For Immediate Release
International Poultry Expo
Tucker, Ga. - February 1, 2024

Education Program Explores Feed Industry’s Role in Sustainability

The American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) hosted a half-day educational program on Jan. 30 focused on how the environmental, social and governance (ESG) pillars apply to and create sustainability opportunities for the feed industry. The AFIA held the program, “Feed Your ESG: How Feed Will Help Hit Sustainability Targets,” during the International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE), which happened this week in Atlanta, Ga.

“Our goal with this educational program is to bring understanding to the complexities of sustainability and ESG metrics within the animal feed industry,” said Paul Davis, Ph.D., AFIA’s director of quality, animal food safety and education. “The heart of the animal feed industry lies in its commitment to sustainability, extending beyond environmental factors. This commitment reflects the industry's dedication to not only nourishing animals but also enriching the lives of employees and the communities they support, which has an important place when it comes to overall sustainability.”  

This program had nearly 120 attendees and featured speakers who shed light on the relationship between sustainability and animal feed production. Mike Gauss, president at Kent Nutrition Group, and Anne-Marie Neeteson, global senior advisor of welfare, sustainability and compliance at Aviagen Group, provided examples of actionable strategies on how companies can utilize current values and business practices as a guide when developing sustainability metrics.

“When it comes to ESGs, many people are going to tell you what you should care about. Sustainability is your journey, and you have to make it your own,” said Gauss. “For us, our ESG pillars are determined by our core values.”

In addition, Lara Moody, executive director at the Institute for Feed Education and Research, and Matt Sutton-Vermeulen, partner at The Context Network, provided insights on how sustainability within the feed industry fits into the broader food supply chain and provides solutions for its customers.

“As downstream stakeholders in the food supply chain pursue their long-term goals and targets, feed offers significant opportunities and solutions,” said Moody. “The animal feed industry is continually innovating to add value to our animal production partners, and those innovations can also be solutions for our downstream customers and consumer-facing companies in reaching their sustainability goals.”

The presentations were followed by a panel discussion where attendees engaged with the speakers on a deeper level, exploring the various dimensions of sustainability in the animal feed industry.

About IPPE
The International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE) is a collaboration of three shows - International Feed Expo, International Meat Expo and the International Poultry Expo - representing the entire chain of protein production and processing. The event is sponsored by the American Feed Industry Association (AFIA), the Meat Institute and U.S. Poultry & Egg Association (USPOULTRY).

About AFIA
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 more than 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 members manufacture more than 75% of the feed and 70% of the non-grain ingredients used in the country. AFIA is also recognized as the leader on international industry developments and holds membership in the International Feed Industry Federation (IFIF).

About the Meat Institute
The Meat Institute is the leading voice for the meat and poultry industry. Formed from the 2015 merger of the American Meat Institute (AMI) and North American Meat Association (NAMA), the Institute has a rich, century-long history and provides essential member services including legislative, regulatory, scientific, international and public affairs representation. The Meat Institute's mission is to shape a public policy environment in which the meat and poultry industry can produce wholesome products safely, efficiently and profitably. Together, the Institute's members produce the vast majority of U.S. beef, pork, lamb and poultry and the equipment, ingredients and services needed for the highest quality products.

About USPOULTRY
U.S. Poultry & Egg Association (USPOULTRY) is the All Feather Association progressively serving its poultry and egg members through research, education, communications and technical services. Founded in 1947, USPOULTRY is based in Tucker, Georgia.

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Attendees ask questions of “Feed Your ESG: How Feed Can Help Hit Sustainability Goals” panelists.