KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The 2019 Feed and Pet Food Joint Conference, hosted by Pet Food Institute (PFI) and the National Grain and Feed Association (NGFA), invites pet food and feed industry leaders to gather and discuss regulatory subjects, operations challenges, consumer priorities and market issues facing pet food and feed producers in the US.

The conference will be held Sept. 30 to Oct. 2 at the Sheraton Hotel at Crown Center in Kansas City.

The three-day conference includes several educational seminars, breakout sessions, and networking opportunities. Key topics include FSMA compliance, sustainability, transparency and crisis management, technology and supply chain management, trade policy, US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) inspections and updates from the American Association of Feed Control Officials (AAFCO).

“Today’s pet food and feed manufacturers face an increasingly complex landscape, with new regulatory requirements, evolving consumer expectations and a shifting trade outlook,” says Dana Brooks, president and CEO of PFI. “Thanks to our strategic partnership between PFI and the National Grain & Feed Association, we have an opportunity to bring together industry leaders to examine these challenges and look to the future.”

Several speakers will present during the Pet Food Joint Conference, including Sue Hays, executive director of AAFCO; Dr. Cassie Jones, associate professor at Kansas State University’s department of animal science and industry; Jenny Murphy, consumer safety officer for the FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM)’s Office of Surveillance and Compliance; Dr. Steven Solomon, director of the FDA’s CVM; Randy Stuewe, CEO of Darling Ingredients; Randy Blach, CEO of Cattlefax; and Hinda Mitchell, president of Inspire PR Group.

“This annual collaboration between the feed and pet food sectors allows our industries to communicate with regulators, our suppliers and each other,” says David Fairfield, senior VP of feed services for NGFA. “Our shared goals of providing safe products for animals while maintaining efficient and cost-effective business models makes the joint conference a unique place to learn about the latest regulatory requirements, best practices for facility inspections, and explore the latest research, innovations, and industry and consumer trends. This year’s conference also will feature insights on how the global trade environment and US trade policies are affecting our industries and the entire agricultural economy. We’ll see you in Kansas City!”

Suppliers to the pet food and feed industries will have the opportunity to exhibit during the Feed and Pet Food Joint Conference as well.

Visit the NGFA website to register for the 2019 Feed and Pet Food Joint Conference. Registration fees provide access to all conference programs and materials, as well as refreshments, meals and receptions.

Read our exclusive profile of Pet Food Institute to learn more about the organization and its representation in the pet food and treat industry. 

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