May 23, 2024

American Feed Industry Association advocates for feed industry issues on US Capitol Hill, installs new leadership

 

The American Feed Industry Association's (AFIA) board of directors wrapped up its annual spring meeting in Arlington, Virginia, the United States, on May 16, where they advocated for key policy priorities impacting the animal food industry on Capitol Hill and conducted other official business, including installing new board leadership and directors.

The directors met with over 35 US Senate and House offices, advocating for several legislative priorities on behalf of the US feed industry, including the Innovative Feed Enhancement and Economic Development Act (Innovative FEED Act) (S. 1842/H.R. 6687), Enteric Methane Innovation Tools for Lower Emissions and Sustainable Stock Act (EMIT LESS Act) (S.4056), Securing American Agriculture Act (H.R. 8003), Sound Science for Farmers Act (S. 3719) and the farm bill.  

During the official business meeting, the AFIA's board of directors recognised outgoing chair Carlos Gonzalez, PhD, vice president of global regulatory affairs at Hill's Pet Nutrition, Inc., for his leadership over the past year. Gonzalez now transitions into one year of service as chair of the Institute for Feed Education and Research's (IFEEDER) board of trustees.

"As part of my year as chair, I had the opportunity to oversee the planning and execution of the Executive Leadership Summit and Rising Leaders programme, which provided a great forum for incredible discussions on key topics facing the animal food industry with members and the future leaders of our industry," said Gonzalez. "The AFIA had many successes this past year, and many before that, from the continued legislative, regulatory and trade policy work, planning of various member education and engagement opportunities, and the growing level of respect for IFEEDER."

The AFIA Board installed Leigh Ann Sayen, chief executive officer of The Peterson Company, as its new chair, effective through the end of AFIA's fiscal year April 30, 2025. It also voted to accept the nomination of Dan Meagher, president and chief executive officer of Novus International, Inc., to become chair-elect of the organisation for the 2025-26 AFIA fiscal year.   

The board also confirmed the appointments of several individuals to serve three-year terms. Additionally, it approved eight nominated individuals as additional members to its 15-member AFIA Executive Committee,.

- AFIA