 10, to receive the early-bird rate of $280. Members of AFIA, PFI and/or NARA should contact their association representatives to attend this program at the member rate. 

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’s members manufacture more than 75% of the feed and 70% of the non-whole 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 represents the full community of people and companies who make the majority of meat American families rely on every day. The Meat Institute’s hands-on regulatory and technical expertise, proactive advocacy, unique convening power, collaboration within and beyond animal agriculture, and sector-leading continuous improvement initiatives drive relationships and resources that ensure meat continues to be a vital, trusted pillar of healthy diets and thriving communities for generations to come. To learn more, visit MeatInstitute.org.

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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