The Safe American Food Exports (SAFE) Act was introduced in both the U.S. House and Senate on April 28 to help mitigate the impact of animal disease outbreaks on American agricultural exports.
The legislation would formally codify the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) authority to negotiate regionalization agreements with trading partners. These agreements allow exports from disease-free regions of the U.S. to continue, even when outbreaks occur elsewhere in the country. The SAFE Act would also establish an early notification system through the USDA’s Import and Export Library to quickly alert stakeholders to changes in trade status — minimizing disruptions across the agricultural supply chain.
The American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) voiced strong support for the bipartisan bill introduced by Representatives Randy Feenstra (R-Iowa) and Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif.), and Senators Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), and Chris Coons (D-Del.).
“This critical, bipartisan legislation ensures that American agricultural goods —including livestock, poultry, animal-based feed and pet food — can continue being safely and efficiently exported in the event of an animal disease outbreak on U.S. soil,” said AFIA President and CEO Constance Cullman.
“We sincerely thank Representatives Randy Feenstra and Jimmy Panetta, and Senators Roger Wicker, Katie Britt, Tina Smith and Chris Coons for championing legislative efforts to secure U.S. export markets for animal-based feed and pet food products in the face of foreign animal disease threats,” Cullman said. “These products are a critical, yet often overlooked, component of the food supply chain. The AFIA strongly backs the SAFE Act, and our members are committed to working alongside the U.S. government to implement proactive measures to help shield our economy from future risks.”
NARA also applauds the reintroduction of the SAFE Act
The North American Renderers Association (NARA) also applauded the bipartisan, bicameral reintroduction SAFE Act.
Rendering is a vital but often overlooked component of the agricultural supply chain, contributing to sustainable food systems, biosecurity, and global food and feed markets, noted NARA.
“NARA has supported the SAFE Act since its original introduction in 2023 because it takes a smart, proactive approach to foreign animal disease preparedness,” said Kent Swisher, President and CEO of NARA. “Regionalization is a proven strategy that ensures science-based trade policies prevail over reactionary border closures. Codifying this authority helps maintain the stability of the rendering industry and its role in global trade while supporting animal health and food security.”
The SAFE Act would also establish a much-needed notification system within USDA’s Import and Export Library to alert industry stakeholders and regulatory agencies of any changes to trade status — helping renderers and other agricultural exporters respond quickly and maintain global market access.
Rendering products — used in animal feed, pet food, industrial goods, and renewable fuels — generate billions in export value annually and reduce waste and loss in the food production process, said NARA. Ensuring continued access to foreign markets in times of crisis is essential for the economic and environmental resilience of this industry.
