IFIF is made up of national and regional feed associations from Africa, Asia Pacific, Europe, North and South America and the Middle East, as well feed related organizations and corporate members from around the globe.
IFIF members represent over 80% of total compound animal feed production worldwide.
Dear IFIF Members, dear friends and colleagues,
The past two years have highlighted once more how essential the feed sector is to global food security and sustainability. We are living in times of both opportunity and challenge, where our industry continues to demonstrate resilience and innovation. Through science-based solutions and collaboration across the value chain, the feed sector is enabling farmers everywhere to produce more with less – supporting safe, nutritious, and affordable food for a growing population.
In November 2024, the IFIF Board met in Rome and agreed to review our strategic direction for the decade ahead. This led to a Strategic Session in Madrid in April 2025, where our Vision was reaffirmed and our Mission updated to reflect today’s priorities: to represent the global feed industry with international organizations, to advocate science-based animal nutrition for sustainable production and food security, to promote balanced regulatory frameworks, and to expand our global network of feed associations. At the same time, we reaffirmed IFIF’s three strategic pillars, renaming the third to Best Practices & Capacity Building, underlining our commitment to education and knowledge sharing.
Under Sustainability, IFIF made important progress across 2024 and 2025. The Sustainability Committee coordinated quarterly reviews of projects such as GFLI, LEAP, and GASL, while supporting regional updates from our Members. In late 2024, the Road to 2050 initiative was approved, and in 2025 Kearney began its implementation, with Phase 1 underway to collect industry insights that will form a strong foundation for aligned messaging on climate action. This work is especially timely as IFIF prepares to engage at COP30 in Brazil, where we will highlight the feed industry’s contributions at side events together with FAO, WFO, IDF, AFIA, and Sindirações.
In both 2024 and 2025, IFIF also strengthened its role in global partnerships. We co-launched the Common Principles and Actions for Sustainable Livestock Production with nine other international associations, laying out a shared agenda for transformation across the value chain. We contributed to LEAP’s new guidelines on ecosystem services and circular bioeconomy, and in October 2025 I am proud that IFIF will assume the Chairmanship of LEAP for one year. At the same time, our active role in GFLI and GASL continues to ensure that our industry speaks with one voice on sustainability and climate.
On the regulatory front, IFIF has continued to deepen its cooperation with FAO, Codex, and WOAH. In 2024, the 17th International Feed Regulators Meeting (IFRM) once again brought regulators and industry together in Atlanta for constructive dialogue on feed safety and innovation. Building on that success, preparations are well advanced for the 18th IFRM and the Global Feed Forum in October 2025, with participation from more than 50 countries. IFIF’s ongoing contributions to the International Cooperation for Convergence of Technical Requirements for Feed Ingredients (ICCF) and the development of proposals on electronic labeling show our leadership in shaping frameworks that support innovation and fair trade.
Under Best Practices & Capacity Building, IFIF and FAO continue to promote the Manual of Good Practices for the Feed Industry, now available in multiple languages, while expanding our e-learning courses and advancing the publication of Biosecurity Guidance for Feed Mills. In 2024, IFIF also broadened access to its online training by launching the Spanish version of our e-learning course on good production practices. Our Global Animal Nutrition Programme is in discussions with FAO for new joint training opportunities in Asia and Latin America in the years ahead.
Finally, over the last two years, our Federation continued to increase its membership and geographical reach, and I want to again welcome all our new Members to the IFIF family!
These achievements are only possible thanks to the dedication and engagement of our Members, IFIF Board of Directors, Committees, and Secretariat. I warmly welcome our newest member, AKEFEMA, which broadens IFIF’s reach in Africa, and I thank all of you for your strong support of our Federation.
I want to thank Alexandra de Athayde, IFIF’s Executive Director, for her outstanding leadership and together with Sebastian Csaki and our IFIF Technical Expert Philippe Becquet for their continued excellent work and dedication to IFIF.
It has been an honor to serve as your Chairman over the last four years and to lead IFIF through such an important period. I am proud of the strong footing on which we now stand, and I am confident that IFIF will continue to grow in strength. At the 38th General Assembly, I was pleased to hand over the chairmanship to Constance Cullman, IFIF Chair 2026–2027, and I wish her every success as she leads our Federation into its next chapter.
Together, we will continue to face challenges head-on, seize new opportunities, and ensure our industry remains at the heart of sustainable solutions for farmers, societies, and future generations.
Yours sincerely,
Dear IFIF Members, dear Colleagues, dear Friends,
I am pleased to share with you the 2024–2025 IFIF Annual Report, which highlights the progress we have achieved together over the last two years, while reinforcing IFIF’s role as the trusted global voice of the feed industry.
The past years have confirmed what we all know: the feed industry is an essential participant in the food chain. Guided by IFIF’s Vision and our three strategic pillars -Sustainability, Regulatory & International Standards, and Best Practices & Capacity Building – we continued to deliver for our Members and for our sector at large.
A key milestone this period was the Strategic Session of the IFIF Board of Directors in Madrid in April 2025, following our meeting in Rome in November 2024. At this session, the Board reaffirmed our Vision, updated our Mission to reflect today’s global priorities, and confirmed our three pillars, renaming the third as Best Practices & Capacity Building. This renewed framework provides clarity and direction for IFIF’s work going forward.
Sustainability
In 2024 and 2025, IFIF advanced a number of important initiatives in support of sustainable livestock production. The Road to 2050 initiative was moved ahead in 2024 and launched in 2025. With Phase 1 underway, this work is gathering insights from across our industry and stakeholders to shape a clear and unified narrative on the feed sector’s contribution to climate action.
At the same time, IFIF co-launched the Common Principles and Actions for Sustainable Livestock Production with nine other global associations, demonstrating the united commitment of the livestock value chain to deliver sustainability, improve farmer livelihoods, and strengthen food security. IFIF also remained deeply engaged in LEAP, GFLI, and GASL, contributing to new guidelines, data, and governance reforms. I am honored to take on the role of LEAP Chair from October 2025 to October 2026, strengthening IFIF’s leadership within this important FAO partnership.
Regulatory & International Standards
IFIF continued to play a central role in promoting balanced, science-based frameworks for innovation and trade. In January 2024, the 17th International Feed Regulators Meeting (IFRM) in Atlanta once again brought regulators and industry leaders together for vital discussions on feed safety and innovation. Building on that success, preparations are well underway for the 18th IFRM and Global Feed Forum in October 2025, which will welcome participants from more than 50 countries.
IFIF also contributed actively to Codex workstreams, supported the International Cooperation for Convergence of Technical Requirements for Feed Ingredients (ICCF) through multiple expert groups, and advanced proposals from our Electronic Labeling Working Group. In addition, IFIF strengthened its Nutritional Innovation work in 2024 and 2025, engaging with Members in low- and middle-income countries, contributing to consultations on antimicrobial resistance, and updating the IFIF Nutritional Innovation Statement to reflect new science and priorities.
Best Practices & Capacity Building
Together with FAO, IFIF continued to promote the Manual of Good Practices for the Feed Industry, which remains a reference tool across regions and is now available in multiple languages. In 2024, IFIF expanded its reach by launching the Spanish version of our e-learning course on Good Production Practices in the Feed Industry, which has already been accessed by participants in more than 60 countries.
At the same time, IFIF finalized the Biosecurity Guidance for Feed Mills, drawing on contributions from national and regional associations, with publication now underway in collaboration with FAO. Discussions also progressed with FAO on the future of the Global Animal Nutrition Programme, with potential joint trainings in Asia and Latin America under review for 2026. These projects underscore IFIF’s strong and ongoing commitment to building capacity worldwide.
Membership & Governance
In 2025, IFIF counted 49 Members, including the addition of the Association Kenya Feed Manufacturers (AKEFEMA), expanding IFIF’s footprint in Africa. At the same time, our Governance Working Group completed an important review of IFIF’s Statutes and Rules of Procedure to align with Luxembourg’s new non-profit law, ensuring our structures remain modern and fit for purpose.
I want to take this opportunity to thank our dedicated Committee and Working Group Chairs – Sustainability Committee Chair Constance Cullman (AFIA) and Regulatory Committee Chair Bruno Caputi (Sindirações) – our IFIF Technical Expert Philippe Becquet, our Treasurer Dr. Reinder Sijstma, and our Executive Committee and Board of Directors for their tireless efforts. Most importantly, I want to thank you, our Members, whose engagement and expertise make all of IFIF’s achievements possible.
Finally, I wish to express my gratitude to our Chairman, Ruud Tijssens, for his leadership over the past four years. At the 38th General Assembly, he passed the baton to Constance Cullman, IFIF Chair 2026–2027, and we look forward to her leadership as we continue to build on this solid foundation.
Looking ahead
Looking at 2026 and 2027, I am excited to congratulate Constance Cullman as our new IFIF Chair, Roberto Betancourt as our first Vice-Chair, Dr. Reinder Sijtsma as Treasurer, and the newly elected Board of Directors. Their leadership and expertise will guide IFIF as we continue to strengthen our role as the united voice of the global feed industry, supporting sustainable, safe, nutritious, and affordable food for a growing world population.
Together, we will continue to strengthen IFIF’s global voice, champion science-based solutions, and expand our capacity-building efforts. With your support, IFIF will remain at the forefront of sustainable, safe, and innovative animal nutrition.
Thank you all for your continued support of IFIF.
Alexandra de Athayde
Executive Director
International Feed Industry Federation
Under its Articles of Association, held in Luxembourg, IFIF is managed by the Executive Director and overseen by an elected Chairman and Board of Directors drawn from the membership. Board Members serve two-year terms and are elected at the IFIF General Assembly.
Chairman, International Feed Industry Federation, The Netherlands
President & Group Leader, Cargill Animal Nutrition, USA
Executive Director, International Feed Industry Federation, Germany
President & CEO, American Feed Industry Association
President, Stock Feed Manufacturers’ Council of Australia, Australia
President, European Feed Manufacturers’ Federation, Belgium
Government Relations & Regulatory Affairs Director, Nutreco & Treasurer, International Feed Industry Federation, Netherlands
President, Brazilian Feed Industry Association, Brazil
Secretary General, China Feed Industry Association, China
Chairman, International Feed Industry Federation, The Netherlands
President & Group Leader, Cargill Animal Nutrition, USA
Executive Director, International Feed Industry Federation, Germany
Regional VP EMEA BL Animal Nutrition, Evonik Operations GmbH, Germany
Chief Regulatory Officer, Alltech, France
President & CEO, American Feed Industry Association (AFIA)
President, Stock Feed Manufacturers’ Council of Australia, Australia
Vice President Sustainability and Business Solutions, dsm-firmenich, Switzerland
Executive Vice President Strategy, Sustainability and Safety, Adisseo, France
President ADM EMEA & Global Animal Nutrition, ADM, Switzerland
Executive Director Corporate Affairs, Elanco Animal Health, USA
Secretary General, EU Association of Specialty Feed Ingredients and their Mixtures, Belgium
Executive Director, Animal Nutrition Association of Canada, Canada
President, European Feed Manufacturers’ Federation, Belgium
Government Relations & Regulatory Affairs Director, Nutreco & Treasurer, International Feed Industry Federation, Netherlands
President, Brazilian Feed Industry Association, Brazil
VP Feed Enzymes & Feed Performance Ingredients, BASF SE, Germany
Secretary General, China Feed Industry Association, China
IFIF is registered as a non-profit organization in Luxembourg and was founded on December 1, 1987.
Experts from member companies and national associations participate in IFIF’s expert and technical committees. These consider key industry issues and help develop global feed and food industry standards.
Chair: Bruno Caputi, Sindirações
Chair: Constance Cullman, American Feed Industry Federation (AFIA)
Chair: Dr. Karine Tanan, Cargill
Chair: Bruno Caputi, Sindirações
Chair: Duncan Rowland, SFMCA (Australia)
Chair: Constance Cullman, AFIA (USA)
The International Feed Industry Federation (IFIF) provides a unified voice and leadership to represent and promote the global feed industry as an essential participant in the food chain that provides sustainable, safe, nutritious and affordable food for a growing world population.
In 2024 and 2025 IFIF initiated and participated in a number of important activities, while strengthening our relationship with key stakeholders across the livestock chain, and solidifying IFIFs position as the voice for our industry globally.
IFIF undertook a number of projects to meet this challenge and continued to develop stronger relationships with international stakeholders, while welcoming a range of new Members to IFIF.
Over the last two years, IFIF continued it’s sharp focus on our strategic work plan. To support our industry on the road to the future, IFIF’s work with its Members and stakeholders is centred on three strategic pillars:
IFIF is made up of national and regional feed associations from Africa, Asia Pacific, Europe, North and South America and the Middle East, as well feed related organizations and corporate members from around the globe.
IFIF members represent over 80% of total compound animal feed production worldwide.
IFIF believes that only by working together with all stakeholders in the feed and food chain, including governments, the private sector and non-governmental groups, can we meet the demands of 60% more food, including animal proteins like beef, poultry, fish and dairy products in the future.
Given the anticipated growth of the world’s population to around 9 billion people by 2050, and the associated higher demand for animal proteins like beef, poultry and fish, it is vital that we can meet this challenge in a sustainable and safe way.
IFIF helps to ensure high standards of health and welfare for animals and people, by collaborating with the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), the Codex Alimentarius Commission and other international bodies to help set international regulatory standards for the whole feed chain and support fair trade.
In addition, IFIF works with governmental, private sector, and nongovernmental partners on a number of fronts to measure, benchmark and improve the sustainability of the livestock production chain.
IFIF also aims to play a proactive role to promote science-based solutions and information sharing for feed manufacturers, consumers and regulatory authorities worldwide on a variety of issues that affect the supply of safe and affordable animal proteins such as beef, poultry, fish and dairy products.
The page below breaks down some common terms and definitions used throughout this online report.
Feed (Feeding Stuff)
Any single or multiple materials, whether processed, semi- processed or raw, which is intended to be fed directly to food-producing animals.
Feed Ingredient
A component part or constituent of any combination or mixture making up a feed, whether or not it has a nutritional value in the animal’s diet, including feed additives. Ingredients are of plant, animal or aquatic origin, or other organic or inorganic substances.
Feed Additive
Any intentionally added ingredient not normally consumed as feed by itself, whether or not it has nutritional value, which affects the characteristics of feed or animal products. Micro-organisms, enzymes, acidity regulators, trace elements, vitamins and other products fall within the scope of this definition depending on the purpose of use and method of administration.
Medicated Feed
Any feed which contains veterinary drugs as defined in the Codex Alimentarius Commission Procedural Manual.
Complete Feed
A nutritionally adequate feed compounded by a specific formula to be fed as the sole ration and capable of maintaining life and/or promoting production without any additional substance except water.
Concentrate
A feed used with another to improve the nutritive balance of the total and intended to be diluted or mixed to produce a supplement or a complete feed; may be unsafe if fed free choice or alone as a supplement.
Micro-ingredients
Vitamins, minerals, antibiotics, drugs/medicines, and other materials usually required in feeds in small amounts as feed additives.
Premix
A uniform mixture of one or more microingredients/ additives with a diluent and/ or carrier to facilitate their even distribution in a larger mix.
Primary feed
A feed formulated from single ingredients, sometimes containing a premix (less than less than 45.5 kg per tonne or 100 pounds per tonne).
Trace Minerals
Mineral nutrients required by animals in micro amounts (measured in units of grams per kg or smaller).
One of the key parts of IFIF’s mission is to continue to support and encourage the sustainable development of animal production.
One of the key Pillars underlying IFIF is working with its members to ‘support sustainable animal production systems: produce more, using less and even better at an affordable cost to the consumer’.
In 2024 and 2025, IFIF advanced a number of important initiatives in support of sustainable livestock production. The Road to 2050 initiative was moved ahead in 2024 and launched in 2025. With Phase 1 underway, this work is gathering insights from across our industry and stakeholders to shape a clear and unified narrative on the feed sector’s contribution to climate action.
At the same time, IFIF co-launched the Common Principles and Actions for Sustainable Livestock Production with nine other global associations, demonstrating the united commitment of the livestock value chain to deliver sustainability, improve farmer livelihoods, and strengthen food security.
IFIF also remained deeply engaged in the Global Agenda for Sustainable Livestock (GASL) and the Partnership on Livestock Environmental Assessment and Performance (LEAP). IFIF holds the role of LEAP Chair from October 2025 to October 2026, strengthening IFIF’s leadership within this important FAO partnership.
The IFIF Sustainability Committee, made up of senior leaders and sustainability experts, has defined the following mission for IFIF in this important area:
Mission: IFIF fosters animal nutrition innovation and efficiency and supports and encourages the development and use of science-based global guidance to measure, benchmark and improve environmental performance and sustainability of animal production.
IFIF works with key stakeholders and partners to advance sustainable animal production systems. Animal nutrition is an essential part of the solution to make the livestock production chain more sustainable and IFIF strives to support the UN Sustainable Development Goals, including ‘Zero Hunger’, ‘Good Health and Wellbeing’, Responsible Consumption and Production’ and ‘Climate Action’.
IFIF with its Members undertakes & is involved in a number of initiatives across 3 Action Areas to support this vision & mission:
Over the last decades through innovation and efficiency, animal feed has proven to be an essential part of the solution to make the livestock production chain more sustainable.
IFIF’s work with our members, as well as international organizations, such as FAO, as well as our agri-food chain partners to measure, benchmark and reduce the greenhouse gases (GHG) impact of livestock production globally.
In 2024 and 2025 these efforts continued strongly and IFIF provides leadership and expert input to FAO-led sustainability initiatives, including the Global Agenda for Sustainable Livestock and the Partnership on Livestock Environmental Assessment and Performance (LEAP).
Furthermore, IFIF has developed a number of strategic initiatives to measure and benchmark the environmental performance of the livestock production chain. IFIF is founding member of the Global Feed LCA Institute (GFLI), which used the FAO LEAP methodology to develop a golden global standard for assessing and benchmarking feed industry impact and improvement in LCA calculation, in order to support the reduction of the environmental footprint of livestock products.
IFIF has also together with the EU Association of Specialty Feed Ingredients and their Mixtures (FEFANA) and a consortium of international companies and associations, launched the Specialty Feed Ingredients Sustainability Project (SFIS), which measured and established the role of specialty feed ingredients (SFIs) on the environmental impact of livestock production.
The IFIF Sustainability Committee plays a central role in advancing the Federation’s mission to support the sustainable development of animal production through science-based solutions.
The IFIF Sustainability Committee plays a central role in advancing the Federation’s mission to support the sustainable development of animal production through science-based solutions. Composed of senior experts from IFIF member organizations, the Committee provides strategic guidance and oversight to ensure alignment across IFIF’s sustainability initiatives. It reviews ongoing projects, monitors global policy developments, and identifies opportunities where the feed industry can demonstrate leadership in reducing its environmental footprint while contributing to food security, farmer livelihoods, and animal welfare.
