ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA, U.S. — The American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) in partnership with AgGateway and Feed & Grain magazine are in search of applicants for its Information Technology Innovation Award--an award recognizing feed industry companies who incorporate new, advanced technologies in their routine business practices.

The award, open to AFIA members only, allows industry representatives to get a first-hand look inside some of the most innovative companies and how technology of the 21st century is helping to meet the demand of a rapidly developing worldwide population.

"In order to meet the demands of an ever-growing feed and food industry, today's agricultural work force recognizes and utilizes available advanced technologies," said Sarah Novak, AFIA vice-president of membership and public relations. "Information collection, safety monitoring, remote/PDA tools, quality controls and automated systems all have become standard equipment for many feed processors."

Applicant submissions will be judged by AFIA, AgGateway and Feed & Grain representatives on novelty of approach; execution of the program; benefits of the technology; and ability to determine results (i.e. of a tangible nature). The winner of the 2014 IT Innovation Award will receive a feature article in AFIA's Journal and Feed & Grain magazine and AgGateway will make a donation to a charity of choice and offer one free registration to attend AgGateway's annual meeting  Nov. 10-13, in Phoenix, Arizona, U.S.

The 2013 award winner was Adisseo for their web-based platform Precise Nutrition Evaluation.

Those interested in applying for the 2014 IT Award are asked to submit a completed application and narrative-up to two double-spaced pages-on their company's e-business initiatives by Aug. 15.