Changes are in store for the Pet Food Institute’s (PFI) annual meeting this fall, when the Washington, D.C.-based organization unites with its strategic partner, the National Grain and Feed Association (NGFA), to host a new Feed and Pet Food Joint Industries Conference for the animal feed and pet food sectors on Sept. 22-24 in Chicago, Ill. This event marks the first conference of its kind for these industry sectors, organizers say. The joint conference will focus on top business trends, food and feed safety developments, and operational challenges facing the animal feed and pet food industries. The initial conference revolves around the theme, “Working in the Rapidly Changing Business, Operations and Regulatory Environment.” In order to co-host, PFI will change the dates and location of the PFI Annual Industry Meeting, which previously was scheduled for October in Washington, D.C. In addition, the NGFA will move its annual Feed Industry Conference, traditionally conducted in December, to coincide with the collaboration. The program will cover business-focused topics, such as the outlook for the supply, quality, cost and availability of ingredients used in manufacturing animal feed and pet food; new trends; and the demand for environmental sustainability. Topics to be explored include how these factors may change the business strategies, operations and logistics of animal feed and pet food manufacturers. Also on the agenda is new food and feed safety legislation expected to be enacted by Congress this year, as well as the Food and Drug Administration’s regulations set to be proposed this fall that will encompass all feed, pet food and feed ingredients. Duane Ekedahl, president of PFI, says the timing of the event is important because of the wave of upcoming regulations. By attending, he adds, manufacturers of animal feed and pet food and their suppliers can stay on top of changes that will impact their operations. <HOME>