In recent years, the Committee has actively coordinated IFIF’s work with key international initiatives, including the Global Feed LCA Institute (GFLI), the FAO Livestock Environmental Assessment and Performance (LEAP) Partnership, and the Global Agenda for Sustainable Livestock (GASL). It has supported the launch of the Road to 2050 initiative, developed industry-wide positions such as the “Role of the Feed Industry in Supporting Sustainable Livestock Production,” and provided expert input into global sustainability guidelines and datasets. By integrating technical expertise with a forward-looking perspective, the Sustainability Committee ensures IFIF continues to champion credible, science-driven contributions to climate action and the sustainable transformation of the livestock sector.
The IFIF work on nutritional innovation aims to support the industry in demonstrating how animal nutrition is an important contributor to promote animal health and welfare.
Animal Nutrition is an important part of the solution to help to contain Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR). The feed sector plays a critical role in supporting animals’ optimal health with high resilience capabilities to stressors through safe and high-quality feed (feed formulation and processing) and access to nutritional innovation. It therefore is a key factor in the wellbeing of all livestock, fish and companion animals.
Adequate animal nutrition (defined as the provision of well-balanced and well formulated feed) combined with good hygiene practices on farms and proper housing are key in promoting animal health and welfare. A balanced diet of compound feed supported by specialty feed ingredients meets the animal’s physiological requirements and maintains the balance of the gut flora. Gut health is in fact a key factor in keeping animals healthy and resilient to stressors, such as heat or pathogens.
In 2024 and 2025, the IFIF Nutritional Innovation Working Group continued to advance its important work, reinforcing the feed sector’s critical role in supporting optimal animal health and resilience to stressors through safe, high-quality feed and innovative nutritional solutions. This work highlights how adequate nutrition not only promotes productivity and animal welfare, but also contributes to sustainability and the reduction of antimicrobial use in livestock production.
The project is structured around three core pillars:
Following the adoption of the IFIF paper on “Definitions in the context of adequate nutrition to support resilience of animals to stressors” in 2020, the Working Group appointed a Scientific Expert Panel of specialists in nutrition, microbiology, and microbiome science. During its first phase, the Panel identified and prioritized relevant endpoints, supported by literature review, with the objective of developing guidelines for evaluating the effectiveness of nutritional solutions. These guidelines will provide a framework to engage with authorities and support claim substantiation for nutritional products.
In 2025, the Working Group carried out a series of additional activities to strengthen its impact:
Through this broad agenda, the IFIF Nutritional Innovation project continues to provide leadership at the science–policy interface, ensuring that adequate nutrition is recognized as a cornerstone of sustainable livestock production and animal health.
The IFIF Circular Economy Working Group (WG) was established to advance the feed industry’s engagement in the global transition towards a more circular bioeconomy.
The IFIF Circular Economy Working Group (WG) was established to advance the feed industry’s engagement in the global transition towards a more circular bioeconomy. The WG brings together experts from IFIF Members to explore how the feed sector can reduce waste, optimize resource efficiency, and strengthen the use of co-products and by-products in feed production. Its work is aligned with international developments, particularly the FAO Livestock Environmental Assessment and Performance (LEAP) Partnership, where IFIF experts contribute to the Technical Advisory Group on Circular Bioeconomy.
In 2024–2025, the WG focused on coordinating input into LEAP’s new guidelines on circular bioeconomy, officially launched at the FAO Global Conference on Sustainable Livestock Transformation in September 2025. IFIF’s active role ensured that the specific perspectives of the feed sector were represented in these global standards.
At the same time, the WG continued its internal efforts to raise awareness, share best practices among Members, and identify innovative approaches to close nutrient cycles, improve resource recovery, and reduce the environmental footprint of animal production. Going forward, the Circular Economy WG will remain a key forum within IFIF to support science-based solutions and align our industry with broader global sustainability goals.
Livestock raising and the consumption of animal products make a crucial contribution to the economic and nutritional wellbeing of millions of people around the world – particularly in developing countries. Yet the need to improve environmental performance of the livestock sector will continue as the FAO estimates that demand for livestock products will continue to intensify over the decades to come.
In 2024 and 2025, IFIF continued its strong engagement in the FAO Livestock Environmental Assessment and Performance (LEAP) Partnership, both as a founding member of the Steering Committee and through the active participation of IFIF experts in Technical Advisory Groups (TAGs).
LEAP aims at developing internationally agreed LCA methodologies for livestock to improve how the environmental impacts of the livestock industry are measured and assessed, an important step to reduce the impact of livestock products on the environment.
Meat consumption is projected to rise nearly 73 percent by 2050; dairy consumption will grow 58 percent over current levels.
In 2024 and 2025, IFIF provided technical input into the development of two new guidelines—on ecosystem services and on the circular bioeconomy—which were finalized in 2025 and officially launched at the FAO Global Conference on Sustainable Livestock Transformation in Rome in September 2025. IFIF Expert Philippe Becquet co-chaired the Circular Bioeconomy TAG, ensuring the perspectives of the feed sector were fully represented.
In addition, LEAP launched its first-ever FAO e-learning course in July 2025, focused on the assessment of ecosystem services in livestock agroecosystems, based on the newly developed guidelines. This resource provides partners and stakeholders with practical tools to evaluate the role of ecosystem services in supporting sustainable livestock systems.
The LEAP Steering Committee also approved the start of Phase 5, which will revise and update existing guidance documents to reflect the latest science and stakeholder feedback. Among the priorities identified are the Environmental Performance of Animal Feed Supply Chains and the Environmental Performance of Pig Supply Chains guidelines. IFIF will coordinate Member input into these revisions through the Sustainability Committee to ensure the feed sector’s expertise continues to shape global standards.
Looking ahead, IFIF is honored that its Executive Director, Alexandra de Athayde, will serve as LEAP Chair from October 2025 to October 2026, a role that reflects IFIF’s longstanding leadership and commitment to advancing science-based methodologies for sustainability in livestock and feed supply chains.
History
In 2018 the LEAP Steering Committee agreed to establish a Technical Advisory Group (TAG) on Feed Additives. The TAG will developed technical guidance for the accounting of: (I) environmental impacts associated with the production of feed additives and (ii) environmental impacts of livestock systems using feed additives.
In 2018 and 2019 IFIF experts worked in the feed additives TAG of LEAP, whose important work was in large part based on the previous scientific work of the SFIS project.
The LEAP/FAO Feed LCA Guidelines reflect a common vision among partners, including the FAO, national governments, private sector organizations as well as NGOs. The Guidelines carry an international scientific consensus based on the input of twenty international experts in the drafting process and a thorough international public review, which took place ahead of their official release.
The Guidelines represent a significant milestone for the global feed industry and will enable consistent and credible environmental assessments with a view to reduce the environmental footprint of livestock products.
Based on this IFIF will continue to work with partners on the agri-feed chain to develop practical tools for feed and livestock producers to assist them in further reducing the environmental footprint of their activities.
For more information about LEAP please visit: http://www.fao.org/partnerships/leap/en/.
Throughout 2024 and 2025 IFIF has been involved as a Member of the Guiding Group in the FAO-led Global Agenda for Sustainable Livestock. IFIF has signed the Global Agenda Consensus and actively inputs in the work of the Agenda, and has supported the development of the initiative since its start in 2010.
In 2024 and 2025, IFIF continued to actively support the work of the FAO-led Global Agenda for Sustainable Livestock (GASL). As a founding member and signatory of the Global Agenda Consensus, IFIF has been engaged since the initiative’s inception in 2010 and remains a committed member of the Guiding Group.
2024 marked a period of transition for GASL, following the Guiding Group’s decision in October to align more closely with the FAO Global Plan of Action for Sustainable Livestock Transformation (GPA). This process included changes in leadership, with the election of Hsin Huang as Chair and the appointment of Dr. Camillo De Camillis (previously Manager of the LEAP Partnership) as Secretariat Coordinator in February 2025.
Throughout 2024 and 2025, IFIF contributed to the review and update of the GASL Plan of Action 2026–2028, which places greater emphasis on multistakeholder collaboration, policy input, and alignment with FAO structures, including the Committee on Agriculture and its Subcommittee on Livestock. Governance reforms were also under discussion, including proposals to consolidate the donor and NGO clusters into government and financial institutions clusters, while maintaining the principle of balanced regional representation. The Guiding Group is scheduled to finalize these changes in September 2025.
IFIF also participated in the Annual Multi-Stakeholder Partnership (MSP) meetings, which remain a key platform for dialogue among governments, private sector actors, civil society, farmers, and academia. These meetings, along with IFIF’s continuous contributions through the Guiding Group, reaffirm IFIF’s role in ensuring that the feed sector’s voice is represented in global discussions on sustainability and transformation of livestock systems.
The Agenda is a partnership of livestock sector stakeholders supported by the FAO and committed to the sustainable development of the sector. Together the partners develop and implement an ambitious Agenda to ensure that sector growth contributes to socially desirable objectives. The partnership brings together public and private sector, producers, research and academia, civil society, NGOs, and inter-governmental organizations to focus on three areas of work:
For more information about the Global Agenda please visit: http://www.livestockdialogue.org/.
IFIF is a founding members of the Global Feed LCA Institute (GFLI), a feed industry initiative to provide a global, harmonized, and science-based database for calculating the environmental footprint of feed.
In 2024 and 2025, IFIF continued to play an active role in the Global Feed LCA Institute (GFLI), where it serves as a permanent Board Member and is represented on the Technical Management Committee (TMC). Established to provide a global, harmonized, and science-based database for calculating the environmental footprint of feed, GFLI remains a cornerstone initiative for the feed industry’s sustainability work.
During this period, the GFLI Board focused on strengthening governance and streamlining operations, including preparing the creation of an Executive Committee to better support its growing activities. IFIF contributed to these discussions, ensuring that the perspectives of its members were reflected in GFLI’s long-term strategy.
The TMC, with IFIF’s direct involvement, advanced work on the next major GFLI database update, which will include improved global land-use change data through integration of Ad Astra’s platform. Additional updates will incorporate new and revised datasets, including a scientifically validated emissions model for cultivated crops, which is expected to significantly enhance the accuracy and comprehensiveness of environmental footprint calculations.
Environmental footprinting of livestock products remains a complex but essential task, both to improve transparency on the sector’s impacts and to benchmark progress toward reduction efforts. By enabling feed producers and livestock partners to measure, compare, and communicate sustainability performance, GFLI provides the industry with a credible foundation for science-based climate action. IFIF’s active role in governance and technical discussions ensures that feed industry priorities are represented in this global framework.
Looking ahead, GFLI will continue to expand its dataset coverage and improve usability of its tools, thereby supporting not only environmental reporting but also practical decision-making at both company and sector levels. IFIF will remain closely engaged to ensure that these developments continue to reflect the needs and realities of feed and livestock stakeholders worldwide.
For more information about the GFLI please visit http://globalfeedlca.org/.
In 2024 and 2025, IFIF made major progress on its flagship Road to 2050 Strategic Project, designed to position the global feed industry at the center of sustainable livestock transformation and climate action.
In 2024 and 2025, IFIF made significant progress on the Road to 2050 Strategic Project, a flagship initiative designed to provide the global feed industry with a unified vision and framework for its long-term contribution to climate action, food security, and sustainable livestock transformation.
Following Board approval in November 2024, the Road to 2050 Steering Group advanced the project with a clear implementation plan, detailed budget, and funding proposals.
The Road to 2050 is expected to deliver a strong foundation of aligned, science-based messaging for the feed sector, showcasing the industry’s contribution to sustainable livestock transformation and climate action.
The Road to 2050 will enable IFIF to speak with a unified, science-based voice on the feed sector’s role in sustainable food systems. It will provide stakeholders and policymakers with credible evidence of the industry’s contributions to climate action and support IFIF’s long-term strategy through 2050 and beyond.
The Road to 2050 will be implemented in four phases, staggered according to budget availability:
With broad support from IFIF Members and chain partners, and with the leadership of the Steering Group, the Road to 2050 will serve as a strategic tool to position the feed industry at the center of sustainable solutions for the future of food and agriculture.
For general enquiries please contact us via email.
International Feed Industry Federation – IFIF
P.O. Box 1340
51657 Wiehl
Germany
International Feed Industry Federation a.s.b.l.
7 rue Alcide de Gasperi
L-1013 Luxembourg R.C.S.
Luxembourg F 4.483
One key part of IFIF’s mission is to promote a balanced regulatory framework to support a fair global playing field to facilitate market access and support the competitiveness of the feed and livestock industries.
IFIF continued to play a central role in promoting balanced, science-based frameworks for innovation and trade. In January 2024, the 17th International Feed Regulators Meeting (IFRM) in Atlanta once again brought regulators and industry leaders together for vital discussions on feed safety and innovation. Building on that success, preparations are well underway for the 18th IFRM and Global Feed Forum in October 2025, which will welcome participants from more than 50 countries.
Beyond the IFRM, IFIF actively contributes to international standard-setting processes. IFIF experts participate in Codex workstreams, ensuring feed safety remains on the agenda, and the Federation is recognized as a Codex NGO. IFIF was involved in the development of the Codex Code of Practice on Good Animal Feeding, and continues to contribute to relevant Committees, including those on contaminants, veterinary drug residues, inspection systems, and labeling.
At the same time, IFIF strengthened its leadership within the International Cooperation for Convergence of Technical Requirements for the Assessment of Feed Ingredients (ICCF), an initiative launched together with regulatory authorities and associations from Canada, the EU, and the US. In 2024–2025, IFIF experts contributed to multiple working groups developing common guidance for the assessment of new feed ingredients and new uses of existing ingredients. This work supports regulatory convergence, facilitates innovation, and helps ensure fair global trade.
The Electronic Labeling Working Group advanced proposals to modernize how information is shared across borders, while IFIF also reinforced its Nutritional Innovation project, engaging with members in low- and middle-income countries, contributing to global consultations on antimicrobial resistance, and updating the IFIF Nutritional Innovation Statement to reflect the latest science and priorities.
Engagement with international institutions remains a vital part of this work. IFIF has a long-standing, collaborative partnership with FAO, co-organizing the annual IFRM as a joint platform for dialogue among governments, international organizations, academia, and industry. In addition, IFIF maintains a cooperation agreement with the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), working together on the prevention and management of infectious diseases, including zoonoses, and supporting the development and implementation of WOAH standards and guidelines.
Through these activities, IFIF continues to represent the feed sector at the highest levels of international policy and standard-setting, helping to ensure that global frameworks are science-based, practical, and supportive of both innovation and trade.
The IFIF Regulatory Committee is one of the Federation’s core expert groups, tasked with addressing global regulatory issues that impact the feed sector.
The IFIF Regulatory Committee is one of the Federation’s core expert groups, tasked with addressing global regulatory issues that impact the feed sector. The Committee provides a platform for IFIF Members to share expertise, coordinate positions, and develop science-based input on international standards and guidelines. Its work is essential to ensuring that the feed industry’s voice is represented in key regulatory discussions and that frameworks support innovation, fair trade, and feed and food safety worldwide.
The Committee meets quarterly and works continuously between meetings through sub-groups and consultations. It monitors regulatory developments at the international level, including within the Codex Alimentarius Commission, the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and ensures coordinated IFIF contributions to these processes. A core focus is to keep feed safety high on the international agenda, linking directly to food safety and public health.
In recent years, the Regulatory Committee has been instrumental in guiding IFIF’s input to the International Cooperation for Convergence of Technical Requirements for the Assessment of Feed Ingredients (ICCF). This international initiative, involving regulators and industry associations from Canada, the EU, the United States, and IFIF, is developing harmonized global guidance for assessing both new feed ingredients and new uses of existing ingredients. The Committee also oversees IFIF’s work on emerging regulatory areas such as electronic labeling, nutritional innovation, and food fraud prevention, ensuring the industry is proactive in shaping modern, practical solutions.
By coordinating expertise across its Membership, the Regulatory Committee plays a pivotal role in IFIF’s mission to promote science-based regulatory frameworks. Its work ensures consistency in global feed standards, helps reduce unnecessary barriers to trade, and supports innovation that benefits farmers, the feed industry, and society at large.
The annual International Feed Regulators Meeting (IFRM) organized by IFIF in cooperation with the FAO provides an opportunity for regulators and feed industry professionals from across the globe to exchange their thoughts and discuss concrete ideas for providing safe feed and food in a sustainable manner around the world.
The International Feed Regulators Meeting (IFRM), organized annually by IFIF in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), is a unique platform that brings together government officials, intergovernmental organizations, industry representatives, and experts from across the globe. The IFRM has become the essential forum for public–private dialogue on feed safety, regulatory convergence, and innovation in the global feed and food chain.
In January 2024, IFIF and FAO co-hosted the 17th IFRM in Atlanta, marking another successful gathering with strong participation from regulators and industry. Delegates engaged in discussions on emerging issues such as nutritional innovation, biosecurity, and the role of science-based regulation in facilitating safe and sustainable feed production. The meeting reaffirmed the importance of collaboration between regulators and industry in ensuring that feed continues to meet the highest standards of safety and quality, while enabling innovation and supporting global food security.
Looking ahead, preparations are well advanced for the 18th IFRM and the Global Feed Forum, which will take place on 2–3 October 2025 in Rome. For the first time, the IFRM will be held back-to-back with the Global Forum for Animal Feed and Feed Regulators, further expanding the scope for dialogue between stakeholders. The 2025 programme is being developed jointly by IFIF and FAO, with more than 130 participants from over 50 countries expected to attend. Key themes will include regulatory convergence, mutual recognition, sustainable feed systems, and the integration of digital solutions such as electronic labeling into global frameworks.
Through the IFRM, IFIF continues to strengthen its long-standing collaboration with FAO and reaffirm its role as a trusted partner in shaping global feed safety and regulatory policy. By providing a neutral platform for constructive engagement, the IFRM helps build a common understanding between regulators and industry, supporting both the harmonization of standards and the facilitation of safe international trade in feed and feed ingredients.
For more information about the IFRM please click here.
IFIF together with regulatory authorities and feed and feed ingredient associations from Canada, the European Union and the United States launched the International Cooperation for Convergence of Technical Requirements for the Assessment of Feed Ingredients (ICCF).
The ICCF is a unique international cooperation between feed regulators and industry associations that aims to develop and establish common guidance covering the technical requirements for the assessment of feed ingredients, including new uses of existing ingredients. Its purpose is to support regulatory convergence, reduce duplication, and facilitate innovation and trade in feed ingredients while ensuring safety and sustainability.
The founding members of ICCF include the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), the European Commission (DG SANTE), the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the American Feed Industry Association (AFIA), the Animal Nutrition Association of Canada (ANAC), the EU Association of Specialty Feed Ingredients and their Mixtures (FEFANA), and the International Feed Industry Federation (IFIF).
Between 2019 and 2025, ICCF published nine guidance documents:
In 2024 and 2025, ICCF continued to expand its technical work through active Expert Working Groups (EWGs) coordinated by the ICCF Steering Committee, which defines priorities and oversees progress. Current projects include:
These new guidance documents are expected to further strengthen the global framework for feed ingredient assessment and provide tools for regulators and industry worldwide.
