ATLANTA, GEORGIA, US — The role government inspection services play in animal food product facility inspections and trade will be the focus of an educational session in conjunction with the International Processing & Production Expo planned Jan. 28-30, 2025, in Atlanta, Georgia, US.

The American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) is collaborating with the Pet Food Institute and the North American Renderers Association for the program that will examine the role of the Animal Plant and Health Inspection Service (APHIS) of the US Department of Agriculture.

The session on Jan. 29 will examine the APHIS role in inspections, processing import permits and export health certificates and negotiating market access with global trade partners.

“This program promises to be an excellent learning opportunity for anyone who is importing into the United States, or preparing to export rendered products, animal-based feed or pet food,” said Mallory Gaines, director of market access and multilateral affairs at the AFIA. “Attendees will have the unique opportunity to engage directly with APHIS staff and build stronger relationships with key regulatory contacts.”

The one-day program will offer industry professionals insights into APHIS’s operations and provide direct networking opportunities with APHIS headquarters negotiators and field office staff. “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly” of APHIS inspections will be a key focus, with discussions aimed at helping the industry better prepare for inspections, streamline paperwork processes and improve collaboration with APHIS to avoid trade disruptions.

Registration for IPPE and “APHIS and Industry: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly of Importing/Exporting Animal Products” is now open.