The American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) has expressed strong support for the Securing American Agriculture Act (S. 5277), introduced by Senator Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.) and co-sponsored by 11 other senators. This legislation aims to direct the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to study global supply chain markets, particularly focusing on the supply of feed ingredients like vitamins, minerals and amino acids crucial for animal and pet food production. A companion bill, H.R. 8003, was introduced earlier in the House by Rep. Ashley Hinson (R-Iowa-2).
AFIA President and CEO Constance Cullman highlighted the importance of securing diverse and reliable sources for essential nutrients, citing the U.S. animal food industry's dependence on China, which dominates global production of key vitamins and amino acids. This dependency poses significant risks to the long-term viability of the supply chain and the overall health of U.S. livestock and pets.
Cullman emphasized that ensuring the U.S. food system's resilience requires proactive measures to diversify supply sources to avoid potential disruptions that could impact animal welfare, food security and the economy. AFIA sees the Securing American Agriculture Act as a critical step towards providing policymakers with the necessary tools to address these supply chain vulnerabilities.
The AFIA also expressed gratitude to the Senate cosponsors, which include bipartisan support, for recognizing the need to safeguard the U.S. agricultural supply chain. For more details, the AFIA and Sen. Ricketts' offices provide resources outlining the significance of the legislation and the potential impact on U.S. agriculture and food security.