The ICCF builds on the work of the 2013 IFIF “Comparison of Regulatory Management of Authorized Ingredients, Approval Processes, and Risk-Assessment Procedures for Feed Ingredients” report, which covered synergies and gaps for product approvals in Brazil, Canada, China, EU, Japan, South Africa and USA. This report was drafted based on expert input and supported by government feed regulators and feed and feed ingredients associations in the seven regions covered.
For further information about the ICCF please visit: https://iccffeed.org
IFIF is a Codex Alimentarius recognized NGO and has been actively involved in the development of the Codex Code of Practice of Good Animal Feeding and was an active member of the ad hoc Codex Intergovernmental Task Force on Animal Feeding (TF AF).
In 2024 and 2025, IFIF continued to work closely with the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) and global regulators to ensure that feed safety remains firmly on the international agenda. Together with FAO, IFIF participated in Codex sessions and organized side events highlighting the importance of safe, science-based feed as a foundation for food safety and public health.
As a Codex recognized NGO, IFIF follows and inputs into in the work of the relevant Committees and participates in Codex Side Events addressing Feed Safety.
As an official Codex Observer organization, IFIF contributed actively to a number of Codex processes, including electronic Working Groups and key Committees. IFIF experts were engaged in the Codex Committee on Contaminants in Foods (CCCF), the Codex Committee on Residues of Veterinary Drugs in Foods (CCRVDF), the Codex Committee on Food Import and Export Inspection and Certification Systems (CCFICS), and the Codex Committee on Food Labelling (CCFL). In 2025, IFIF also contributed to the new Codex EWG on Food Fraud (CCFICS), ensuring that feed-related issues were reflected in the draft guidance.
IFIF’s longstanding role in Codex continues to build on its earlier contributions, including the development of the Codex Code of Practice on Good Animal Feeding and participation in the former Codex Task Force on Animal Feeding (TF AF). By actively monitoring Codex discussions and contributing expert input, IFIF ensures that the perspectives of the global feed industry are represented in international food safety standards.
This work remains a cornerstone of IFIF’s mission to promote a balanced regulatory framework that supports both innovation and fair trade while safeguarding feed and food safety worldwide.
IFIF works with WOAH to support the development, updating, and implementation of WOAH standards and guidelines that are relevant to feed and livestock production, including those addressing the prevention and management of infectious and zoonotic diseases.
In 2024 and 2025, IFIF continued to strengthen its cooperation with the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), building on a long-standing agreement that recognizes the critical link between feed safety, animal health, and public health. IFIF works with WOAH to support the development, updating, and implementation of WOAH standards and guidelines that are relevant to feed and livestock production, including those addressing the prevention and management of infectious and zoonotic diseases.
In May 2025, IFIF’s Executive Director attended the 92nd WOAH General Session of the World Assembly of Delegates, where she met with WOAH leadership, including Director-General Dr. Emmanuelle Soubeyran, as well as international chain partners and national delegates. Discussions focused on the role of adequate animal nutrition in supporting animal health and welfare, the prevention of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and opportunities for closer collaboration between WOAH, IFIF, and the wider livestock value chain.
This dialogue reflects WOAH’s recognition that feed is a critical component of animal health systems. Together with WOAH, IFIF continues to advocate for science-based approaches that integrate nutrition, feed safety, and disease prevention, thereby contributing to One Health objectives and supporting global food security.
Looking ahead, IFIF will work with WOAH and its partners to explore joint initiatives around animal nutrition and health, ensuring that feed industry expertise is reflected in WOAH’s global standards and that practical guidance supports farmers and producers worldwide.
The Electronic Labelling guidelines project aims to develop a proposal for pathways to implement electronic labeling, starting with feed additives, in order to ensure proper information is available to users and control authorities while facilitating the global circulation of feed ingredients.
In 2025, IFIF made major progress on its Electronic Labeling Guidelines Project, advancing efforts to modernize feed labeling practices through digital innovation. Following the project’s kick-off meeting on 6 February 2025, the Working Group (WG) completed Phase 1, resulting in a formal IFIF Statement on Electronic Labeling, which reflects consensus among IFIF Members and outlines the industry’s unified position on the opportunities and benefits of electronic labeling. This statement, now under review by the IFIF Board of Directors, provides a clear and science-based framework for enabling digital labeling solutions across the global feed industry.
To support this approach, IFIF has developed a concept code for labeling, based on the existing label format. Under this model, the human-readable portion of the label focuses on key operational information—such as identification, traceability, storage conditions, and safety provisions for employees handling feed ingredients. Complementing this, a machine-readable QR code provides access to additional, country-specific details regarding conditions of use, ensuring accurate, transparent, and efficient compliance assessment.
In addition, IFIF has drafted a guideline of good practice for the use of QR-enabled labeling to ensure that digital information remains valid, compliant with national regulations, and protected from fraudulent use. These tools lay the groundwork for practical, harmonized approaches that can be adapted across regions and regulatory systems. IFIF Members are now prepared to engage with national authorities to discuss this innovative and sustainable labeling concept and explore its implementation pathways.
The project was formally launched in November 2024, when the IFIF Board of Directors approved the initiative and established the dedicated Working Group with experts from across IFIF’s global membership. The WG’s mandate is to explore phased adoption of electronic labeling—starting with feed additives, before expanding to premixes and compound feeds—ensuring accurate, accessible information for users and regulators while facilitating international trade and innovation.
Building on these achievements, the IFIF Regulatory Committee has developed a proposal for Phase 2, which will focus on drafting detailed Electronic Labeling Guidelines and initiating engagement with regulators worldwide. This next phase aims to promote practical, science-based solutions that reduce administrative burden while improving transparency, efficiency, and compliance.
Through this forward-looking initiative, IFIF is positioning the feed industry at the forefront of regulatory modernization, supporting innovation, trade facilitation, and the digital transformation of the global food and feed chain.
The IFIF Feed Contaminants Database is the first international reference tool to compile standards and maximum levels for contaminants relevant to animal feed.
In 2024 and 2025, the WG focused on updating and expanding the IFIF Feed Contaminants Database, incorporating the latest regulatory changes and broadening the scope to cover additional contaminants and jurisdictions. The project also reviewed how the database could better support risk assessment approaches and contribute to ongoing Codex and WOAH discussions on feed safety.
In 2018, IFIF launched its Feed Contaminants Database, the first international reference tool to compile standards and maximum levels for contaminants relevant to animal feed. While recommended standards exist at international level for contaminants in food additives, no equivalent framework yet exists for feed additives, making risk management decisions more difficult and creating potential challenges for the regulatory compliance of internationally traded specialty feed ingredients.
The objective of this IFIF Expert Working Group is to establish, identify, and maintain an up-to-date international list of contaminant standards for feed ingredients and mixtures, reflecting a risk-based approach to safe feed manufacture. This work provides regulators, industry, and stakeholders with a harmonized reference point to support feed safety and facilitate global trade.
The first version of the database was completed with inputs from IFIF Members and provides an overview of contaminant standards in Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Europe, South Africa, the USA, and Vietnam. The database is available exclusively to IFIF Members as a reference tool and is regularly reviewed to remain current.
By maintaining this unique global resource, IFIF provides a practical tool to help its Members navigate diverse regulatory requirements, anticipate compliance challenges, and contribute to international efforts toward harmonized, science-based standards for contaminants in feed.
This database is available for download below only for IFIF members. If you are an IFIF member please login to access the database. Should you have questions please email info@ifif.org.
Disclaimer: The International Feed Industry Federation (hereafter IFIF) makes no representation about the information contained in this document. It is provided as is without express or implied warranty of any kind. IFIF disclaims (to the full extent allowable by the Law) all warranties with regard to this information, including all implied warranties as to the accuracy of the information. IFIF shall not be liable for any damages whatsoever including any special, indirect or consequential damages resulting from loss of profits, whether in an action in contract, negligence or otherwise arising out of or in connection with the information contained in this document. Neither IFIF nor any of its employees or agents warrants that the information within this document is error-free. For information about IFIF please visit www.ifif.org.
IFIF supports sharing of good practices, promotes science-based solutions for the feed industry and facilitates dialogue among key stakeholders.
In 2024 and 2025, IFIF continued to promote and expand the use of the IFIF–FAO “Manual of Good Practices for the Feed Sector”, a cornerstone resource for the industry. First launched in 2010 and fully updated in 2020, the Manual remains one of the most widely recognized global tools to increase knowledge and improve feed safety at the production level. The revised and expanded edition addresses recent developments in feed production, incorporates the latest scientific and technical knowledge, and is now available in English, Arabic, Chinese, French, Spanish, and Vietnamese.
Building on this foundation, IFIF has broadened access to feed safety training through its e-learning course on Good Production Practices in the Feed Industry, developed with the Anpro Campus platform. In 2023 the course was translated into Spanish, and by mid-2025 it had already reached over 500 participants across more than 60 countries. The course consists of 10 online modules, followed by a final exam, with participants receiving a certificate and the opportunity to engage in a live virtual classroom with an IFIF expert trainer. This training complements the long-standing Global Animal Nutrition Programme “Train the Trainer”, extending IFIF’s reach and impact globally.
In parallel, IFIF has continued its work to strengthen biosecurity in the feed sector. The Biosecurity Guidance for Feed Mills Working Group, launched in 2023, completed its draft IFIF Biosecurity Manual in 2024, drawing on best practices and national guidelines from IFIF’s regional and national associations. This Manual is being finalized with FAO for wider dissemination, helping feed mills worldwide implement effective biosecurity measures to reduce disease risks and safeguard feed safety.
IFIF also remains an active partner in FAO-led global platforms. As a founding partner of the Feed Safety Multi-Stakeholder Partnership, IFIF contributes to efforts aimed at improving feed safety as a critical link in food safety, animal health, and food security. In addition, since 2022 IFIF has represented the feed industry in the FAO-led AMR Multi-Stakeholder Partnership, participating in the private sector cluster. This platform, launched during World Antimicrobial Awareness Week, fosters greater coordination and collaboration among stakeholders to address the global challenge of antimicrobial resistance.
Through these initiatives, IFIF continues to advance best practices, education, and capacity building, ensuring that feed safety remains at the heart of sustainable livestock production and global food systems.
The IFIF FAO ‘Feed Manual’ remains one of the most widely recognized global resources to improve feed safety and quality at the production level.
In 2024 and 2025, IFIF and FAO continued to promote the ‘Good Practices for the Feed Sector: Implementing the Codex Alimentarius Code of Practice on Good Animal Feeding’ Manual as a key tool to improve feed safety and quality worldwide. Following the translation of the Manual into Chinese and Vietnamese in 2023, IFIF worked with partners to expand its use in training programmes and regulatory discussions in Asia and Latin America.
The Feed Manual is meant to increase safety and feed quality at the production level both for industrial production and on farm mixing with a particular focus on the developing world.
To complement the Manual, IFIF’s online e-learning course on Good Production Practices continued to expand its reach. By 2025, the course had trained over 500 participants in more than 60 countries, and new discussions with FAO explored opportunities for joint training sessions in Asia and Latin America in 2026. These activities aim to strengthen practical implementation of the Manual’s recommendations and build capacity across different regions.
The Manual also remained central to IFIF’s engagement with international platforms, including the FAO-led Feed Safety Multi-Stakeholder Partnership, where it is recognized as a global reference for capacity building. In addition, IFIF promoted the Manual in connection with the development of its new Biosecurity Guidance for Feed Mills, ensuring alignment between feed safety best practices and biosecurity standards.
Together, these activities underscore the continued relevance of the IFIF–FAO Manual as both a training resource and policy tool, supporting regulators, industry, and academia in advancing safe and sustainable feed production.
The IFIF FAO Manual ‘Good Practices for the Feed Sector: Implementing the Codex Alimentarius Code of Practice on Good Animal Feeding’ remains one of the most widely recognized global resources to improve feed safety and quality at the production level. First published in 2010 and fully revised in 2020, the Manual provides comprehensive and practical guidance to producers and stakeholders across the feed chain. It addresses recent scientific and technical developments in feed production and helps ensure compliance with the Codex Code of Practice on Good Animal Feeding, which underpins both food safety and fair international trade.
Today, the Manual is available in Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Spanish, and Vietnamese, supporting regulators, producers, and feed operators worldwide in applying science-based good practices. Its relevance is particularly strong in developing economies, where it is used as a reference for legislation, as a teaching tool in universities, and as the foundation for training programs that directly improve feed safety capacity.
In February 2021, the FAO Sustainable Livestock Technical Network, the Animal Production and Health Division and IFIF held a webinar about the newly launched manual Good Practices for the Feed Sector and why feed safety is a key element in the sustainable production of food of animal origin and a necessity for food safety and animal health and welfare.
Since its first edition, the Manual has catalyzed a range of initiatives:
Supported by the Standards and Trade Development Facility (STDF), the Manual continues to be a vital tool for regulators, industry, and academia. Across Africa, Asia, and Latin America, it has guided updates to feed legislation, raised awareness among policymakers, and strengthened compliance with international standards. Its use in training programs, universities, and industry practice confirms its role as a cornerstone of IFIF’s and FAO’s joint efforts to improve feed and food safety worldwide.
IFIF’s Global Animal Nutrition Programme ‘Train the Trainer’ develops and trains the capacities of the relevant compound feed production stakeholders in a developing region using the FAO/IFIF Manual of Good Practices for the Feed Sector based on the Codex Code of Practice on Good Animal Feeding.
Capacity development for feed safety is a key priority for IFIF under our Strategic Pillar III: Education & Best Practices, and it links closely to FAO initiatives in this area. Safe feed is the foundation for safe food, and IFIF continues to invest in tools and training programmes that strengthen knowledge, build skills, and harmonize practices across regions.
The IFIF Global Animal Nutrition Programme “Train the Trainer” was launched to develop and train the capacities of compound feed production stakeholders in developing regions, using the FAO–IFIF Manual of Good Practices for the Feed Sector as its basis. The programme has reached hundreds of feed producers, regulators, and industry stakeholders, particularly in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, helping them apply Codex-based standards and good practices in their local contexts.
In 2023, IFIF expanded access by launching the Spanish version of the e-learning course “Good Production Practices in the Feed Industry.” This online programme is aimed at stakeholders across the feed chain and is available at no cost for government officials working in feed-related fields as well as for qualifying stakeholders and feed millers in emerging markets. By mid-2025, the course had already trained over 500 participants from more than 60 countries.
Looking ahead, IFIF is working with FAO to explore opportunities for joint in-person and hybrid training sessions in Asia and Latin America in 2026, combining the reach of the online platform with the impact of local workshops. These efforts further strengthen IFIF’s commitment to building global capacity for feed safety and ensuring that all stakeholders have the knowledge and tools to produce safe, high-quality feed as the foundation of sustainable livestock production.
The course consists of 10 interactive online modules, followed by a final exam. Participants who successfully complete the programme receive a certificate of completion and are invited to participate in a live virtual classroom session with an IFIF expert trainer, ensuring practical interaction and peer-to-peer exchange. The training can be accessed free of charge via the IFIF platform at e-learning course ‘Good Production Practices in the Feed Industry’.
History of IFIF Capacity Development Trainings
Ghana Feed Safety Training – July 2018
Held in Accra in July 2018 and supported by the Ghana Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA), the training programme based on the IFIF FAO Feed Manual of Good Practices for the Feed Industry focussed on increasing safety and feed quality at the production level. Over 30 national and regional feed officials and feed mill representatives participated in the training and they will act as multipliers by sharing the training with colleagues throughout Ghana.
Dr. Abdul Razak Okine, Deputy Director at the Animal Production Directorate of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA), said, “the Ghana feed industry is diverse and we are committed to continue working with stakeholders in the industry towards achieving good practice benchmarks for animal feed safety and human food safety.
Through the IFIF training programme our livestock officers/feed officials and feed millers are better able to understand the FAO/IFIF Code of Practice for Good Animal Feeding and other Codex standards, including hazards associated with animal feed, good production practices, cross contamination, and sampling and analysis. Dr. Okine expressed the country’s gratitude for the selection of Ghana as a beneficiary of the IFIF ToT programme.
Developed by IFIF in 2015, the Global Animal Nutrition Programme is designed to raise capacities for feed safety in developing regions by training key individuals who can then apply and share their new skills with colleagues on site within a country. This reflects IFIF’s mission to promote solutions and information sharing for the feed industry, as well as stimulate the adoption of international standards and global equivalency.
Already in 2010, IFIF together with the FAO published the Feed Manual of Good Practices for the Feed Industry, in order to support the spreading of good manufacturing practice and higher feed safety standards around the globe. The publication of the Feed Manual is intended to increase safety and feed quality at the production level both for industrial production and on farm mixing with a particular focus on the developing world.
The IFIF Training Programme focuses on the Implementation of IFIF/FAO Manual on Good Practices for the Feed Industry. Each training programme is tailor made to take into account local needs, and includes the following elements:
Held in Dar es Salaam in July 2017 and supported by the U.S. Grains Council and the Tanzanian Feed Industry Association (TAFMA), the IFIF training programme in Tanzania focussed on increasing safety and feed quality at the production level by training over 60 representatives from the Tanzanian feed industries. The IFIF training had real impacts for participants who can apply their new feed safety skills in feed mills across Tanzania and I congratulate all the participants for their dedication to increase feed safety and quality at the production level.
Sufian Z. Kyarua, Secretary general of TAFMA, said “the Tanzania feed industry is diverse and we are committed to continue working with our members towards achieving international benchmarks for animal feed safety and human food safety. Through the IFIF training programme our feed millers are better able to understand and implement the FAO/IFIF Code of Practice for Good Animal Feeding and other Codex standards, including hazards associated with animal feed, good production practices, cross contamination, and sampling and analysis.”
Held in October 2015, the IFIF training event in Lagos supported by the Nigerian Institute of Animal Science (NIAS) brought together over 30 representatives from the Nigerian feed industries, who will act as multipliers by sharing the training with colleagues throughout Nigeria.
Dr. Godwin Oyediji, Registrar and Chief Executive of the Nigerian Institute of Animal Science (NIAS), said, “current laws in Nigeria are still weak and some are without enforcement powers. But Nigeria is making steady progress on feed legislation to achieve international benchmarks for animal feed safety and human food safety.” Dr. Oyediji added “the industry is being mobilised to embrace the FAO/IFIF Code of Practice for Good Animal Feeding and other Codex standards on traceability, contaminants and HACCP.”
The objectives of the Pilot Project in Nigeria were to:
In July 2024 IFIF published the first edition of the “IFIF Biosecurity Guidance for Feed Mills” to support feed mills in effectively implementing biosecurity practices by providing clear operating procedures and work instructions.
In July 2024, IFIF published the first edition of the “IFIF Biosecurity Guidance for Feed Mills”, developed by the IFIF Working Group on Biosecurity. This important document was created to support feed mills in effectively implementing biosecurity practices by providing clear operating procedures and work instructions. As feed manufacturing and delivery are critical components of the animal production chain, strong biosecurity measures are essential to reduce the risk of spreading pathogenic agents through feed.
