The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) signed an agreement with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that designates USDA as the authority to certify animal feed and pet food products for export to foreign countries.
USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) has unique capabilities in working with stakeholders to develop export certification programs that meet the specific requirements of other countries. With years of experience certifying agricultural products for export, AMS will now expand its services to support the trade of animal feed and feed ingredients.
"This agreement is a big step toward helping U.S. feed exporters take advantage of the growing global demand for these products," said AMS Administrator Anne Alonzo. "By allowing producers to obtain certification that some importing countries require, this effort opens new markets for U.S. products, generating additional economic benefits and more jobs across rural America."
Under this agreement, AMS has the authority to audit, register, and provide export certification for animal feed and pet food products for export. Once this program has been developed and implemented, it has the potential to provide new opportunities for U.S. feed exporters as well as supporting existing markets.
AMS has the ability to certify a wide range of animal feed products, including pet food and treats, dried distillers' grains with solubles, mixed-ingredient feeds, and feed additives. The total market for U.S. exports of animal feed and feed ingredients (excluding soybeans) worldwide is estimated to be $20 billion.
The USDA's Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS), AMS and FDA will work together with other government agencies, and representatives from feed, grain, and pet food industry organizations, to develop a program and refine it based on stakeholder feedback.
