Pet industry backs US bill on animal food supply chain

The Securing American Agriculture Act, introduced in the House and Senate, mandates the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to conduct a study of the global supply chain for US agricultural inputs.

The bill emphasizes the need to assess overreliance on key suppliers, particularly China, for ingredients, including essential vitamins, amino acids and others used in feed and pet food.

The findings will provide policymakers with data to guide decisions aimed at diversifying foreign suppliers and encouraging domestic production.

This, in turn, is expected to enhance human and animal food security in the North American country

Industry support

The American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) has announced its backing of the new bill as it aims to protect the animal food supply chain from potential vulnerabilities.

“We share many lawmakers and the Trump administration’s concerns over curbing China’s influence on America’s food supply,” AFIA President and CEO Constance Cullman says.

Given the geopolitical risks and trade tensions that could lead to disruptions, the association has long advocated for a detailed examination of China’s role in the US food and agriculture supply chain.

“Without good data, our nation’s leaders are essentially shooting in the dark, unable to determine where they can make meaningful impact – whether by boosting domestic production or securing alternative suppliers,” adds Cullman.

By supporting the Securing American Agriculture Act, AFIA aims to make sure that America can safeguard its animal food and agricultural industries from external supply threats.

Vitamins

One of the bill’s key components is its focus on vitamins, which are crucial for animal health. U.S. manufacturers rely heavily on China for essential vitamins such as B1, B3, B8, B11, B12, C, D3 and K3.

AFIA emphasizes the importance of a more diversified supply chain to reduce dependence on a single foreign source and ensure that US producers have reliable access to the ingredients necessary to maintain animal health and the integrity of animal feed.

“By supporting the Securing American Agriculture Act, we can give federal decision-makers a clearer shot at guarding the United States from potentially catastrophic animal welfare, food or animal food security or economic consequences,” Cullman concludes.

The act is a bipartisan effort, with key lawmakers from both Democrat and Republican parties working together to protect the animal food supply chain nationwide.