February 24, 2014
USDA, FDA sign agreement on animal feed, pet food export certification
Based on an agreement signed between the USDA and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the USDA has the authority to certify animal feed and pet food products for export to foreign countries.
Under the agreement, USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is expanding its services to support animal feed and feed ingredients trade. The agreement grants AMS the authority to conduct audits, register and provide export certification for animal feed and pet foods products designated for export. USDA and FDA believe the new arrangement will present new opportunities for US feed exporters.
"This agreement is a big step toward helping US feed exporters take advantage of the growing global demand for these products," said AMS Administrator Anne Alonzo. "By allowing producers to obtain certification that some importing countries require, this effort opens new markets for US products, generating additional economic benefits and more jobs across rural America."
USDA noted that the total market for US exports of animal feed and feed ingredients (excluding soy) is an estimated US$20 billion.