The American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) has congratulated both Brooke Rollins for her confirmation as head of the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for his confirmation as head of the Department of Health and Human Services.
AFIA President and CEO Constance Cullman issued statements highlighting the vital role of these new appointments in supporting the U.S. animal food industry, ensuring science-based standards, and advancing modern, harmonized regulatory frameworks. Cullman emphasized the need for resources to improve agricultural research, mitigate disease risks, and foster best-in-class animal disease preparedness, while urging Kennedy to prioritize science in decision-making to support innovation and safety in the animal food sector.
The AFIA looks forward to promoting science-based policies that ensure safe animal food and allow U.S. innovators to keep pace with changing science and global competitors, said Cullman.
“We look forward to working with HHS and the Food and Drug Administration’s Center for Veterinary Medicine to build upon the yearslong effort to modernize U.S. animal food regulations so that they keep pace with advancing animal nutrition science and put the U.S. animal food industry on a level playing field with its global counterparts," said Cullman. "Our goal is that the U.S. animal food regulatory system encourages innovators to invest in and deliver innovative ingredients to the market in a timely way and that American farmers, ranchers and pet owners maintain confidence in the safety of the U.S. food supply. We urge Kennedy to keep science, not evolving public opinion, at the heart of his decision-making so that together, we can meet our country’s food safety and security goals."
With the constant threat of animal disease, Cullman noted AFIA will continue its calls for the USDA to have the resources it needs to not only improve agricultural research and mitigate disease risks, but to create a best-in-class animal disease preparedness and response network.
"We hope that the agency will continue its efforts to harmonize the regulatory framework across the agencies responsible for bringing novel human and animal nutrition-improving technologies to market," she noted. "As our international counterparts and organizations convene to develop strategies to reduce food insecurity and environmental impact, we will support Secretary Rollins in her diplomatic efforts to ensure science-based standards and regulations remain a top priority. Our members are committed to providing expertise and counsel to the USDA delegates charged with ensuring agriculture has a firm footing in 21st century trade agreements.”
Adapted from a press release.
