IFEEDER Update: 2011 Project Highlights
A look back at its contributions to the feed industry
IFEEDER recently concluded its fiscal year 2011, a year marked with great strides toward its goal to "Shape the future. Feed the World." IFEEDER's board of trustees met — and exceeded by $100,000 — its goal to take in $500,000 for the year and since the charitable foundation's commencement, it has received $1.1 million in donations including actual cash and pledges.
In 2011, IFEEDER committed $283,000 in funding for various projects, studies and industry meetings. The following are highlights of IFEEDER's significant contributions from the last year:
National Research Council Swine ($75,000)
Funding for this project went toward updating the Swine Nutrient Requirements publication, which will be released in June, and a symposium will be held at the American Society of Animal Science Annual Meeting in July in Phoenix.
ABC’s of Farming Coloring Books ($30,000)
More than 15,000 coloring books about animal agriculture have been distributed to mostly urban and suburban kids at a myriad of events. American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) members have taken several thousand to distribute to children in their own communities.
Training Modules for the AFIA Safe Feed/Safe Food Certification Program ($20,000)
North Carolina State University is developing training modules for feed mills and ingredients manufacturers seeking Safe Feed/Safe Food certification. The SF/SF program is designed to assist certified facilities in meeting the requirements of the Food Safety Modernization Act of 2011.
Animal Agriculture Alliance Adopt a Teacher Program ($15,000)
The Animal Agriculture Alliance will send up to 400 Ag in the Classroom modules to teachers around the United States nominated by AFIA members. The modules help teachers educate their students on the benefits to society of modern farming practices.
United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization Life Cycle Assessment of Feed Ingredients Project ($15,000)
The AFIA will partner with the European Feed Manufacturers’ Association (FEFAC) and the FAO to develop models for the life cycle assessment of feed and ingredients in livestock production. This two- to three-year project will produce an objective, scientifically based report that will provide information on how to calculate the carbon footprint of feed manufacturing.
National Salmonella Feed Sampling Research Project ($15,000)
Seven to ten other organizations, including the AFIA will conduct a national feed survey to determine the presence and types of Salmonella in feed. The USDA’s Agricultural Research Service will provide researchers and laboratory facilities, while AFIA and other trade groups will fund sampling equipment and analytical work.
Development of a Pet Food Manufacturing Facility Certification Program website ($5,000)
This grant will assist AFIA with the development of a website explaining the requirements of the newly developed Pet Food Manufacturing Facility Certification Program, part of the SF/SF family of programs that was rolled out in 2012.
Visit www.ifeeder.org for more on IFEEDER projects and information on how to pledge your support for future IFEEDER initiatives.
