TUCKER, GEORGIA, US — The American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) plans to host its pet food conference virtually on Jan. 26, 2021, in conjunction with the online International Production & Processing Expo Marketplace Week, Jan. 25-29.

It will tackle pet care in a post-pandemic world, impact of animal proteins and fats on the sustainability of pet food and training dogs for disease detection are just a few topics the AFIA plans to tackle during its digital event.

The AFIA also will name the recipient of the second annual Friend of Pet Food Award at the conference.

“COVID-19 has changed many things this year, but the one thing it will not change is the need for pet food professionals to come together and see where our industry is going,” said Louise Calderwood, director of regulatory affairs for the AFIA. “The pet food industry has adapted to a new marketplace, and the AFIA Pet Food Conference has topics to assist them with ongoing developments.”

 Agenda items include discussions on planning for the next pandemic; how behavioral economics can improve supply chain planning; the impact of animal proteins and fats on the sustainability of pet food; and updates on international trade and federal regulations. The program also will feature graduate and undergraduate students presenting research on emerging issues in the pet industry in paper and poster sessions.

Pre-recorded sessions on domestic and global industry trends, new research on pet food production and an ingredient analysis and recent work on pet food issues at the Association of American Feed Control Officials also will be available for participants to view at their convenience.

Online registration for the AFIA Pet Food Conference is now open. For more information about the event or to register, visit the conference website.