ARLINGTON, Va. – The National Grain and Feed Association (NGFA) today applauded the reintroduction of the Innovative Feed Enhancement and Economic Development (FEED) Act. The bill would streamline the regulatory process for non-nutritive animal food ingredients with widespread societal benefits, such as reducing human foodborne illness, improving animal production, and protecting the environment.
The bipartisan legislation, H.R. 2203, was introduced by Rep. Nick Langworthy (R-N.Y.). Twenty-five members of Congress have already signed on as original co-sponsors, including Reps. Kim Schrier (D-Wash.), Jim Baird (R-Ind.), Chellie Pingree (D-Maine), Erin Houchin (R-Ind.), and Jim Costa (D-Calif.) as co-leads on the legislation.
Originally introduced in the 118th Congress, the Innovative FEED Act seeks to provide an expedited, predictable pathway for the approval of feed additives that contribute to better animal health, enhanced food safety, and greater sustainability. Today, these ingredients must go through the same approval process as complex animal medications, which can take up to 10 years.
“The Innovative FEED Act cuts unnecessary regulatory red tape and will modernize the U.S. animal feed industry by encouraging innovation, while maintaining rigor in food safety standards and transparency,” said NGFA President and CEO Mike Seyfert.
“NGFA and its members appreciate the bipartisan support for this critical legislation and strongly encourage its swift adoption and implementation,” he explained. “In fact, Europe, Japan, Australia, and other nations have already updated similar approval processes, which could put U.S. producers and businesses at a competitive disadvantage if left unaddressed.”
Seyfert said NGFA is actively encouraging lawmakers in the House to join as co-sponsors and is hopeful that a companion bill will be introduced in the Senate soon.
Other co-sponsors in the House currently include Reps. Troy Balderson (R-Ohio); Cliff Bentz (R-Ore.); Gabe Evans (R-Colo.); Randy Feenstra (R-Iowa); Brad Finstad (R-Minn.); Vince Fong (R-CA); Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.); John Joyce (R-Pa.); Robert Latta (R-Ohio); Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-Iowa); Mark Messmer (R-Ind.); Max Miller (R-Ohio); John Moolenaar (R-Mich.); Dan Newhouse (R-Wash.); Zachary Nunn (R-Iowa); Jay Obernolte (R-Calif.); August Pfluger (R-Tex.); Josh Riley (D-N.Y.); Claudia Tenney (R-N.Y.); and David Valadao (R-Calif.).