The Guidance includes not only detailed procedures for feed mills but also a practical checklist of recommended guidelines, SOPs, and protocols designed to assist operators in their daily activities. By adopting these measures, feed mill operators can reduce the risk of introducing or amplifying pathogenic agents and pests in feed production, while also helping to prevent their spread between farms, customers, and producers.
The objectives of the IFIF Biosecurity Guidance are to:
The Guidance sets out best management practices applicable across feed mills, taking into account areas of common risk and outlining appropriate measures to mitigate them. While intended as a global reference, the Guidance emphasizes that implementation should always be aligned with national legislation and local practices.
This first edition, Version 1 (July 2024), represents an important step forward in IFIF’s commitment to strengthening feed safety and supporting biosecurity capacity building globally. The document is available to Members for download, and feedback is welcomed to inform future updates.
You can access the Guidance Document here.
Disclaimer: The IFIF Biosecurity Guidance does not constitute legal advice. Operators are advised to consult regulatory or legal advisors in developing policies or responding to specific problems, as laws and requirements may vary across countries.
IFIF is part of the FAO-led Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Multi-Stakeholder Partnership.
IFIF was invited to join the FAO-led Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Multi-Stakeholder Partnership as part of the private sector cluster in 2022. The Partnership Platform was formally launched on 18 November 2022, during World Antimicrobial Awareness Week, marking an important step towards more coordination, communication, and collaboration among a wide range of global stakeholders to address AMR.
Since then, IFIF has actively contributed by bringing its science-based work on nutritional innovation into the Partnership. IFIF highlights that adequate animal nutrition is a critical yet often overlooked solution to reduce the need for antimicrobials in livestock systems. The feed sector plays a pivotal role in supporting optimal animal health and resilience through well-balanced, high-quality feed formulations, safe processing, and access to specialty feed ingredients.
In 2024 and 2025, IFIF strengthened this contribution by:
IFIF’s highlights that nutrition is a cornerstone of AMR mitigation. Adequate diets, combined with good hygiene practices and proper housing, not only maintain animal health and welfare but also strengthen gut health—a vital factor in protecting animals against stressors such as pathogens or heat stress. By reducing disease incidence and improving resilience, nutritional innovation helps minimize the reliance on antimicrobials, supporting both animal well-being and sustainable livestock production.
Through the Partnership, IFIF continues to ensure that animal feed and nutrition are recognized as essential elements of the One Health approach to tackling AMR, working closely with FAO, WOAH, WHO, and international chain partners.
About the Partnership
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), and the World Health Organization (WHO) have been working together for decades to address risks at the human, animal, plant, and environment interface. Since 2018, the three agencies joined forces as a Tripartite to strengthen their long-standing partnership, with a renewed focus on tackling antimicrobial resistance (AMR) from a One Health approach.
The engagement of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in this work is also essential to support governments, civil society, and the private sector in addressing AMR risks related to the environmental sector. In 2022, the Tripartite became formally the Quadripartite as it welcomed UNEP in the alliance to accelerate coordinated strategy on human, animal and ecosystem health.
To advance a One Health response to AMR, the AMR Quadripartitee Joint Secretariat (QJS) was established with liaison officers based in FAO, OIE, UNEP and WHO. Its role is to coordinate and support the Quadripartite and collaborate with other United Nations agencies and stakeholders.
The Quadripartite’s goal is to preserve antimicrobial efficacy and ensure sustainable and equitable access to antimicrobials for responsible and prudent use in human, animal and plant health, contributing to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and implementing further the Global Action Plan on AMR (GAP). To achieve this goal, the objectives are:
For more information visit: https://www.fao.org/antimicrobial-resistance/quadripartite/the-platform/en/
IFIF is a founding partner of the FAO-led Feed Safety Multi-Stakeholder Partnership, which aims at improving the safety of feed, and thus enhancing food safety, animal health and welfare and food security.
The Feed Safety Multi-Stakeholder Partnership continued its work in 2024 and 2025 to support feed safety:
As global compound feed production continues to expand, especially in the developing world, IFIF continues to work with the FAO on Capacity Development for Feed Safety, an important effort that will continue on in the next years.
The Feed Safety Multi-Stakeholder Partnership is a FAO-led Partnership for Capacity Development for Feed Safety, with the objective to strengthen the capacity of relevant stakeholders along the feed and food value chain to produce and supply safer feed – thereby contributing to animal health and welfare and enhancing food safety and food security.
The Partnership addresses feed safety in the feed and food continuum that includes feed ingredients, feed inputs, feeding practices, feed handling, packaging, transportation, storage and manufacture. Activities of the Partnership will be relevant to all major feed and livestock products and related supply chains. Some activities will benefit stakeholders globally, while others will address more localized feed safety issues. The primary beneficiaries will be producers and policy-makers in feed and livestock producing countries. Producers will benefit through the development of capacities to address feed safety issues.
In particular the Partnerships’ purpose is to:
All activities implemented in the Feed Safety Multi-Stakeholder Partnership will follow a capacity development approach. Capacity development addresses different dimensions: i) individual; ii) organizational; and iii) the enabling environment. It considers social, economic and policy aspects, together with technical ones, and provides stakeholders and countries a leading role to ensure the sustainability of activities.
For more information please visit: http://www.fao.org/feed-safety/background/feed-safety-multi-stakeholder-partnership/en/.
In 2024 and 2025 IFIF and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) continued to strengthen their collaborative relationship with a number of key strategic initiatives, including IFRM and Capacity Development for feed safety.
The partnership between IFIF and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) continued to deliver meaningful progress during 2024–2025, reinforcing one of the most successful public–private collaborations in the agrifood sector. Building on a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) first signed in 2005, FAO and IFIF have worked closely to advance global feed safety, promote science-based regulation, and strengthen capacity development across regions. This partnership remains a cornerstone of efforts to ensure that the feed industry contributes effectively to sustainable livestock transformation and food security worldwide.
Already in 2005 the FAO and IFIF, recognising their common interest in promoting the safe supply of animal feed throughout the world, signed a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), which continues to form the basis of collaboration between the two organisations.
A major milestone in 2025 was the Global Forum for Animal Feed and Feed Regulators, organized jointly by FAO and IFIF in Rome, alongside the 18th International Feed Regulators Meeting (IFRM). The event brought together over 300 participants from 70 countries, including regulators, industry leaders, scientists, and international organizations. Discussions focused on innovation, sustainability, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and the role of circular feed resources in resilient food systems. IFIF also continued to contribute to FAO’s work on feed safety and responsible feed production, including through the Feed Safety Multi-Stakeholder Partnership and FAO’s RENOFARM initiative to reduce the need for antimicrobials on farms.
Throughout 2024–2025, joint activities also emphasized knowledge sharing and capacity development, with ongoing dissemination of the FAO–IFIF Manual of Good Practices for the Feed Sector and participation in FAO-led dialogues on AMR and feed risk assessment. IFIF contributed expert input to FAO technical workshops, including the International Workshop on Feed Risk Assessment – Chemical Safety held in Utrecht, and actively participated in the Advisory Board of the Global Forum and the External Advisory Panel of the FAO Global Conference on Sustainable Livestock Transformation. Together, FAO and IFIF continue to strengthen their collaboration through a shared commitment to science-based standards, sustainable feed innovation, and global capacity building for a safer, more resilient livestock sector.
One highlight of the IFIF and the FAO Animal Production and Health Division, are efforts to facilitate dialogue between the private and public sector on key issues affecting the feed and food chain. This includes the annual International Feed Regulators Meeting (IFRM), which brings together feed regulators and industry from around the world, as well as the tri-annual Global Feed and Food Congress series, which includes representatives from the whole feed and food chain, as well as government, academia, other intergovernmental organizations and NGOs.
In 2020 IFIF FAO launched the fully updated “Manual of Good Practices for the Feed Sector”. This Manual was first published in 2010 and has been a valuable tool to increase knowledge and improve feed safety at the production level, and it is widely recognized and used in many countries around the world. This second publication is a fully revised, updated and expanded version of that Manual and addresses recent developments in feed production and benefits from the latest scientific and technical knowledge. It has been very well received and the new manual is already being translated into Chinese and Vietnamese.
A second key area of collaboration is capacity development in feed safety and spreading of good feed manufacturing practices. IFIF is a founding partner of the FAO-led Feed Safety Multi-Stakeholder Partnership, which was formally launched in April 2016 and aims at improving the safety of feed, and thus enhancing food safety, animal health and welfare and food security.
Australian Market Conditions
During 2022/23, the Australian animal feed industry (members of FIAAA and SFMCA) have experienced an amazing market. The demand for feed has grown over the last few years due to floods and droughts. Livestock producers have started to understand there is a need to meet market specifications and they can meet these specifications more quickly and efficiently when on complete feed. In 2018 feed demand was approx. 5.5 million tonnes with 2022-23 sitting at approx. 8.7 million tonnes.
The poultry industry has seen the largest growth with 50.1 kg per capita of chicken meat being consumed. Australia has also seen feedlot numbers over 1.1 million head on feed for over 12 months. Increasing number s of lambs are being fed due to the huge demand for exported product.
On a positive note, the grains industry had a bumper year, with it being the largest crop on record. This is the second year in a row of a record crop. Grain prices have not fallen due to demand from Australia’s export markets that have increased dramatically.
The issues experienced during COVID have somewhat been rectified. However, the industry (along with the rest of the country) is still experiencing labour shortages and domestic transport issues.
The Feed Ingredients and Additives Association of Australia was formed to meet the needs of our animal feed and petfood industry customers and other stakeholders so that they could be confident of the quality and integrity of feed ingredients and additives being used in Australia. Our work includes advocating and promoting the safe use of feed ingredients and the interests of our 62 members and to cooperate with other stakeholders in the interests of the broader industry.
The FAMI-QS Code of Practice is an important part in the stewardship endeavours of our members. It is recognised that certification to the Code gives assurance of the quality of our members’ products. The Code is based on international best practice. It succeeds through insistence on:
Over the last three years, FIAAA has been implementing the FAMI-QS system. You cannot be an FIAAA member without it. It was a decision of the members and one that will keep them in good stead for the years to come. FAMI-QS and the FIAAA have signed a strategic agreement of cooperation for the adoption of the FAMI-QS Code in the region of Australia-New Zealand and Oceania. During this period, 32 members have gained their certification and we have another 19 members working towards it.
See additional work, set out below, undertaken in conjunction with the SFMCA.
For further information on the FIAAA please visit www.fiaaa.com.au
The SFMCA is the national industry association representing 283 corporate and individual manufacturers of stock feed and their supply chain associates located throughout Australia. The association operates within five state-based branches where members meet to address industry specific issues. Together, SFMCA’s membership represents 95% of commercial feed manufactured in Australia. From the association’s inception, it has played an active role in addressing national industry issues, many of these relating to raw material ingredient supply, quality standards, Federal and state government legislation and regulations.
The SFMCA operates FeedSafe® as the Integrity Accreditation Program for the Australian stock feed industry. It is third party audited and works in a co-regulatory manner with the Australian governments.
All full (active manufacturer) members of the SFMCA are required to comply with FeedSafe® to retain their Association membership. The central aspect of FeedSafe® is a Code of Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP), which has been developed in conjunction with the Chief Veterinary Officers within each State, and the final document has Primary Industries Ministerial Council endorsement.
FeedSafe® requires feed manufacturers to meet minimum standards in relation to:
There are presently 137 accredited (and provisional) members located over 188 sites that produce 95% of the feed manufactured in Australia.
For further information on the SFMCA please visit www.sfmca.com.au
The last 12 months has seen the FIAAA and SFMCA work closely together on many projects and issues of mutual benefit. Programs of note include:
A major activity of the industry calendar is the biennial AMC held in conjunction with the Poultry Information Exchange (PIX). Both invited international and local speakers address current issues and the outlook for the feed supply chain. AMC is known to be the major Australasian conference for milling and livestock production in Australia. In May 2022 we had more than 450 registrants (and another 640 registrants for PIX) and some 240 exhibition sites.
A major issue confronting the feed industry is how to deal with the minimisation of antibiotic use in livestock and human health. The development and subsequent implementation of a Stewardship program will go a long way to assisting industry take responsibility, review progress against targets, reduce use, refine and improve plans and replace antibiotics without compromising health and wellbeing. The Australian feed industry is working closely with Governments and livestock industries to ensure Australia can avoid resistency issues in Australia and maintain a commitment amongst its members.
These Standards will form the backbone of Australia’s co-regulation of the feed and additives industry. Having been drafted and reviewed over the last few years the Australian Governments and industry have started the final push to finalise and legislate for the introduction of the Standards. This will ensure consistent legislative oversight across eight jurisdictions. It will also enable to regulate the import of feedstuffs more strongly.
The Members having endorsed the development of a Sustainability Framework for the industry continue to work towards its finalisation. Industry is presently finalising its priorities and can assist other sectors meet their goals whether they are suppliers or customers.
The FIAAA and SFMCA work closely together leveraging against each other to ensure a harmonised approach to the issues faced by the production chain. Additionally, we also work closely with Australian Association of Ruminant Nutritionists, Australian Technical Millers Association, Australian Renderers Association and Pet Food Industry Association of Australia as well as Australian state and Federal Governments. Without this level of collaboration major projects cannot be achieved in an effective manner. It’s always a pleasure to work with these organisations and kick some goals.
In addition, we also have very strong relationships with the Australian Governments that have provided a strong ability to achieve the transparent co-regulatory system that Australia has been working on for the last seven to ten years.
In 2024 and 2025 IFIF has official liaison status with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Technical Committee ISO/TC34/SC10 to work on animal feeding stuffs.
The scope of this Technical Committee (TC) is ‘Standardization in the field of animal feeding stuffs including: terminology, sampling, methods of test and analysis in quality control, specifications of raw material & finished product, guidelines and requirements for packaging, storage and transportation’.
In 2021 the TC worked its set up new Working Group (ISO/TC 34/SC 10/WG 13) to review the ISO 7088:1981 on Fish-meal — Vocabulary, under the Technical Programme ISO/TC 34/SC 10 on Animal feeding stuff.
You can find more details about this Committee here https://www.iso.org/committee/47924.html and about ISO here: https://www.iso.org.
IFIF engaged and supported the work of ISO/TC34/SC10 to ensure that it is aligned with other international initiatives related to animal feed terminology.
Given the anticipated growth of the world’s population to around 9 billion people by 2050, and the associated higher demand for animal proteins like beef, poultry and fish, it is vital that we can meet this challenge in a sustainable and safe way.
IFIF’s vision is to provide a unified voice and leadership to represent and promote the global feed industry as an essential participant in the food chain that provides sustainable, safe, nutritious and affordable food for a growing world population.
In 2024-2025, IFIF continued to focus on its four point mission to fully support our vision:
As a Codex recognized NGO, IFIF follows and inputs into in the work of the relevant Codex Committees and participates in Codex Side Events addressing feed safety for safe food.
In 2024 and 2024 IFIF joined global regulators at the annual Sessions of the Codex Alimentarius Commission, where together with the FAO, we held a number of side meetings related to feed safety. Feed safety is relevant to Codex Alimentarius Commission work as it impacts on the safety of food.
IFIF has been actively involved in the development of the Codex Code of Practice of Good Animal Feeding and was an active member of the ad hoc Codex Intergovernmental Task Force on Animal Feeding (TF AF).
As a Codex recognized NGO, IFIF follows and inputs into in the work of the relevant Committees and participates in Codex Side Events addressing feed safety for safe food.
In 2024 and 2024 IFIF joined global regulators at the annual Sessions of the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC), where together with the FAO, we kept feed safety on the agenda. IFIF was also actively involved in a number of important Codex electronic Working Groups, as well as active in the Codex Committee on Contaminants in Foods (CCCF), the Codex Committee on Residues of Veterinary Drugs in Foods (CCVRDF) and the Codex Committee on Food Import and Export Inspection and Certification Systems (CCFICS) and the Codex Committee on Food Labelling (CCFL). We will continue to provide expert input into the various Codex WGs and Committees in the year ahead.
This work will continue into 2026 and supports IFIF’s on-going efforts to keep feed safety issues on the Codex agenda.
In 2025 world compound feed production will likely reach an estimated 1.4 billion tonnes annually. Global commercial feed manufacturing generates an estimated annual turnover in excess of US $500 billion.
The last years have continued to see an increase in the demand for animal protein worldwide, including for livestock, dairy and fish and global compound feed production may reach an estimated 1.4 billion tons in 2025. Generally we have seen a growth of production particularly in the developing world, with the developed world remaining more or less stable.
The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) estimates that by 2050 the demand for food will grow by 60% and that between 2010 and 2050 production of animal proteins is expected to grow by around 1.7% per year, with meat production projected to rise by nearly 70%, aquaculture by 90% and dairy by 55%.
In 2050 there will be over 9 billion people in the world… and the need for food will be 60% higher than today. How do we feed this population?
This should be good news for the feed industry and our partners along the agri-food chain. However such growth comes with significant challenges and it is vital that our sector, as well as the wider agricultural chain, can meet these demands in a sustainable, safe and affordable manner, while maintaining consumer trust and confidence in the food supply chain.
This challenge is a global one and IFIF is a global organization. Our members are made up of national and regional feed associations, feed related organizations, and corporations, which represent over 80% of worldwide animal compound feed production.
IFIF’s vision is to provide a unified voice and leadership to represent and promote the global feed industry as an essential participant in the food chain that provides sustainable, safe, nutritious and affordable food for a growing world population.
To support our industry on the road to the future, IFIF’s work with its Members and stakeholders is focussed on three Strategic Pillars, including (i) sustainability, (ii) regulatory matters and international standards, and (iii) supporting Best Practices & Capacity Building.
IFIF’s vision is to provide a unified voice and leadership to represent and promote the global feed industry as an essential participant in the food chain that provides sustainable, safe, nutritious and affordable food for a growing world population.
Brazil’s animal feed industry is projected to produce 90 million MT of feed and concentrates in 2025, along with nearly 4 million metric tons of mineral supplements. This forecast is closely linked to the performance of animal protein value chains—including poultry, swine, beef, dairy, eggs, and aquaculture. However, growth expectations remain subject to a range of economic, environmental, and regulatory variables.
From a climatic perspective, while Brazil has recently returned to more stable weather patterns, the risk posed by extreme weather events remains a critical concern for agricultural and livestock production. According to CONAB, Brazil’s 2024/2025 grain harvest is expected to reach a record 328 million metric tons, supported by more favorable climatic conditions compared to the previous cycle, which was affected by droughts and flooding in key producing regions.
Globally, grain market projections by the International Grains Council/IGC and USDA/WASDE show slight discrepancies, but both point to a continued decline in global inventories since 2022—primarily due to reduced corn availability (caused by droughts, pest pressure, and reduced acreage in Argentina) and soybean shortfalls (particularly in southern Brazil). Domestically, Brazil is forecast to produce 123 million metric tons of corn and 167 million metric tons of soybeans—volumes sufficient to meet internal demand and support expected exports.
