ARLINGTON and ALEXANDRIA, VA. — The American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) and North American Renderers Association (NARA) expressed their support of new legislation, called the Safe American Food Exports (SAFE) Act, seeking to protect the exportation of American agricultural products, like pet food and rendered products.

The act was introduced on April 29 by US Representatives Randy Feenstra (R-Iowa) and Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif.) and Senators Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.) and Chris Coons (D-Del.).

The act would codify the US Department of Agriculture (UDSA)’s role in negotiating regionalization agreements with trading partners. These agreements allow products from disease-free countries to continue to trade even if another country or region experiences an animal disease outbreak. 

Additionally, the SAFE Act would establish an early notification system through the USDA’s Import and Export Library, alerting stakeholders to changes in trade states, all in an effort to minimize disruptions across the supply chain. 

According to the AFIA, this act would help ensure that American agricultural goods, including livestock, poultry, animal-based feed and pet food, can be safely and efficiently exported in the event of an animal disease outbreak in the United States.

“We sincerely thank Representatives Randy Feenstra and Jimmy Panetta and Senators Roger Wicker, Katie Britt, Tina Smith and Chris Coons for championing legislative efforts to secure US export markets for animal-based feed and pet food products in the face of foreign animal disease threats,” said Constance Cullman, president and chief executive officer of the AFIA. “These products are a critical, yet often overlooked, component of the food supply chain. The AFIA strongly backs the SAFE Act, and our members are committed to working alongside the US government to implement proactive measures to help shield our economy from future risks.”

According to NARA, the act would also protect animal-based products, like those rendered from meat, poultry and other byproducts. 

“NARA has supported the SAFE Act since its original introduction in 2023 because it takes a smart, proactive approach to foreign animal disease preparedness,” said Kent Swisher, president and CEO of NARA. “Regionalization is a proven strategy that ensures science-based trade policies prevail over reactionary border closures. Codifying this authority helps maintain the stability of the rendering industry and its role in global trade while supporting animal health and food security.“