For Immediate Release
International Production & Processing Expo
Tucker, Ga. - February 5, 2026

International Rendering Symposium Highlights the Power of Science, Storytelling and Sustainability in Animal Agriculture at 2026 IPPE

The 2026 International Rendering Symposium brought together global leaders from the rendering, animal agriculture, sustainability and communications sectors to tackle a critical industry challenge: clearly, credibly and compellingly communicating the value of rendering in a world increasingly disconnected from agriculture. Held in conjunction with the 2026 International Production & Processing Expo in Atlanta, the symposium, sponsored by the North American Renderers Association (NARA) and the U.S. Poultry & Egg Association, emphasized the importance of transparency and proactive engagement as misinformation continues to shape public perceptions of food systems.

Kent Swisher, president and CEO of NARA, set the stage by emphasizing the need to consistently explain what rendering is and why it matters. Often referred to as the “original recyclers” or a “hidden industry,” renderers play a vital role by safely cooking and drying animal by-products and food waste into valuable proteins, fats and other inputs with a long-standing record of food and feed safety. By diverting materials from landfills and incineration, rendering prevents millions of tons of greenhouse gas emissions annually, reduces pressure on land and water resources, and replaces crops in feed and fuel markets. Emphasizing circularity, Swisher described rendering as a process that transforms what would otherwise be waste into value, aligning with NARA’s refreshed sustainability strategic plan.

Joe Proudman, associate director for communications at the Clarity and Leadership for Environmental Awareness and Research Center at the University of California, Davis, addressed the widening gap between agriculture and the public. With only about 1% of the population living on farms and major media outlets lacking dedicated agriculture reporters, Proudman stressed the importance of science-based communication through social media and digital platforms. He emphasized that while data is essential, storytelling drives understanding and behavior, reminding attendees, “Do good things and talk about them. If you don’t, somebody else will.”

Dana Johnson Downing, senior vice president of international programs at NARA, introduced Rendering University, a centralized knowledge hub designed to “make the invisible visible.” She explained how the platform provides standards, definitions, product use examples, training materials and community resources to support education, onboarding and consistent messaging, while acknowledging the challenges of communicating complex processes that consumers may find uncomfortable.

Expanding the global perspective, Dr. Peng Li, NARA Asia director, outlined the organization’s communications and outreach efforts across Asia, particularly in China. His presentation highlighted engagement with U.S. ambassadors and consulates, participation in U.S. Department of Agriculture food waste reduction initiatives, and involvement in U.S. agricultural trade missions. Dr. Li also described targeted trade missions for aquafeed customers and the use of a dedicated NARA app to connect members and share resources.

Lara Moody, executive director of the Institute for Feed Education and Research, presented findings from the Feed Ingredient Consumption Report. Covering more than 70 feed ingredients across all major livestock species and aquaculture, the report provides a detailed view of ingredient use, circularity and environmental impact.

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’s members manufacture more than 75% of the feed and 70% of the non-whole 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 MEAT INSTITUTE
The Meat Institute is the nation’s oldest and largest trade association representing packers and processors of beef, pork, lamb, veal, turkey, and processed meat and poultry products and their suppliers. Meat Institute member companies include more than 350 meat packing and processing companies, large and small, and account for more than 95 percent of the United States’ output of these products. The Meat Institute provides essential member services including regulatory, scientific, legislative, public relations and educational programming.

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.

ABOUT NARA
The North American Renderers Association (NARA) represents the interests of the North American rendering industry to regulatory and other governmental agencies, promotes the greater use of animal byproducts, and fosters the opening and expansion of trade between foreign buyers and North American exporters. In addition to its U.S.-based headquarters, the association maintains offices in Mexico and Hong Kong, and has market consultants in strategic locations around the world. NARA publishes a bi-monthly trade magazine, Render. For more information, visit nara.org.

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Dr. Peng Li, NARA Asia director, speaking at the 2026 International Rendering Symposium.