In 2025, the feed industry is expected to consume approximately 60 million MT of corn (including DDG) and 20 million MT of soybean meal. Together, these inputs represent over 70% of total feed costs, especially in poultry and swine production. Notably, competition for these raw materials is intensifying, as demand from other sectors—such as biofuels and exports—is expected to increase steadily in the years ahead.
From January to December 2024, average corn prices rose 29%, from R$ 64.00 to R$ 82.00/60kg bag, while soybean meal prices declined by 7.5%, from R$ 2,067.00 to R$ 1,911.00/MT. Over the same period, the cost of broiler feed increased by 5% in US dollars but surged 15% in Brazilian Reais due to currency devaluation.
The depreciation of the Brazilian real has also impacted other production inputs such as energy, transportation, and packaging—ultimately driving up retail food prices. According to Institute of Applied Economic Research/IPEA, food expenses now account for 29% of the income of Brazil’s poorest households, highlighting inflationary pressures and potential demand contraction.
Domestically, Brazil faces significant macroeconomic challenges, including the absence of comprehensive fiscal reform, persistent inflation, and high credit costs. The newly enacted Law 214/2025, which introduces a unified tax system (dual VAT/value added tax), will have material implications for the agribusiness sector, particularly through reduced rates on agricultural inputs and a restructured system of tax credits. Fiscal sustainability and renewed investor confidence will depend on effective public spending control and inflation containment in a high-dollar environment.
On the global stage, geopolitical uncertainty has intensified with new tariffs and trade policy shifts impacting commodity flows and prices—particularly for agricultural and energy inputs such as grains, corn ethanol, and soybean biodiesel.
In this complex and evolving landscape, Brazil’s animal feed industry must adopt a strategy anchored in operational resilience, cost-efficiency, and proactive monitoring of regulatory, tax, and climate dynamics to ensure supply continuity and bolster competitiveness across animal protein value chains.
In 2024, improved input costs and early signs of a livestock market recovery helped fuel growth across multiple sectors, leading to feed production of 91.1 million MT and industry turnover of approximately R$160 billion—considering only the cost of vegetable, animal, mineral, and additive inputs. For 2025, a 3% growth is forecast, bringing total production to around 94 million MT.
In 2024, broiler feed accounted for 36.9 million MT, while layer feed totaled 7.18 million MT. Brazil produced 14.9 MT of chicken meat, driven by strong domestic consumption and exports surpassing 5 million MT—cementing its position as the world’s leading exporter. In 2025, broiler feed demand is expected to reach 37.9 million MT, supported primarily by continued growth in Asian and Middle Eastern markets.
The egg industry saw positive momentum in 2024, with domestic consumption rebounding and exports—though still modest—expanding notably, particularly to Latin American countries. Egg production continues to grow in response to increased demand, pushing feed requirements to a projected 7.35 million MT in 2025.
Swine feed consumption reached 21.6 million MT in 2024, supported by growing pork production under favorable cost conditions and strong export performance. Output totaled 5.3 million MT, with over 1.3 million exported to markets such as China, Chile, and Hong Kong. In 2025, demand is forecast to rise slightly to 22 million MT.
The feedlot segment expanded significantly, consuming 7.2 million MT of feed in 2024, driven by the increased adoption of intensive and semi-intensive systems. These practices are helping Brazil maintain its global leadership in beef exports. For 2025, beef cattle feed production is expected to exceed 7.7 million MT.
Lactating dairy cows consumed 7.1 million MT of feed in 2024, contributing to the production of 33.3 billion liters of milk. Industry trends include the consolidation of large-scale producers and the increased automation of dairy systems. Feed demand is forecast to reach 7.3 million MT in 2025, with a focus on improving feed efficiency.
In 2024, Brazil’s pet food market supplied 4 million MT of industrialized products, driven by population growth and the ongoing humanization trend. While economic constraints led many pet owners to choose lower-cost products, demand for high-value-added solutions—including grain-free, functional, and breed-specific diets—is rising. In 2025, demand is projected to reach 4.2 million MT.
The equine sector consumed approximately 999 thousand MT of feed in 2024, mainly for sport, leisure, work, and breeding horses—totaling a national herd of about 5.8 million. Ongoing advances in equine nutrition and increasingly professional management are expected to push demand above 1 million metric tons in 2025.
Aquaculture
In 2024, aquaculture feed consumption totalled 1.79 million MT—1.57 million for fish and 0.23 million for shrimp. Despite market oversupply and falling prices, tilapia farming reached record export levels, aided by the removal of U.S. sanitary certification requirements. Shrimp farming remains domestically focused, with production shifting to low-salinity regions to optimize feed efficiency and increase market value. In 2025, total aquaculture feed demand is expected to reach 1.87 million MT—1.63 million for fish and 0.24 million for shrimp.
The WOAH IFIF cooperation further aims to strengthen links between feed safety and food safety. IFIF works with the WOAH to contribute to improved animal health and productivity, which in the end leads to a positive contribution to public health.
In 2024 and 2025, IFIF continued to strengthen its cooperation with the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), building on a long-standing agreement that recognizes the critical link between feed safety, animal health, and public health. IFIF works with WOAH to support the development, updating, and implementation of WOAH standards and guidelines that are relevant to feed and livestock production, including those addressing the prevention and management of infectious and zoonotic diseases.
The WOAH IFIF cooperation further aims to strengthen links between feed safety and food safety. IFIF works with the WOAH to contribute to improved animal health and productivity, which in the end leads to a positive contribution to public health.
In May 2025, IFIF’s Executive Director attended the 92nd WOAH General Session of the World Assembly of Delegates, where she met with WOAH leadership as well as international chain partners and national delegates. Discussions focused on the role of adequate animal nutrition in supporting animal health and welfare, the prevention of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and opportunities for closer collaboration between WOAH, IFIF, and the wider livestock value chain.
This dialogue reflects WOAH’s recognition that feed is a critical component of animal health systems. Together with WOAH, IFIF continues to advocate for science-based approaches that integrate nutrition, feed safety, and disease prevention, thereby contributing to One Health objectives and supporting global food security.
Looking ahead, IFIF will work with WOAH and its partners to explore joint initiatives around animal nutrition and health, ensuring that feed industry expertise is reflected in WOAH’s global standards and that practical guidance supports farmers and producers worldwide.
IFIF joined the 91st and 92nd WOAH General Session, highlighting the cooperation between IFIF and WOAH, in particular with regards to the prevention and management of infectious diseases, including zoonotic diseases, is vital and our cooperation should strengthen linkages between feed safety and food safety.
IFIF presented to the 900 delegates of the 87th General Session of the World Assembly of the WOAH Delegates and confirmed its commitment to partnership with the WOAH, underlined that animal nutrition is an important contributor to promote animal health and welfare, and underlined the feed industry’s commitment to strong biosecurity measures under our control to ensure feed safety and integrity.
IFIF is made up of national and regional feed associations from Africa, Asia Pacific, Europe, North and South America and the Middle East, as well feed related organizations and corporate members from around the globe.
IFIF is a membership driven organization and we want to thank all IFIF Members for their strong support of IFIF’s work, projects and mission to ensure the feed industry continues to be seen as an essential participant in the food chain that provides sustainable, safe and nutritious food.
IFIF members represent over 80% of total compound animal feed production worldwide.
IFIF is very proud to welcome those new members to the IFIF family who joined the Federation in 2024 and 2025. They are all key players in their field and IFIF is extremely pleased to have them on board contributing their time and expertise to support IFIF’s vision and mission:
Feed Association: Association Kenya Feed Manufacturers (AKEFEMA)
Corporate Members: BiomEdit, Eastman, Royal Canin
Feed related members: North American Renderers Association (NARA)
These organisations are critical players in the feed production chain and we are very pleased to be able to draw on their expertise and support as members and benefit from their global reach and regional expertise.
We want to thank all IFIF Members for their strong support of IFIF’s work, projects and mission.
IFIF is a membership driven organization and together with our Members we work to ensure the feed industry continues to be seen as an essential participant in the food chain that provides sustainable, safe, nutritious and affordable food for a growing world population.
The Animal Nutrition Association of Canada (ANAC) is the national trade association of the Canadian feed industry. Our 185 members include feed and ingredient manufacturers and distributors, as well as suppliers of a wide range of goods and services to the feed industry. Taken together, ANAC’s membership represents 90 percent of commercial feed manufactured in Canada.
ANAC serves as the voice of the Canadian feed industry, engaging with government policy makers, regulators, producer groups and feed industry stakeholders. Our efforts are aimed at fostering a favourable regulatory and business environment for the industry, while supporting initiatives to maintain the highest standards of feed and food safety. ANAC continues to prioritize the development of tools that support the feed industry in adapting to change.
Throughout 2024 and into 2025, ANAC’s dedicated team based in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada has undertaken a wide range of activities, as described below.
In January 2024, ANAC launched its new strategic plan which is built around three areas of focus: food safety and security, sustainability and communication.
Modernizing the Canadian Feeds Regulations
After 14 years of dedicated effort, ANAC’s tireless work advocating for the development of modernized feed regulations finally came to fruition on July 3, 2024, when the Canadian government published the new Feed Regulations, 2024.
The journey to modernized regulations began in 2010 with ANAC’s submission of a white paper to government requesting a legislative update that focused on feed safety over the nutrient content of feeds and brought more flexibility and transparency for stakeholders throughout the feed industry. Now published, these regulations represent the most significant legislative change for the sector in over 40 years.
Throughout the regulation review process, ANAC worked collaboratively with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), Health Canada and other associations, providing feedback and representing industry interests and perspectives. The regulatory updates include incorporated by reference documents, which allow the regulations to keep pace with new scientific advances and international best practices, as well as increase Canada’s alignment with key trading partners. The updated regulations also permit the addition of veterinary health products to livestock feed.
Thanks to valuable insights gained through its involvement in the regulatory modernization process, ANAC was able to prepare its members for the release of the new regulations. ANAC staff delivered in-person workshops involving detailed presentations and interactive exercises to over 300 attendees across Canada. ANAC also provided webinars, published articles in industry magazines, offered one-on-one support and developed new tools and resources such as checklists and fact sheets to support their members through the transition period. ANAC continues to actively support members leading up to the final implementation phase of the Feeds Regulations, 2024 in December 2025.
Advocating for improved access to veterinary health products
In 2023, ANAC formed a coalition with other concerned Canadian livestock sector organizations including farmed animal producers, veterinarians and the veterinary pharmaceutical industry to advocate for the urgent need to increase access to a range of health tools that prevent and control illness and promote the health and wellbeing of animals. In 2024, the coalition published a white paper entitled Improving Access to Veterinary Pharmaceuticals, Veterinary Health Products, Livestock Feeds and Veterinary Biologics in Canada. This white paper summarized the identified challenges and presented solutions that would ensure Canada has access to a wide array of animal health tools. The white paper was shared with government agencies in August 2024, launching a series of successful discussions with members of Parliament and senators. Throughout 2025, industry and government will continue to hold technical meetings to discuss the coalition’s recommendations.
Updating the FeedAssure® program
In 2025, ANAC’s highly regarded comprehensive feed safety management and certification program, FeedAssure®, was expanded to include a program specifically tailored for facilities that offer storage and distribution services. Among its other program elements, FeedAssure® Warehouse provides these facilities with tools and support to comply with new regulatory requirements, such as hazard analysis, preventive controls and preventive control plans, that are coming into effect with the implementation of the Feeds Regulations, 2024.
Engaging on environmental sustainability
ANAC has expanded its commitment to environmental sustainability through several new and ongoing initiatives including:
Promoting animal health and biosecurity
With the consistent threat of animal diseases spreading within the country, ANAC continues to encourage strong biosecurity protocols in the feed sector. The association meets regularly with industry and the government to monitor the status of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in Canada and has a new focus on understanding and mitigating HPAI infections in cattle. To date, there has been no evidence of HPAI infections in Canadian cattle. ANAC is also involved in preparedness activities related to African Swine Fever and Foot and Mouth Disease alongside industry and government partners. Furthermore, as a member of IFIF’s Working Group on Biosecurity Measures, ANAC collaborated on the development of an international biosecurity guide for feed mills.
Providing quality feed industry education
ANAC’s Canadian Feed Industry Education Program (CFIEP) provides the opportunity for a wide audience to learn about the Canadian livestock feed industry through convenient self-directed online courses. A modular course that combines foundational knowledge with practical applications, CFIEP is designed to be applicable across different roles within the industry and beyond. Modules one through eight are now available and have generated positive responses from industry employees, producers, students, academics, and government personnel in Canada and abroad. ANAC looks forward to hosting the first offering of module nine, a hands-on in-person workshop, in the fall of 2025 with module ten planned to follow shortly thereafter in 2026.
ANAC provides regular updates to its members via its biweekly e-newsletter, The Feed as well as through special bulletins that keep members informed of time sensitive information. ANAC’s website houses key resources that support the feed industry in their day-to-day operations.
Keeping ANAC members up to date on new legislation
ANAC monitors the ever-changing Canadian legislative landscape to ensure its members are aware of and prepared for new and revised legislation that could impact them. Recently, this has included advising members on:
Managing transportation and supply chain disruptions
Through its newly established Transportation and Supply Chain Committee, ANAC has been able to help its members co-ordinate and respond to transportation and supply chain disruptions resulting from labour disputes and trade uncertainties. The valuable insights shared by the committee have supported ANAC in its outreach to service providers and the federal government and allowed ANAC to outline clear and effective ways the government can help ensure that, even during disruptions, the feed industry is able to continue its important work feeding Canada’s livestock.
Helping stakeholders understand feed consumption across Canada
ANAC publishes an annual Canadian Livestock Feed Consumption Statistics Report, which provides estimates of the volume of livestock feed consumed in Canada broken down by species and geography. The report aims to help stakeholders understand livestock feed demand across Canada and track changes in the Canadian feed industry over time.
In 2024, both gross production value of the national feed industry and output of industrial feed were declined, while gross production value and output of feed additives grew steadily. The grain-saving effects of feed enterprises were further consolidated, and the pace of new product development significantly accelerated.
The following are the data of China’s feed industry in 2024:
Sub-sectors:
Among them:
By variety:
By sales channel:
By production sectors:
By product categories:
13 provinces had feed output exceeding 10 million tons: Shandong, Guangdong, Guangxi, Liaoning, Henan, Jiangsu, Sichuan, Hubei, Hebei, Hunan, Anhui, Fujian, and Jiangxi.
Shandong and Guangdong maintained feed product output values above RMB100 billion, at RMB158.60 billion and RMB145.40 billion respectively. Note: All numbers in the text are rounded to two decimal places, and percentages are rounded to one decimal place.
Discrepancies may occur due to rounding. For precise data, please visit China Feed Industry Association Website. https://www.chinafeed.org.cn/
IFIF strongly believes all partners along the agri chain have to work together to ensure sustainable and safe feed and food in the future.
In 2024 and 2025, IFIF continued to strengthen collaboration with its livestock chain partners, including HealthforAnimals, the International Dairy Federation (IDF), the World Egg Organisation (WEO), the International Meat Secretariat (IMS), the International Poultry Council (IPC), the Global Dairy Platform (GDP), the Global Roundtable for Sustainable Beef (GRSB), the World Farmers Organization (WFO), and the World Renderers Organization (WRO).
Together, IFIF and these global partners worked on several strategic joint initiatives to advance sustainable, safe, and responsible livestock production. Coordination efforts focused on shared engagement in the FAO-led Livestock Environmental Assessment and Performance (LEAP) Partnership, the Global Agenda for Sustainable Livestock (GASL), the UN Food Systems Summit (UN FSS) process, and the FAO Committee on Agriculture (COAG) Sub-Committee on Livestock. These initiatives strengthened the collective voice of the livestock and feed sectors in global policy dialogue, ensuring that science-based, practical solutions remain central to sustainable livestock transformation.
A major achievement of this collaboration was the launch of the Common Principles and Actions for Sustainable Livestock Production in September 2025. Developed and endorsed by ten global associations representing the beef, dairy, eggs, farmers, feed, health, meat, poultry, renderers, and wool sectors, this landmark document sets out a shared agenda for sustainability across the entire livestock value chain. It highlights the urgent need to balance environmental stewardship, farmer livelihoods, and food security — always keeping farmers at the center of the discussion.
The Common Principles provide a strong foundation for engagement with governments, international institutions, and partners to accelerate the transformation of the livestock sector. They also showcase key data and ongoing actions across the value chain, reinforcing the commitment of the global livestock community to science-based and practical solutions. Importantly, this initiative runs in parallel with IFIF’s strategic project, the Road to 2050, ensuring that the feed industry continues to play a leading role in shaping sustainable food and feed systems for the future.
In 2024/25 IFIF strengthened its work with key international organisations along the feed and food chain, to support feed and food safety and fair trade, while meeting the increased demands of food sustainably.
The Chamber of the Feed Industry represents the productive sector and serves as a liaison with national and international entities, aiming to strengthen competitiveness and promote the sustainable growth of the industry in Colombia. Its mission is to align access to competitive raw materials with emerging consumption trends, contributing to food security through the production of animal protein, thereby enhancing the health and nutrition of the Colombian population and the well-being of companion animals.
The Chamber of the Feed Industry of ANDI brings together the leading companies in the country that produce animal feed across various sectors: poultry, swine, cattle, minor species, pets, and aquaculture
The Chamber’s management is centered around three strategic pillars: competitiveness and internationalization, legal certainty and regulatory simplification, and innovation and digital transformation. It also leads initiatives to address emerging challenges, such as antimicrobial resistance, in collaboration with other associations within the animal protein value chain.
Under the competitiveness and internationalization pillar, notable activities include the development of tools for raw material analysis, support for market access, technical reinforcement in international and port logistics management, participation of member companies in international forums, and facilitation of specialized training opportunities to enhance the technical capabilities of the sector’s human talent.
Within the legal certainty and regulatory simplification pillar, the Chamber monitors regulations and actively participates in public consultations on national and international regulations related to the industry’s strategic areas.
In the innovation and digital transformation pillar, the Chamber has supported the national authority in the development and evolution of technological tools aimed at streamlining regulatory processes, enhancing surveillance capabilities, and facilitating regulatory compliance by companies in the sector.
From 2015 to 2024, the sector has shown steady growth, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.6% over the past six years.
In production by line, poultry farming maintains the highest consumption of feed. However, swine farming has gained market share in recent years, driven by increased technification and growing domestic demand. Cattle farming remains stable, while the pet, aquaculture, and minor species segments, although still minor, are specialized niches with expansion potential.
In 2024, animal protein production in Colombia recorded growth, contributing to food security. Notable increases were observed in the milk (8.7%), egg (6.9%), pork (7.8%), and beef (6.4%) sectors, while chicken production remained stable.
