In recognition of American Feed Industry Association's (AFIA) commitment to global market access, the organization has been awarded over $170,000 in federal funding to further support its initiatives in 2024. The funding, through the U.S. Department of Agriculture Foreign Agricultural Service’s (FAS) Market Access Program (MAP), will be used to develop and implement programs that enhance market access for U.S. feed products in international markets. This includes more opportunities to broaden market access in and support the export of U.S. animal food products to Vietnam and China.
Objectives of the funding
The federal funding awarded to AFIA aims to achieve several key objectives:
- Promoting U.S. feed products: The funding will enable AFIA to promote U.S. feed products in international markets, showcasing their quality, safety, and nutritional value. This will help to increase demand for U.S. feed products and open up new market opportunities for the industry.
- Addressing trade barriers: AFIA will use the funding to address trade barriers and regulatory challenges that hinder market access for U.S. feed products. This includes engaging with government agencies, industry stakeholders, and international organizations to advocate for fair and science-based trade policies.
- Market research and analysis: AFIA will conduct market research and analysis to identify emerging trends, consumer preferences, and regulatory requirements in target markets. This information will help feed industry stakeholders make informed decisions and tailor their products to meet the specific needs of international customers.
- Technical assistance and capacity building: The funding will support AFIA's efforts to provide technical assistance and capacity building programs to international partners. This includes sharing best practices, conducting training programs, and facilitating knowledge exchange to enhance the quality and safety of feed products worldwide.
The federal funding awarded to AFIA to support global market access opportunities is a significant milestone for the feed industry. It reflects the importance of international trade for the industry's growth and sustainability. With this funding, AFIA will be able to enhance market access for U.S. feed products, address trade barriers, conduct market research, and provide technical assistance to international partners. The benefits of this funding will extend to feed industry stakeholders, including manufacturers, exporters, and other key players. Overall, this funding will contribute to the continued growth and success of the feed industry on a global scale.