The American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) has unveiled a new video series aimed at educating the public about the complex and innovative $267.1 billion U.S. animal food manufacturing industry. The three-part series offers an in-depth look at the sector's role in supporting livestock health, food security and economic progress.
AFIA President and CEO Constance Cullman emphasized the importance of transparency in the food industry, stating, "Americans want to know more about their food, from its ingredients to where the crops are grown that feed livestock and poultry to the specific farms that produce their meat, milk, eggs and fish."
The video series addresses common misconceptions about animal feed, showcasing the industry's commitment to research and development, efficiency, safety and sustainability. Each video in the series focuses on different aspects of animal food manufacturing:
- An overview of the industry's size, scope and technological advancements
- The advantages of U.S. feed ingredients and stringent regulatory standards
- The industry's role in reducing the environmental footprint of animal agriculture
A key highlight of the series is the concept of "circularity" in feed production. According to a recent report by the Institute for Feed Education and Research, nearly 37% of all feed ingredients (excluding harvested forages and roughages) come from coproducts and byproducts that would otherwise end up in landfills.
The video series, produced by LAI Video in Washington, D.C., was partially funded through the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Regional Agricultural Promotion Program (RAPP). This $1.2 billion initiative aims to develop new export markets for U.S. food and agricultural products beyond traditional trading partners.
AFIA plans to use these videos in educational sessions with federal regulators, policymakers and international delegations. Cullman expressed enthusiasm for the new resource, saying, "We are proud to serve as the animal food industry's voice in conversations with stakeholders, and now we can bring our message to life with powerful visuals."