To support our industry on the road to the future, in 2024/25 IFIF’s work is focussed on three strategic pillars:
Sustainability
Regulatory & International Standards
Best Practices & Capacity Building
FEFAC, the European Compound Feed Manufacturers’ Federation, represents 22 full members in 22 European countries as well as Associate Members in the UK, Switzerland, Turkey, and Norway. The European Manufacturers of Feed Minerals Association (EMFEMA), the European Former Foodstuffs Processors Association (EFFPA) and FAMI-QS also hold associate membership. The European compound feed industry employs over 100,000 persons at approximately 3,200 production sites often in rural areas which offer few other employment opportunities.
According to data from FEFAC, industrial compound feed production in the EU27 is projected to rises lightly by 0.50% in 2024 compared to 2023, reaching 147 million tons.
The estimates for EU compound feed production in 2024 offers a mixed outlook, reflecting diverse trends across livestock sectors influenced by economic, regulatory, environmental, and animal health factors.
Key drivers for the market in 2024 included economic uncertainty, regulatory changes, and ongoing environmental and animal disease impacts. These factors will continue to shape production dynamics across the EU, affecting different animal feed sectors in varied ways. Poultry feed production shows a moderate growth, with an expected increase of 1,3%. This recovery follows a challenging 2023, driven by a rebound in poultry production in key member states such as France, Spain, and Portugal, which began recovering from the impacts of Avian Influenza from last year.
However, poultry production in Hungary and Italy continues to suffer from continued H5N1 avian influenza outbreaks. The pig feed sector remains under pressure but is showing signs of stabilization compared to last year, in particular modest recovery is anticipated in Ireland (+3%), Spain (+5%), and Poland (+1.9%). However, key challenges persist due to an overall decline in pig populations in EU27 due to ongoing economic and animal disease related pressures, in particular from African swine fever (ASF). In addition, Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands face heightened policy pressure to reduce farm emissions or further downscale animal husbandry, creating significant uncertainty for the sector. EU cattle feed production is expected to remain relatively steady, with minor fluctuations depending on regional conditions linked to the availability of roughages.
In 2024-2025, the EU saw the transition of the Green Deal, which was the flagship of the European Commission 2019-2024, to the Competitiveness Compass, released in January 2025. This new flagship provides the EU policy roadmap for the coming years, aimed at creating the right conditions for businesses. In February 2025, the European Commission released its Vision for Agriculture and Food – setting out a comprehensive and forward-looking strategy to ensure the long-term sustainability, competitiveness, and resilience of the EU’s agri-food sector. This vision aims to reconnect citizens with the food they consume and the rural territories that produce it, while fostering trust and dialogue across the entire food value chain. The overarching goal is to support vibrant rural communities, guarantee fair opportunities for farmers and food chain operators, and ensure that the sector remains viable and attractive for future generations.
The Vision builds on the Strategic Dialogue on the Future of EU Agriculture, which ran from January to September 2024, bringing together a broad spectrum of stakeholders, including farmers, cooperatives, agri-food businesses, NGOs, financial institutions, and academia. These dialogues are being continued in the European Board on Agriculture and Food (EBAF), which is chaired by European Commissioner for Agriculture & Food, Cristophe Hansen, and to which FEFAC is one of 30 members. This Board will advise the European Commission on strategic policy developments, ensure balanced representation of all relevant interests-including farmers, food chain actors, environmental and animal welfare groups, and consumers-and facilitate the exchange of experiences and best practices.
This year FEFAC lobbying activity started with the release of the EU Polish Presidency proposal on the NGT file. Poland prioritized amendments to address key sticking points, particularly around patents and the categorization of NGT plants. Further to the release of this proposal, COCERAL, FEDIOL and FEFAC wrote to the Polish Presidency and Member States to remind the urgent need for an agreement on this issue to allow access to innovative varieties, while at the same time expressing strong reservations regarding the proposed compromise regarding patents for category 1 NGT plants, which could discourage innovation and affect the proper functioning of the EU single market. The Council reached an agreement after a second PL PCY proposal.
FEFAC has engaged in joint lobbying activities – two joint position papers were released and sent to all institutions that have an active role in the trilogues: MEPS, Perm Reps and DG SANTE. FEFAC along with COCERAL and FEDIOL have met with MEPs and DG SANTE, mainly to raise attention to the traceability requirements on CAT1 NGT (supported by the EP) and the logistical complexity of global trade if these requirements are applied. To conclude, FEFAC endorsed another position paper on traceability and labelling of conventional-like category 1 plants and products resulting from NGTs which was drafted and co-signed by several agri-food supply chain organisations such as CEFIC, CEFS, COCERAL, COPA-COGECA, FEFANA, EUROSEEDS, among others.
Following a comprehensive 12-month assessment, the European Commission’s SCoPAFF on Animal Nutrition officially endorsed the upgraded COPA-COGECA & FEFAC Code of Good Labelling Practices for compound feed at a meeting on 2-3 December 2024. Inspired by the proposal for the Green Claims Directive, the updated code includes detailed guidelines for communicating the environmental performance of animal feed to farmers, addressing key impact areas such as climate change, eutrophication, and livestock emissions abatement techniques. The enhanced Code, which integrates the PEFCR Feed for Food-Producing Animals methodology and the Global Feed LCA Institute database, offers a harmonised approach to labelling that supports the feed sector’s efforts to reduce its environmental footprint.
The review of the PEFCR Feed was finally concluded in February 2025. In the meantime, discussions are taking place at EU level on a significant review of the overarching PEF Method, which will have considerable impact. FEFAC is following the discussions on the development of the EF 4.0 Database as closely as possible, looking for beneficial possibilities for the GFLI Database.
The EUDR was scheduled to enter into force on 30 December 2024, however following intensive lobbying it was delayed until 30 December 2025. The European Commission published simplification measures in April 2025, in the shape of a Delegated Act and updated FAQ and Guidance documents. FEFAC members have expressed their concerns remain, fearing again that a lack of EUDR-compliant soy products to be available, in this case as from 1 January 2026. In the meantime, it has been clarified that Recital 39 on cattle feed traceability will not impact compound feed manufacturers negatively and burdens for downstream traders (e.g. of soybean meal) will be lighter. At this stage, the Delegated Act reviewing the Annex I list of relevant products in the EUDR scope does not seem to bring the opportunity to have the palm oil by-products PKE and P(K)FAD removed list. FEFAC published a Professional Recommendation on the implementation of the EUDR for compound feed manufacturers in September 2024. Benchmarking of schemes against the FEFAC Soy Sourcing Guidelines 2023 has continued, albeit at a slow pace. Some schemes are still hesitant to proceed with benchmarking due to uncertainties revolving around the EUDR.
The Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) were both agreed under the previous European Commission mandate, however under the current Commission’s ambitions for simplification are being put through an ‘Omnibus’ to postpone their entry into force as well as make substantial changes. FEFAC members have welcomed the Commission’s initiative, although larger companies have already invested significantly in preparations in the past years.
In 2023, the FEFAC ExCom identified dependency upon third countries for access to essential feed additives as a major threat for the EU feed and livestock sector and asked the Secretariat to make this issue a priority for action, in coordination with other feed chain organisations. In 2024/25, FEFAC action aimed at raising policy makers’ awareness of the extreme vulnerability of the EU via the European Food Security Crisis preparedness and response mechanism (EFSCM) of DG AGRI, calling for granting to vitamins and amino acids the status of critical feed additives and for urgent measures to mitigate this EU vulnerability. These could focus on stimulation of production in the EU (by favouring private-public partnerships, facilitating industry access to energy, carbohydrate sources and other key raw materials) or by incentivising capacity building in Third Countries with whom the EU has settled trade agreements. The FEFAC Board mandated the Premix&Mineral Feed Committee to establish a list of essential feed additives, characterise the level of dependency of the EU upon third countries for these substances with a view to submit to EU authorities more accurate data regarding EU consumption, production and imports. The mandate also included a reflection on possible measures to restore the competitiveness of EU production in Europe. The objective is to deliver a first report in June 2025.
The process for the establishment of new maximum limits and the revision of several existing limits for contaminants that started in 2018 was completed. The most noticeable changes are the lowering of limits for rye ergot, datura and dioxins / dioxin-like PCBs, and the establishment of limits for THC, nickel, and p-phenetidine. The new limits will enter into application in 2026.
Thanks to several years of coordinated lobbying towards national authorities, the EU Commission finally renounced to replace guidance values for mycotoxins (except Aflatoxin) in compound feed by maximum limits. A final consultation took place at the Feed Mycotoxin Forum in January 2025. The Feed Safety Management Committee considered that further work was required to define a toolbox of safety measures applicable by operators in case of exceedance of the guidance values for feed materials and compound feed, as well as on communication of information along the chain regarding the occurrence of mycotoxins both at organisations and operators’ levels.
FEFAC, and other organisations of the feed chain, continued lobbying to keep the current “footnote 1” exempting certain feed materials meant exclusively for feed use from MRLs for pesticides. The main action consisted in providing a non-exhaustive list of crops and co-products eligible to footnote 1 and information on the way the risk was managed.
In April 2025, FEFAC, FEDIOL, COCERAL and Unistock held the second workshop on Salmonella Risk Management
FEFAC contributed also to the update of the IFIF database on feed contaminants and to the drafting of the IFIF Biosecurity Guide.
FEFAC noted with deep concern the announced US Tariffs against EU steel and aluminium products and the EU counter tariffs covering a wide range of US agricultural products, in particular feed grain and other feed products such as lysine, trace mineral, coccidiostats, etc. FEFAC lobbied actively to obtain the exemption of feed and food products from the lists of products subject to increased duties for the sake of preserving food security.
FEFAC closely monitored the of high-level discussions between EU Trade Commissioner the US Administration, as well as the drafting of the EU final retaliation list. FEFAC discussed with its US feed chain partners, USSEC, AFIA, CRA and USGC about the EC coverage of the list of strategic US feed and on possible “next steps” towards US and EU trade authorities to engage in “real” negotiations.
Through the open consultation survey and meetings with DG TRADE and DG AGRI, FEFAC requested to remove all “critical” US feed products from the final list of EU counter-tariffs, US, soy, coccidiostats, referring to the FEFAC economic impact assessment on EC tariffs for US soy lead to indirect extra cost of app 2 Bio€ which come “on top” of EUDR compliance cost (2,25 Bio€) and EC Antidumping duties for lysine imports from China of 500 Mio€.
An antidumping investigation was initiated in May 2024 against imports of lysine from China. The FEFAC Board agreed to mandate FEFAC to apply as interested party in January 2025 and to perform, with the support of an ad-hoc Task Force on Feed Additives Vulnerability an economic impact assessment evaluating the extra-costs for the EU livestock sector between 300 and 400 mio. €.
Regarding the plea of trade diversification by the European Commission, FEFAC has been engaged in formal contacts with Canadian producer organisations such as Canola Council of Canada, Pulse Canada, and Cereals Canada, The Canadian Mission to the EU has also participated in the 40th ICFP Committee Meeting.
IFIF Members include national and regional feed associations from around the globe, including from Africa, Asia Pacific, Europe, North and South America and the Middle East. Here you will find our Association Members’ 2024/25 updates on their particular region, including feed production figures.
FEFANA is the EU Association of Specialty Feed Ingredients and their Mixtures. It acts as the united voice of the specialty feed ingredients business in Europe. Its membership comprises manufacturers and traders of feed additives, functional feed ingredients, premixes and other mixtures of specialty ingredients that enter the food chain via feed. FEFANA facilitates the dialogue between EU institutions and feed business operators while promoting feed and food safety and a fair and competitive market.
FEFANA’s overall mission is to promote, safeguard and defend the common and general interests of the industry of SFIs and their Mixtures. It represents the views of its Members to the EU authorities and, via its network of national partners in key EU Member States, also to the Competent Authorities of these countries. FEFANA has gained a strong positive reputation across Europe to key decision-makers and it has built close contact with other stakeholders of the feed and food chain.
FEFANA is a well-recognized IFIF full member. Representing the supplying industry, FEFANA plays a significant role in the feed & food chain and shares a common responsibility with the compound feed industry. FEFANA views IFIF as the interface to certain key international organisations, such as FAO, Codex, OIE and ISO, and the ideal platform to meet with other actors of the feed and food chain.
FEFANA has been positioning itself very early in the process, flagging critically important items since the European Commission had initiated the Evaluation of Regulation (EC) 1831/2003 as part of the Better Regulation agenda in 2018. Since then, FEFANA has been one of the key stakeholders for the EC to revise this piece of legislation.
The revision of Regulation (EC) No. 1831/2003 aims at facilitating the placing on the market of innovative feed additives enabling more efficient and sustainable livestock production – a very important recognition for the sector.
FEFANA and its members recognise that there are still a number of aspects that need to be given greater emphasis and tackled in order to truly unleash the potential of the sector. This would allow not only to deliver on the ambitious goals of the European Green Deal, but also to provide much needed modern solutions to the livestock chain and society’s needs.
Examples of such aspects are:
FEFANA is (pro)actively involved in making sure that these and other elements are addressed in the on-going process of modernising the key regulation for our industry. Nevertheless, it has been recently announced by the European Commission that the launch of the legislative proposal has been officially postponed (likely) to the next term of the Commission in 2024. The REFIT Evaluation report is expected to be released soon. FEFANA is closely following the ongoing developments.
Through an efficient cooperation system, manufacturers and importers of feed additives were offered the opportunity to participate in FEFANA Consortia and jointly prepare and submit applications for the re-authorisation of over 1000 additives. These are being evaluated by European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) prior to re‐authorisation by the European Commission. The evaluation phase of some Consortia dossiers is still on-going and its completion might take a few more years.
FEFANA is committed not only in the daily management of the dossiers, but also on the practical implications that each re-authorisation may carry.
As of 2020 FEFANA also facilitates the creation of collaborative platforms for the renewal of authorisations for non-holder specific feed additives. While not acting as the applicant, FEFANA assists in the establishment of collaboration platforms allowing interested members to work jointly for dossier submissions for non-holder specific feed additives. Where required, FEFANA also offers administrative assistance and acts as contact point with competent authorities.
The distinction between feed materials and feed additives has critical implications for the placing of these products on the EU market. Feed business operators and competent control authorities are frequently faced with questions regarding the classification of products. EU guidelines for the distinction between feed materials, feed additives, biocidal products and veterinary medicinal products (EC Recommendation 2011/25/EU of 14th January 2011) were established to avoid inconsistencies and to provide an appropriate level of legal certainty, misclassification having potentially severe consequences. Since the guidelines remain somewhat theoretical, a need for such a useful tool was perceived by the operators. The FEFANA on-line tool does not aim to substitute for the operators’ or the authorities’ responsibility to take a decision but is expected to be an important benchmark in the decision process: http://fefana.org/ClassTool/
FEFANA has also launched another user-friendly tool to support business operators in the categorization of the different types of mixtures as defined in the EU’s regulatory framework. The new tool is based on the definitions covered by the three reference EU Regulations for mixtures:
This voluntary tool, alongside the one launched earlier on for the identification of single substances, will continue facilitating businesses and authorities in their efforts to ensure compliance with the relevant regulatory requirements in the EU:
http://www.fefana.com/MixtureClassificationTool/
Claims on feed additives and premixtures are a common practice in the feed sector, while they are not referred to in Regulation (EC) 1831/2003 on additives for use in animal nutrition. FEFANA has decided to develop its Code in order to achieve a common approach amongst Feed Business Operators (FBOs), which can also be recognized by the authorities, to foster transparency, fair competition and predictability.
In order to ensure alignment along the European feed chain, FEFANA has taken into account other relevant codes of practice already in use; notably the “Code of good practice for the labelling of compound feed for food producing animals” developed jointly by FEFAC and Copa-Cogeca, and the “Code of good labelling practice for pet food” developed by FEDIAF. Complementarily to these documents, the FEFANA Code intends to improve the appropriateness of labelling and to bring a common understanding with regard to the rules applicable to voluntary labelling of feed additives and premixtures.
More information on the rationale and the process behind it, alongside the Code itself, is available at: http://fefana.org/eu-legislation/tools/code-of-practice-claims/
Being the expert on Specialty Feed Ingredients and their Mixtures, FEFANA aims at providing technical and scientifically sound information on the benefits and safety of the products of its industry. In order to disseminate such knowledge, FEFANA has issued so far:
These and other publications are available on FEFANA’s virtual info center at: http://fefana.org/info-centre/publications/
CLFMA OF INDIA is an Apex Chamber, nurturing “One Voice” of the Livestock Industry. It was formed in the year 1967 with the objective of helping the promotion of overall animal husbandry, including the promotion of the concept of balanced feeding of animals in accordance with their nutritional requirements for deriving from them maximum output through productivity improvement. It was broad-based to include members from all sectors of livestock production during 2002.
We have a membership base of around 250 members, representing Dairy, Aqua, Poultry, and others related to the Indian Livestock Industry viz. manufacturers and suppliers of feed additives, raw materials, feed plant and machinery, Laboratory equipment and breeders, integrators, meat processors and exporters, vaccine manufacturers, animal health, etc.
Thus, the broad objective has been to facilitate / enhance the contributions of the input providers and output processors to the development of Livestock Sector.
Seminar on Feed Ingredients: Supply, Price, and Alternatives – Ludhiana (May, 2024)
Seminar on Feed Ingredients: Supply, Price, and Alternatives – Pune (May, 2024)
Seminar “Surging Ahead”: Coimbatore (May, 2024)
Participation in Indusfood Agritech 2025 – New Delhi (January, 2025)
Entrepreneurship Development Conclave – Pune (January, 2025)
Collaborative Meeting with BCC & US Grains Council – Coimbatore (January, 2025)
Poultry Seminar – Namakkal (February, 2025)
Poultry Seminar – Pune (March , 2025)
These activities underscore CLFMA’s commitment to addressing industry challenges, promoting sustainable practices, and fostering collaboration among stakeholders in India’s livestock and feed sectors.
The Indian Feed Industry is going through a phase which will set the direction for the next decade of Indian protein sufficiency. The Livestock sector provides about 6-6.5% to the GDP and total about 30% of the contribution to the Agricultural GDP. The Growth of the feed Industry is what we called as close to the Indian GDP number of 7-8% with a target to move up to 10% PA. The reasons attributed to this growth percentage has been the Increasing consumption of meat, eggs, and dairy—driven by changing dietary preferences, higher disposable incomes, and urbanization—is driving the need for quality animal feed. The shift from traditional to commercial-scale poultry and dairy farming is boosting demand for scientifically formulated high-nutrient feed to support higher productivity and animal health. Further, the adoption of feed additives (amino acids, vitamins, enzymes, probiotics) and alternative protein sources is improving animal health and efficiency, meeting consumer demand for safe, high-quality animal products has burgeoned the market.
