Quarterly NewsletterQ4 2024 |
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A Letter from Our President |
Dear AAFCO Members, |
As the crisp air of autumn settles in, we find ourselves moving into a season of reflection and renewal. I hope this time of year brings you a chance to enjoy the vibrant colors of fall and the opportunity to recharge as we continue our important work in the animal feed industry.
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As we wrapped up the Annual Meeting back in August, the topic on everyone’s mind was the expiration of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with FDA. I’m happy to report that AAFCO is currently evaluating a proposal from Kansas State University's Olathe Innovation Campus to lead the scientific review for a new animal food ingredient submission pathway. More details about the proposal are shared below, and we are encouraging all feed regulators and industry experts to review and provide feedback to us by October 31, 2024. |
We have two important events coming up that I want to make sure are on everyone’s radar:
Our annual Basic Inspector Training Seminar (BITS) is taking place next week in Boise, Idaho. Although registration is closed for this session, I encourage you to stay tuned for future training opportunities that will provide valuable resources for inspectors to build their expertise and network with others in the field. The 2025 Midyear Meeting is scheduled for January 21-23, 2025, in Little Rock, AR. This meeting is a key opportunity for collaboration and discussion on industry developments. Registration information is also included in this newsletter. |
In the wake of Hurricane Helene, AAFCO empathizes with everyone who has been affected—especially the animals and the agricultural community that depends on them. We are all in this together and every effort counts! There are countless ways to make a difference right now. If you're inspired to help, we've provided a couple of donation platforms below to ensure that both animals and their caretakers receive the support they need to recover and rebuild. Your contributions can make a significant impact during this challenging time. |
Thank you for your continued dedication and support to our mission. Wishing you all a wonderful autumn!
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Sincerely, |
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Joshua Arbaugh President |
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AAFCO Considering New Regulatory Pathway Proposal from K-State Olathe
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Kansas State University’s K-State Olathe Innovation Campus has provided a proposal to provide the scientific review for AAFCO’s new animal food ingredient submission pathway. This proposal, which would replace the former Ingredient Definition Request process, offers a scientifically driven, comprehensive review process that could significantly reduce the time required to bring new ingredients to market. AAFCO is seeking feedback from regulators and industry experts on the proposal by October 31, 2024. |
| Read More and Submit Feedback |
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Request for Proposals for Bulk Feed Tote Sampling Methods Study |
The Inspection and Sampling Committee invites all organizations, agencies and universities that conduct research to submit a proposal to develop and execute a sampling method study. The study will determine the best method for sampling bulk non-liquid feed totes; determine the appropriate number of subsamples in lot size to evaluate the investigational allowance for crude protein, crude fat, crude fiber, and macro- and micronutrient analytes; and establish new precision values for feed sampling procedures to ensure repeatability and defensibility of collection methods. Responses are due on October 31, 2024. |
| Learn More |
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Call for Speakers |
Interested in presenting at an upcoming AAFCO meeting or know someone who would be a great speaker for an AAFCO event? We are looking for experts for presentations, panel discussions and keynote speakers for future meetings, workshops and seminars. Speakers and presentations must be relevant to animal food in the United States. Submit a proposal, white paper, or draft presentation to the Event Planning Workgroup for consideration.
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| Submit to be a Speaker |
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Help Those Impacted by Hurricane Helene |
Help our members, industry partners, animals and the agricultural community who have been affected by Hurricane Helene. Every contribution, no matter the size, will make a tremendous difference as communities begin to recover and rebuild. Consider donating to one of the relief funds established below or contact your local department of agriculture to learn about how you can help.
Donate to the Bales of Hay Relief Effort for Tropical Storm Helene in Western North Carolina
Donate to Pet People Helping People, Pets and Animals in Hurricane Relief via GoFundMe |
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The AAFCO Depot |
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Make sure your inspectors are ready to hit the field with custom-made inspection probes; safety vests and glasses; shirts, hats and mugs from The AAFCO Depot. Our online e-commerce store has everything you need for new (and experienced) team members.
When you shop The AAFCO Depot, you’re helping AAFCO fund important projects, trainings and scholarships for members to attend workshops. |
| Shop Now |
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Registration for the 2025 Midyear Meeting is opening soon. We look forward to seeing you in Little Rock! |
| Registration Opening Soon |
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AFRPS Meeting March 4-6, 2025 Nashville, TN Note: This training is for regulators only.
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Feed Administrators Seminar May 6-8, 2025 Camptyon, KY |
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Advanced Inspector Training Seminar (AITS) June 2025 Savannah, GA |
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2025 Annual Meeting August 4-6, 2025 Omaha, NE
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Other Events to Consider |
AFDO Fresh Take Fridays Webinar: The Death of Chevron: Implications of the Loper Bright Decision
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November 1, 2024 | 10 a.m. MT
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Understand how the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn the Chevron doctrine has impacted regulatory agencies, Congress, the courts and industry. |
| Learn More |
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AFIA Launches Brand New Animal Food Safety Course
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The American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) is offering a new online course, AFIA 600, designed to equip participants with the knowledge and tools to establish and maintain robust animal food safety programs. The course, running from November 12 - December 17, includes nine modules and is ideal for those seeking a deeper understanding of animal food safety or pursuing Safe Feed/Safe Food certification. |
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Recruit with AAFCO |
AAFCO’s Job Opportunities site is a great resource to recruit top talent in the animal feed and pet food industry. With thousands of website visits each month, we can help get your available positions in front of inspectors, lab technicians, and other management level folks across the country. |
| Submit Your Job Today |
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