The feed industry is getting support from consumers in terms of market size moving higher but on the other hand there are challenges like:
In-spite of all these challenges, globally, India has managed to achieve fantastic results in terms of being:
No. 1 In Milk Production
No. 2 In Aquaculture Production
No. 2 In Fish Production
No. 2 In Egg Production
No. 5 In Broiler Production
The Indian feed industry plays a crucial role in supporting the country’s agriculture sector and ensuring food security. In recent years, the government has been putting a stronger focus on the development of the feed industry to improve the overall economy and promote sustainable agriculture practices. As of 2025, the Indian government has intensified its focus on strengthening the animal feed industry to support the broader goals of livestock productivity, food safety, and rural prosperity. This commitment is reflected in several key national and state-level initiatives:
Regulatory Strengthening: States like Karnataka have enacted the Karnataka Animal Feed (Regulation of Manufacture and Quality Control) Act, 2025, which establishes mechanisms for regulating and supervising the manufacture of animal feed. The Act aims to ensure only quality, non-adulterated feed reaches livestock, thereby improving animal health, productivity, and ultimately, the safety of animal-derived food for humans.
Infrastructure and Quality Enhancement: The Union Government continues to invest in schemes like the Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund (AHIDF), which supports the establishment of modern feed plants and ensures access to affordable, balanced, and high-quality feed for cattle, poultry, and other livestock. These measures are designed to improve feed availability, encourage value addition, and make the sector more resilient to supply chain disruptions.
Policy and Budgetary Support: The Union Budget 2025-26 and recent Cabinet decisions have allocated additional resources to animal husbandry and dairy development, aiming to modernize infrastructure, improve feed quality, and ensure disease control.
Trade and Safety Regulations: The government is enforcing stricter standards on feed quality and regulating imports to prevent the entry of substandard or unsafe feed ingredients, supporting both domestic food safety and export competitiveness.
Collectively, these measures underline a holistic approach by combining regulation, infrastructure, innovation, and quality control to transform India’s animal feed industry and strengthen the foundation of the country’s livestock sector.
Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund:
In February 2024, the Union Cabinet extended the Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund (AHIDF) under the Infrastructure Development Fund, allocating Rs. 29,610.25 crore for three more years until 2025-26. The scheme aims to boost investment in dairy and meat processing, animal feed plants, breed multiplication farms, waste management, and veterinary vaccine production.
By February 2025, AHIDF has notably empowered small and marginal farmers by improving marketing infrastructure, product quality, and access to value-added processing, helping them shift from unorganized to organized markets. So far, 131 animal feed plants with a combined capacity of 85.95 lakh metric tonnes per year have been approved, ensuring affordable, high-quality feed for farmers and enhancing livestock health and productivity. The scheme has directly generated 60,000 jobs and benefited 2,60,000 farmers indirectly. With 366 projects worth Rs. 10,367.90 crore approved, AHIDF is driving better infrastructure, technology adoption, and market access, leading to higher incomes and improved livelihoods for livestock farmers across India
Since 2021, the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India, has been implementing the National Livestock Mission (NLM) nationwide. As part of the NLM-Entrepreneurship Development Programme (NLM-EDP), the scheme offers a 50% capital subsidy—up to ₹50 lakh—for setting up breeding farms for poultry, sheep, goats, pigs, horses, camels, and donkeys, as well as feed and fodder units. Eligible beneficiaries include individuals, Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), Self-Help Groups (SHGs), Joint Liability Groups (JLGs), Farmer Cooperative Organizations (FCOs), and Section 8 companies. Through the following Sub-Missions, the scheme is carried out:
Animal Husbandry sector presents an opportunity for the investors to invest in the Livestock sector making this sector a lucrative one ranging from value addition, cold chain and integrated units of Dairy, Meat, Animal Feed units to technologically assisted Livestock and Poultry farms, Animal Waste to wealth Management and Setting up of Veterinary Drugs/ Vaccine units.
The Compound Livestock Feed Manufacturers Association (CLFMA) of India plays a vital role in advancing the Indian animal feed industry by serving as the apex body. CLFMA actively engages with policymakers, industry leaders, and academia to address sector challenges, promote best practices, and advocate for regulatory reforms that support sustainable growth. Through national and regional seminars, such as the Poultry Seminar 2025, CLFMA brings together experts and stakeholders to discuss industry challenges like feed security, rising input costs, and market volatility, while fostering collaboration on innovative and diversified feed strategies. The association also emphasizes the importance of balanced animal nutrition, quality control, and technology adoption to improve productivity and resilience in the sector. By facilitating dialogue, supporting research partnerships, and advocating for policy alignment, CLFMA strengthens the competitiveness and integration of the Indian feed industry, ensuring it remains future-ready and capable of supporting India’s food security and economic development.
Iran Feed Industry Association, IFIA, based in Tehran, is Iran’s largest organization devoted exclusively to representing the business, legislative and regulatory interests of the Iran animal feed industry and its suppliers. Founded in 2013, IFIA also is the recognized leader for international companies and provincial associations.
Members include 714 certified facilities including animal feed and feed Additive manufacturers, integrators, pharmaceutical companies, ingredient suppliers, equipment manufacturers and companies which supply other products, services and suppliers to feed manufacturers. The feed industry makes a major contribution to feed safety, nutrition and the environment, and it plays a critical role in the production of healthy, wholesome meat, milk, fish and eggs.
The report of the Iran Feed Industry Association was presented on Strategic Actions, Structural Measures, Major Studies, Research and Publication, and the most important International Measures. Some guild activities are informed with the aim of developing and strengthening the share of animal feed industry, employment and the national economy.
Assessment of documents for approval of importing raw materials and Ready- to- Feed for livestock, poultry and aquaculture:
Aquaculture Feed: 37 facilities
Pet Feed (Dog, Cat, Birds, etc…): imports banned.
Livestock Feed (Milk Powder) 21 facilities
Feed Ingredients (Concentrate, Fat Powder, Gluten, etc…) 97 facilities
Participate in scientific-specialized working groups
Specialist working groups of Livestock, Poultry and Aquaculture Feed: 28 cases
Feed Technical Committees: 9 cases
National Standards Organization meetings: 31 cases
Working Group of Residue (for animal feed use): 18 cases
In 2020, 714 feed mills manufactured 10.5 Million tons of animal feed, of which 6000 thousand tons cattle feed, 4000 thousand tons poultry feed, 400 thousand tons Aquaculture feed and 100 thousand tons other animal’s feed.
According official statistics of Agriculture-Jihad Ministry, total amount of required feed ingredients is 85656 thousand tons. The highest required ingredient of wheat and barley bran is 15168 thousand tons, and the lowest required input of feed wheat is 920 thousand tons.
The Japan Feed Manufacturers Association (JFMA) was established in 1957 as a cooperative organization to contribute to the prosperity of Japan’s feed and livestock industry.
As of April 1, 2025, JFMA comprises 42 member companies and 67 feed mills that produce compound and mixed feeds throughout Japan.
In FY2024, member companies of JFMA produced approximately 15.82 million tons of feed (a 1.1% decrease from the previous fiscal year), while Japan’s total production of compound and mixed feeds was about 23.85 million tons (a 0.4% decrease from the previous fiscal year).
The Japan Feed Industry Association engages in the following main activities:
Industry Representation and Collaboration
As representatives of feed manufacturers and related companies, we collaborate with the government and relevant organizations to protect the industry’s interests and promote its development. We also collaborate with domestic and international affiliated organizations and international agencies to exchange information and monitor regulatory trends.
Information Provision and Awareness Campaigns
We provide information and carry out awareness campaigns regarding the feed industry. We provide member companies with information on regulatory and legislative changes, market trends, technological innovations, and strive to enhance industry awareness and competitiveness.
Establishment of Standards and Regulations
We are involved in the establishment of quality standards, safety standards, and regulations for feed. We develop standards and regulations for feed that consider safety and environmental considerations and promote compliance across the industry.
Problem Solving and Consultation
We collaborate with member companies and relevant organizations to seek solutions to issues and challenges in the feed industry. We also serve as a consultation point for member companies and the general public.
The Japan Feed Manufacturers Association is supported by many industry stakeholders and aims to contribute to the development and stable supply of the feed industry.
Japan relies on imports for approximately 12.864 million tons of feed grains annually, including corn, sorghum, barley, and wheat. While the majority used to be imported from the United States, improvements in inland transport and port facilities have diversified sources to include Brazil and Argentina.
Corn accounted for about 48.5% of compound feed ingredients, followed by soybean meal (12.5%) and rapeseed meal (4.5%). Although the use of domestically produced rice for feed increased in recent years, it declined significantly last year due to rising rice prices.
Since September 2018, a certain area of Japan has been suffering from an outbreak of classical swine fever, and the Japanese government began vaccinating pigs in October 2019. Nevertheless, sporadic outbreaks still occur, and CSF-infected wild boars have been detected throughout Japan, except Hokkaido.
There is no case of African swine fever reported in Japan, but it has very widely spread from China and other South-East Asian countries to South Korea, a neighboring country of Japan although separated by the sea.
In recent winters, avian influenza spread by migratory birds became a major threat. Last winter, outbreaks were reported at 51 farms, leading to the culling of approximately 9.32 million birds. Infections among wild birds continue to increase, and for the first time this year, avian influenza was detected in wild marine mammals in Japan.
In response, Japan’s animal health authorities and related industries remain on high alert, and JFMA members are implementing strict hygiene controls at feed mills.
In recent years, the Japanese government has promoted policies aimed at improving the country’s feed self-sufficiency. These include encouraging the use of domestically produced rice as a substitute for imported corn in compound feed, as well as supporting the transition from rice farming to the cultivation of feed corn. These efforts not only help reduce greenhouse gas emissions by shortening transportation distances for feed ingredients, but also contribute to preventing farmland abandonment in economically and socially struggling regions, thereby supporting land conservation and regional revitalization.
In addition, the industry is working on technical initiatives to reduce environmental impact. These include the development of feed additives that suppress enteric fermentation in livestock, the safe and hygienic recycling of food by-products, and the production of low-phosphorus and low-nitrogen feeds.
As of February 1, 2024:
In recent years, many small-scale households have exited the livestock business, resulting in an increase in the number of animals raised per household.
FEEDLATINA: The Latin American and Caribbean Feed Industries Association, is based in Uruguay is recognized as an important voice and focal point on regulatory issues in the animal nutrition sector.
Feedlatina works to promote increased dialogue between the feed industry and regulatory agencies and is based on a further sharing of responsibilities between them in order to promote compliance with technical and commercial regulations “ Co Regulation”. We act as a mediator with Official Bodies to promote the development, harmonization and maintenance of the regulatory frameworks that guarantee free trade in the animal nutrition market, based on quality, safety and food security.
Feedlatina implemented its STDF/PG/345: Feed and Food Security Program, A project for regulatory harmonization and feed safety in Latin America and the Caribbean. The STDF/PG/345 program was supported by the Standards and Trade Development Facility (STDF) a global partnership that supports developing countries in building their capacity to implement international sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) standards, guidelines and recommendations as a means to improve their human, animal, and plants health status to gain or maintain access to markets. And after the completion of the project, we continued with our daily work of regulatory harmonization and institutional strengthening to promote food security and production sustainability. We produce and disseminate informative material and promote the education and credibility of the animal feed sector in our region.
At the moment, Feedlatina works concurrently with 4 technical work groups, with the participation of the associates.
The Technical Group on Additives, working toward harmonizing the definition and classification of feed additives, as well as labeling, is now seeing the positive results of years of joint efforts between member companies and government authorities across different Latin American countries with the creation of its Feedlatina Guide.
The guide has already been published on the official websites of some countries, making it available for consultation and serving as a valuable reference for authorities when updating or developing new regulations related to additive registration requirements—or whenever they find it useful or necessary.
In fact, some recent regulations have used the Feedlatina Guide as a supporting resource in their drafting process.
The development of new technologies requires a long time of research and high investment. The purpose of the harmonization or of the guide itself is to ensure that companies develop new technologies to meet the new requirements of the world, such as, for example, the use of more sustainable products in animal production and that it is guaranteed that this new technology can be used, classified and indicated according to the purpose for which it was created.
The guide, officially published in 2024, has been reviewed by the authorities of the participating countries (Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Dominican Republic, and Uruguay) and can be revisited or updated whenever necessary to stay aligned with new global trends in animal nutrition.
In mid-2024, Feedlatina began the meetings of its new Technical Group, Harmonization of Terms and Definitions, with strong participation from its members, aiming to provide clarity and bring harmonization to the key terms used in the legislations of Latin American countries. This project will also involve the participation of authorities in partnership with the industry.
Feedlatina also has a Technical Samples Group whose objective is to survey the procedures for requesting product samples for registration and/or renewal of registration in the main countries of the region and suggest to the authorities improvements in processes, making them faster and less expensive. costly to companies and consequently generating and encouraging greater trade between them.
Through its Technical Statistics Group, it reviews, monitors and evaluates the production, import and export numbers of the animal nutrition market in its region, always being up-to-date and ahead of every macro scenario in which it operates.
In addition to these 4 groups, Feedlatina opens a new group whenever necessary, such as specific groups to discuss suggestions for a specific legislation placed in public consultation by a country. Thus, we give strength and support to our associates by sending suggestions through the association.
We participate in symposiums and annually organize the Latin American Workshop on Animal Nutrition Regulatory Affairs, in addition to several meetings between the Official Regulators of the countries and private partners to foster their relationship.
In 2024, Feedlatina organized and promoted the IV Latin American Workshop on Animal Nutrition Regulatory Affairs, in Brazil, which had a significant presence of its members and more than 20 government representatives, where updates to relevant legislation and key issues for the smooth operation of trade between countries were discussed.
In 2025, the V Latin American Workshop on Animal Nutrition Regulatory Affairs will take place in San José, Costa Rica, and once again will feature a well-structured and engaging agenda, bringing together the public and private sectors. The confirmed presence of several authorities from Central American countries stands out, making this a timely and productive meeting.
Today Feedlatina is consolidated as a permanent regional and International Space for Public and Private cooperation in the field of animal nutrition. We give support and negotiate in regulatory matters with the different regulatory agencies and support for trade facilities between countries and economics blocs. We are in constant contact with the government agencies of the Latin America and Caribbean countries through their Ministries and Services of Agriculture, Livestock and food safety, which support the association and allow it to be updated on legislation and actual information. Such as Statistical data of Latin America Market, national production and foreign trade between the countries.
The Association seeks to strengthen the imagen of Latin America and Caribbean to the consumers and enable developing countries to join forces and strengthen their representation.
The integration between the countries of the region and the region with the world, facilitating trade of Latin America Bloc.
Feedlatina will continue working to support a robust, integrated and strong Latin America.
The New Zealand Feed Manufacturers Association (NZFMA) represents the interests of almost all the animal feed manufacturing companies in New Zealand. Manufacturers and blenders of compound feeds, premixes and dietary supplements are amongst our member companies. The majority of feed is produced for the intensive livestock industries (poultry and pig), however feed is also produced for the ruminant and equine industries. A small amount of feed is also produced for animals such as dogs, emus, rabbits and fish
These statistics report total tonnage of manufactured animal feed and total tonnage of raw materials used in feed production. This report does not include blended feed.
These statistics now include the breakdown of species-specific data for feed production.
Please note all figures reported in the tables below in this Executive Summary are in metric tonnes (unless otherwise specified).
In 2019, a group of forward-thinking professionals across Nigeria’s animal feed sector came together to confront the growing challenges of feed production, quality control, and industry coordination. Their efforts culminated in the official registration of the Feed Industry Practitioners Association of Nigeria (FIPAN) — a national body dedicated to promoting excellence, collaboration, and policy advocacy in the feed value chain.
Since its inception, FIPAN has served as a rallying point for feed millers, animal nutritionists, raw material suppliers, veterinarians, academics, and regulators. The association’s core mission is to professionalize the feed industry, promote high standards, and champion sustainable practices that support livestock development and national food security.
Recognizing the importance of global alignment, FIPAN became a proud member of the International Feed Industry Federation (IFIF), connecting Nigeria’s feed practitioners with global best practices, research, and policy dialogue. This international affiliation has enriched FIPAN’s voice in global fora and strengthened its resolve to elevate Nigeria’s feed industry to international standards.
Over the years, FIPAN has played a strategic role in addressing industry-wide issues such as access to quality raw materials, rising production costs, regulatory clarity, and capacity development. Through its close engagement with development partners and financial institutions, FIPAN continues to facilitate access to resources and opportunities for its members.
From hosting high-level stakeholder summits to training programs and policy advocacy, FIPAN is committed to building a resilient, innovative, and inclusive feed industry. With a growing membership and strong leadership, the association stands as a beacon of progress — ensuring that Nigeria’s feed sector remains a solid foundation for a thriving livestock economy.
The Feed Industry Practitioners Association of Nigeria (FIPAN) is the official trade association of the formal animal feed manufacturing industry in Nigeria. Being a member of the International Feed Industry Federation (IFIF), FIPAN unites prominent industry associations which membership categories are, Feed Manufacturers, Feed Raw Materials Merchants, Feed Toll millers, Feed’s Equipment Manufacturers and Importers, Feed’s Minerals and Vitamins Premix manufacturers, Feed Concentrates and Additives Importers, Feed Raw Materials Vendors, Finish Feeds Distributors and Industry Feed Consultants.
The global economy in 2024–2025 faced persistent challenges, including supply chain disruptions and geopolitical tensions. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) estimated global GDP growth at 3.2% for 2024, with a projected slowdown to 2.9% in 2025, reflecting tighter monetary policies and reduced demand in advanced economies.
Source: International Monetary Fund (Adapted for NAFFP-National Animal Feed and Fodder Policy- Context)
Inflation remained a critical issue, with consumer price inflation in emerging markets and developing economies reaching 9.5% in 2023 and moderating to 7.3% in 2024. In Nigeria, high food and energy prices, driven by global commodity market volatility and domestic supply constraints, increased the inflation rate to 29.9% in 2023 and 24.1% in 2024, with feed costs accounting for 70–75% of livestock production expenses.
Global grain and oilseed markets faced challenges, with the International Grains Council (IGC) reporting a 2.9% decline in global grain production for 2024/25 due to adverse weather and geopolitical disruptions. Maize production was estimated at 1.2 billion tons, with Nigeria contributing 12.5 million tons, while soybean production reached 369 million tons globally, with Nigeria’s harvest at 0.7 million tons.
Nigeria’s economy, heavily reliant on agriculture, faced structural challenges, including inadequate infrastructure, electricity outages, and inefficiencies in rail and road networks. The NAFFP (National Animal Feed and Fodder Policy) projects Nigeria’s GDP growth at 3.0% in 2024, slowing to 2.8% in 2025, constrained by these factors and global economic headwinds. The livestock sector, contributing 1.7% to national GDP and 9% to the agricultural value chain, remains a critical economic driver.
Unemployment in Nigeria remained high, with the agricultural sector employing over 35% of the workforce, including 50% of feed industry jobs linked to small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The NAFFP (National Animal Feed and Fodder Policy) aims to create jobs through feed industry expansion, targeting training for 1,000 stakeholders in feed production and nutrition.
In 2023, Nigeria produced approximately 6.8 million metric tons of animal feed, with an estimated increase to 7.1 million metric tons in 2024, driven by increasing population, urbanization, and government incentives for local feed production, while utilizing 34–36% of its potential 20 million metric ton annual capacity, limited by high production costs, insecurity in agricultural regions, inadequate infrastructure for feed processing, and the devaluation of the naira, which has increased the cost of imported feed inputs
The NAFFP (National Animal Feed and Fodder Policy) targets a production increase to 50 million metric tons by 2030, driven by demand from 16.6 million pigs, 58.7 million cattle, 60.2 million sheep, 108.7 million goats, and 695.5 million poultry, producing 0.5 billion litres of milk, 1.4 million tonnes of meat, and 0.6 million tonnes of eggs annually.
FIPAN-affiliated mills, primarily small-scale operators (82.5% producing ≤2 metric tons/hour), control 60% of the market share, with 650 of 787 surveyed mills in 2014 being small-scale. The policy supports upgrading these mills to medium and large-scale operations, targeting an additional 7 million metric tons for cattle and 10 million for sheep and goats under ranching systems.
FIPAN’s activities align with the NAFFP’s objectives to enhance feed production, safety, and sustainability. Key initiatives include:
1. Stakeholder Collaboration and Policy Development
FIPAN, as an IFIF member, played a pivotal role in formulating and validating the NAFFP, collaborating with academia, research institutes, and regulatory bodies like NIAS, NAFDAC, and SON. Its efforts ensure transparency and integrate international standards, supporting the policy’s goal of 20% annual feed production growth.
2. Representation and Industry Organization
FIPAN’s membership encompasses a comprehensive range of stakeholders within the feed industry, including feed manufacturers, raw material merchants, toll millers, equipment manufacturers and importers, minerals and vitamin premix producers, importers of feed concentrates and additives, raw material vendors, finished feed distributors, as well as affiliated institutions at both national and international levels.
3. Support for Feed Industry Operations
FIPAN promotes self-sufficiency through local feed milling equipment fabricators, supporting 650 small-scale mills. The NAFFP backs FIPAN’s efforts to scale up operations, addressing the 6.6–20 million metric ton market gap.
4. Advocacy for Feed Safety and Quality
FIPAN ensures compliance with NIAS, NAFDAC, SON, and Codex standards, addressing risks like aflatoxin transfer. This enhances traceability and consumer confidence, supporting domestic and export markets.
5. Market Expansion and Economic Impact
FIPAN supports SMEs, which account for over 50% of feed sector employment and value addition. Its focus on poultry and aquaculture drives economic growth, aligning with Nigeria’s livestock sector needs.
6. Capacity Building and Regulatory Compliance
FIPAN collaborates with the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development to train 1,000 stakeholders in nutrition, milling, and compliance, addressing raw material scarcity and high feed costs (70–75% of production expenses).
7. Environmental and Sustainability Focus
FIPAN promotes climate-smart practices, including local equipment to reduce emissions and alternative feed sources like crop residues and insects, across Nigeria’s six agro-ecological zones.
FIPAN’s strategic vision, aligned with the NAFFP, focuses on fostering partnerships across the livestock value chain to unlock sustainable growth. By strengthening ties with government, regulatory bodies, and value chain partners, FIPAN aims to enhance feed availability, reduce costs, and support export market development
FIPAN will continue to advocate for infrastructure improvements, credit access, and innovation in feed production, ensuring the industry’s resilience against global and local shocks. The NAFFP’s target of 50 million metric tons by 2030 underscores FIPAN’s critical role in achieving food security and economic development.
The Feed Industry Practitioners Association of Nigeria (FIPAN) has emerged as a critical force in advancing Nigeria’s feed and livestock industry, playing a strategic role in implementing the National Animal Feed and Fodder Policy (NAFFP). Despite global and local economic headwinds—including inflation, supply chain disruptions, and infrastructural deficiencies—FIPAN has spearheaded initiatives that have driven growth in Nigeria’s feed production from 6.8 million metric tons in 2023 to 7.1 million metric tons in 2024, representing a modest yet resilient upward trajectory.
FIPAN’s alignment with international standards through its affiliation with the International Feed Industry Federation (IFIF), and its collaboration with regulatory agencies (NAFDAC, SON, NIAS), reflects its commitment to quality, safety, and sustainability. The organization has effectively unified a fragmented sector, integrating over 100 brands and supporting 650+ small-scale mills, which constitute 60% of national production capacity.
Furthermore, its focus on capacity building, SME support, climate-smart practices, and policy advocacy directly supports the NAFFP’s ambitious goal of 50 million metric tons of annual feed production by 2030. This positions Nigeria to significantly strengthen its livestock productivity, employment generation, and export potential, ultimately contributing to national food security and economic diversification.
FIPAN’s leadership, therefore, is not only facilitating the transformation of the feed sector but also anchoring Nigeria’s broader agricultural industrialization agenda, making it a cornerstone of sustainable development in the face of evolving global challenges.
The Animal Feed Manufacturers Association (AFMA) is the representative body of the commercial feed industry in South Africa, situated in Pretoria. Its membership comprise of 64 feed manufacturers, 80 premix and feed ingredient suppliers and 20 feed businesses across the country that provide a variety of services to the feed industry ranging from consultation to analysis, and from equipment to installation. The main objectives of AFMA are to promote the development of a sustainable animal feed industry that acts responsibly within the food chain, and to influence food security through partnership with all stakeholders.
AFMA is achieving these objectives with the support of all member companies and their commitment to feed and food safety. An industry Code of Conduct was developed in 2008 to address the principle of feed safety and responsibility in the agri-food value chain, and all Full Members and Associate Members of AFMA are required to maintain continuous compliance with the AFMA Code of Conduct. Facility audits are conducted on a biennial basis by an independent assessment body to verify conformance to the AFMA Code of Conduct and confirm continuous membership of AFMA.
Animal production more than doubled over the past 30 years in South Africa driven by higher meat demand and contributes about 42 percent to total agricultural output in value terms. Poultry is the largest contributor to this growth, at approximately 60% of the total South African meat consumption (2020).
AFMA members manufacture approximately 60 percent of all animal feed produced in South Africa (12.17 million tons), with the majority of the remaining feed produced on-farm and not sold commercially. The country is self-sufficient in the production of animal feed and imports are minimal.
Total AFMA animal feed sales in 2023/24 (7 045 644 tonnes) dropped by 1.79% when compared to the 2022/23 period. Importantly, it is evident that AFMA produces 99.66% and 82.76% of the broilers and layers national feed production, respectively.
The poultry industry is struggling with imports and there is a risk that higher imports and more dumping could lead to an oversupply on the local poultry market in the future and thus depress prices. However, the South African market is protected to a certain extent from imports from the major poultry exporting countries by tariffs that act as a barrier. In January 2024, the DTIC and ITAC announced the decision to introduce 25% discount on bone-in chicken cuts and a 30% discount on boneless chicken meat if there is a shortage of chicken meat. This decision was intended to avoid a shortage of chicken meat after poultry in South Africa was affected by one of the worst outbreaks of avian influenza in 2023. Therefore, the import of chickens to South Africa has a negative effect on the production of animal feed. It is evident that the increase in chicken imports from 360 252 tons in 2022/23 to 399 702 tons in 2023/24 caused the decrease in feed production by 382 318 tons.
Figure 3 below shows the development of feed production by AFMA members compared to the previous year. Year-on-year, total sales of animal feed fell by 5.3%, with poultry feed accounting for most of this decline due to the outbreak of avian influenza.
Feed sales of AFMA members per province are shown in Figure 4 below and shows that the Western Cape led the way with a share of 19.77%, followed by Mpumalanga and Gauteng with 15.12% and 14.79% respectively. Free State contributed 14.63% of total provincial feed production, followed by North West (9.07%), Eastern Cape (7.66%), SADC (4.04%) and finally Limpopo Province (1.88%).
Maize
Maize is the most common ingredient in animal feed production with an inclusion rate of 51.5%, followed by oilcake at 20.59% and fishmeal at 0.12%.
Maize production in South Africa shows noticeable fluctuations across the years. It peaked in 2016/17 at approximately 17.5 million tons and again in 2022/23, indicating variability likely driven by climatic conditions. In contrast, total consumption, has been more stable, ranging from around 12 to 14 million tons, with a gradual upward trend over time. Export volumes, have been comparatively modest and variable, peaking in 2020/21 and 2021/22, when production surpluses allowed for greater international sales. Meanwhile, feed demand, indicated by the steady dotted line, remains relatively constant at about 6 million tons annually, suggesting it is a stable and inelastic component of domestic maize usage. Overall, South Africa has generally maintained a surplus in maize production, enabling regular exports and suggesting a relatively balanced and resilient supply-demand structure. The projections for 2023/24 through 2025/26 suggest continued stability in both production and consumption, with a slight increase in the latter. This balance, if maintained, bodes well for domestic food security and trade opportunities.
Local commodity prices have shifted from export parity to import parity, following the CME prices. The coming harvest in South Africa is expected to be smaller than in the previous year with estimates ranging between 13 and 13.5 million tons, compared to 17 million tons in 2023. While this should be sufficient to meet local demand, any exports to neighbouring countries could put pressure on local stocks and keep prices in Cape Town at import parity.
The South African maize harvest in the 2023/24 marketing year is affected by a mid-summer drought caused by EI Nino, leading to an expected decline in harvest volume of more than 15%. The drought also affects other countries in Southern Africa and leads to a positive outlook for local maize prices, which will lead to an expansion of the maize area in the 2024/2 marketing year.
Soybean
Soybean production has experienced a significant upward trajectory over the years. From approximately 1.3 million tons in 2016/17, production rose steadily and reached a peak of nearly 2.8 million tons in 2022/23 and is projected to reach the same level again in 2025/26. This growth reflects increasing domestic capacity, improved agricultural practices and expanded cultivation. The crush component, representing soybeans processed into oil and meal, has also grown consistently, keeping pace with production, though slightly lagging in some years. Total consumption, mirrors the rise in both production and crush volumes, peaking around 2.5 million tons in the projected year 2025/26. Despite these increases, feed demand remains minimal and stable. The alignment between production, crush, and total consumption suggests a well-integrated value chain, with the potential to reduce reliance on imports and strengthen food and feed self-sufficiency in the coming years.
The vision of Animal Feed Manufacturers Association of South Africa is to promote and sustain an environment in which the animal feed industry can thrive, and consumers across the country and the continent have access to sufficient, affordable and nutritious animal protein to sustain a healthy living.
The dynamic animal feed thought leader influencing food security through partnerships with all stakeholders.
The feed industry is strategically positioned within the food value chain to lobby, liaise, and collaborate with government departments; regulatory decision-makers; parastatals; agricultural forums; academia; international agencies and related stakeholders in the value chain. Through healthy partnerships, open dialogue, trust and close cooperation with these entities, AFMA aims to unlock further growth in the South African agricultural value chain. Agriculture and agro processing remain an important sector in South Africa, contributing a combined 7% of all formal economic activities in 2023, and 8% of the number of employed people in the country according to the latest BFAP Baseline report. This impact can further be unpacked to include up and downstream links in the value chain such as the manufacturing of inputs, supply of services, trade and transport and the entire Agri-Food system ultimately results in a total contribution of 13.7% to the economy.
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Four strategic pillars from the cornerstone of AFMA outcomes for the year and guides its activities towards a common goal of unlocking growth in the agricultural value chain. AFMA endeavours to achieve this through:
1. ensuring a consistent supply of sufficient and affordable animal feed for the production of meat, milk, eggs & fish;
2. using innovative nutritional strategies to produce nutritious animal feed in a responsible and sustainable way and within an enabling legislative framework;
3. promoting good manufacturing practices in the provision of safe feed to enhance consumer confidence, and
4. supporting job creation, training opportunities and skills development in the animal feed industry.
This year AFMA focussed on aligning its Key Focus Areas in support of the overall Strategic objectives and allocated specific projects to each of its committees during a joint strategic session in March 2024. The Committee projects aim to compliment and support the Key Focus Areas and achieve AFMA’s overall Strategic objective. It is worth noting that committee projects have been prioritized by the members to ensure focused attention and effective outcomes. Some of the key AFMA projects include:
The feed industry in South Africa faced various challenges, many of which affect the economy of the country, and includes disease outbreaks such as Avian Influenza, Foot and Mouth Disease, and African Swine Fever, infrastructure limitations in rail and road, port congestion, electricity outages, climatic fluctuations and macro-economic factors which lead to raw material price increases. It is, however, the ability of the feed industry to adapt and collaborate with critical stakeholders that will remain critical in directing future challenges and unlocking sustained growth across South Africa’s agricultural value chain.
Founded in 1909, the American Feed Industry Association (AFIA), based in Arlington, Va., is the world’s largest organization devoted exclusively to representing the business, legislative and regulatory interests of the U.S. animal food industry and its suppliers. The organization’s membership is comprised of over 650 domestic and international companies that represent the total feed industry—manufacturers of commercial and integrated feed and pet food, ingredient suppliers, pharmaceutical companies, industry support and equipment manufacturers. AFIA’s members manufacture more than 75% of the feed and 70% of the non-whole grain ingredients used in the country.
The review and approval process for animal food ingredients in the United States is currently in a state of transformation, with both federal and state-level authorities reassessing traditional frameworks and introducing new processes.
Last fall, the dissolution of the long-standing memorandum of understanding between the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), a non-regulatory body of state feed officials, prompted the emergence of alternative approaches to new ingredient approvals. Leading these new efforts are the FDA’s interim Animal Food Ingredient Consultation process and AAFCO’s Scientific Review of Ingredient Submissions, launched in partnership with Kansas State University’s Olathe Innovation Campus. At the federal level, the FDA continues to oversee the approval of new animal food ingredients through two primary pathways established by the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act – the Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) process and the Food Additive Petition (FAP) process.
Under the GRAS framework, companies can self-determine that an ingredient is safe for its intended use based on publicly available scientific evidence and consensus among qualified experts. GRAS substances must adhere to the same safety standards as approved food additives and must not pose harm when used as directed.
In contrast, the FAP pathway requires FDA review of scientific evidence and is more time-consuming than GRAS, often spanning several years. It requires comprehensive submissions, including toxicology data, safety and efficacy studies, detailed manufacturing processes and proposed legal definitions. This process is typically reserved for novel or less-established ingredients that may not yet have sufficient consensus for GRAS status.
As the regulatory landscape continues to evolve, the AFIA is actively engaging with regulators and federal officials to ensure that industry perspectives are represented and that safe, effective pathways for ingredient approval remain accessible.
Since June 2023, there has been engagement on a bipartisan legislative solution for addressing the regulatory bottlenecks that have prevented some animal food ingredients with nonnutritive benefits from coming to market. The Innovative Feed Enhancement and Economic Development (Innovative FEED) Act, now introduced in both chambers of Congress by bipartisan lawmakers, would amend the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act to establish a new category of ingredient reviews for animal food additives that do not impact animal nutrition, but rather, act in the animal’s gut to provide health benefits, reduce emissions or address human food safety concerns. The AFIA is working with champions in Congress to move this bill forward so that U.S. animal food manufacturers can be on equal footing with their international counterparts, who already have access to these novel technologies.
The AFIA continues to champion fair, science-based global trade practices and values mutual respect among trading partners as essential to the success of the U.S. animal food industry. A reliable and balanced global supply chain enables companies to make long-term investments, plan with confidence and deliver high-quality products to markets around the world.
In 2024, the U.S. animal food industry exported an estimated $11.6 billion in goods, including $9.1 billion in feed and feed ingredients and $2.5 billion in pet food. With global markets increasingly seeking the United States’ leadership in safety, quality and advanced animal nutrition technologies, the industry sees strong potential for further growth. The AFIA recently released a video series that shares with international buyers some of the positive attributes of U.S. feed, pet food and ingredients. The video series can be accessed at afia.org/feedfacts/multimedia/videos.
To support this trajectory, the AFIA continues to work with U.S. trade officials to pursue a comprehensive strategy that removes existing trade barriers for U.S. animal food manufacturers to fully enter new markets, reduce restrictive import requirements and prevent inconsistent regulatory standards. The association is working with the Trump administration to vocalize how his administration’s trade policies are both impacting U.S. animal food manufacturers’ ability to do business at home and the international suppliers with which they work. The AFIA is also looking for proactive opportunities to modernize outdated trade agreements and strengthen science-based norms in international fora to counter politically or economically motivated restrictions.
The Institute for Feed Education and Research (IFEEDER), AFIA’s public charity, continues to lead the way in the development of industry analyses and sustainability tools with the release of two reports detailing U.S. animal feed and pet food consumption and additional resources for the sustainability toolkit. The reports underscore the essential role of animal nutrition in driving both economic value and environmental sustainability across the U.S. food system. The reports collectively demonstrate how the feed and pet food industries are not only nourishing animals but also fueling rural economies, advancing sustainability and responding to evolving consumer and market demands.
The animal feed consumption report revealed that livestock, poultry and aquaculture consumed approximately 283.6 million tons of feed, highlighting the critical role of the U.S. feed industry in sustaining the nation’s food supply. This comprehensive analysis emphasizes the feed industry’s integral role in supporting animal agriculture and promoting environmental stewardship through the utilization of diverse and sustainable feed ingredients. The report found that an astonishing 37% of total feed consumption (excluding harvested forages and roughages) came from “circular” ingredients, which are coproducts or byproducts from the human food industry or other industrial processes that might otherwise go to landfill.
In addition, the pet food ingredient report highlights the U.S. dog and cat food industry’s significant economic impact, noting that in 2024, U.S. pet food sales hit $51.7 billion with 9.8 million tons produced using 600+ safe, nutritious ingredients.
Notably, over 4 million tons of upcycled ingredients and nutritious components repurposed from human food production were utilized in dog and cat food, reaffirming the industry’s commitment to sustainability.
In addition, last fall, IFEEDER expanded its Animal Food Industry Sustainability Toolkit with new life cycle assessment (LCA) resources to help animal feed and pet food companies measure and reduce their environmental impact. Developed with The Context Network and Animal Nutrition Association of Canada, the toolkit includes guidance on LCA processes, terminology, strategic decision-making and stakeholder mapping. It aims to simplify complex sustainability assessments and support industry-wide alignment.
Together, these initiatives highlight IFEEDER’s pivotal role in equipping the U.S. animal food industry with data-driven insights and practical tools to advance sustainability, economic vitality and responsible resource use. As consumer expectations grow and global challenges intensify, these reports and resources ensure that the animal food industry remains proactive, transparent and committed to continuous improvement both in the United States and internationally. All these resources can be found at ifeeder.org.
The U.S. animal food industry is at a pivotal moment, driven by transformative changes in regulatory processes, the need to maintain and build positive global trade opportunities and a growing emphasis on sustainability. The AFIA remains committed to working closely with the current Trump administration and Congress to advance policies that ensure regulatory clarity, promote science-based trade and support the industry’s ability to innovate and compete globally.
