AFIA Commends Introduction of Vital Supply Chain Legislation

September 26, 2024

Contact Victoria Broehm

The American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) applauds Senator Pete Ricketts, R-Neb., and cosponsors for introducing the Securing American Agriculture Act (S. 5277) yesterday. This bill would require the U.S. Department of Agriculture to study global supply chain markets for U.S. agricultural inputs, including feed ingredients, such as vitamins, minerals and amino acids used in feed and pet food production. Given AFIA members’ concerns over the long-term viability of the vitamin and amino supply chain, the AFIA supports this bill and its companion in the U.S. House, H.R. 8003, introduced by Rep. Ashley Hinson, R-Iowa-2, in April.

AFIA’s President and CEO Constance Cullman issued the following statement upon the bill’s introduction:

“America’s food and agriculture system is highly dependent on a limited number of suppliers for essential nutrients, such as vitamins and amino acids, which play a crucial role in animal production and overall health. This, compounded by the continued pressure on the supply chain, stemming from global market dynamics and intense competition, highlights the critical need to diversify the United States’ supply sources. We thank Senator Pete Ricketts, R-Neb., and the 11 Senate cosponsors for introducing the Senate version of the Securing American Agriculture Act, which will be a crucial tool for providing U.S. policymakers with the information they need to fortify our food system now.

“We know that politics and the global supply chain can turn on a dime, but unfortunately, our domestic livestock and pets cannot live without essential vitamins, amino acids or minerals necessary for their healthy growth, development and productivity. The U.S. animal food industry stands ready to work together to diversify the U.S. food supply chain and explore alternatives now to avoid catastrophic animal welfare, food security or economic repercussions.”

AFIA thanks cosponsors Tammy Baldwin, D-Wis., John Barrasso, R-Wyo., Mike Braun, R-Ind., Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., John Cornyn, R-Texas, Mike Crapo, R-Idaho, Deb Fischer, R-Neb., Cynthia Lummis, R-Wyo., Jim Risch, R-Idaho, Rick Scott, R-Fla., and Eric Schmitt, R-Mo., for cosponsoring this piece of legislation.

Vitamins are essential for promoting healthy growth and productivity in animals. In the United States, animal food manufacturers heavily rely on China for a consistent supply, with limited alternatives. China holds a commanding position in global vitamin and amino acid production, with an overwhelming global market share of key vitamins, such as thiamin (B1), niacin (B3), folic acid (B11), cyanocobalamin (B12), ascorbic acid (C), cholecalciferol (D3) and K, and amino acids such as methionine, threonine, lysine, tryptophan and valine. This dependency raises concerns about supply chain vulnerabilities and highlights China’s critical role in American food security.

The AFIA is advocating for strengthening and diversifying the U.S. vitamin and amino acid supply chain to reduce economic vulnerabilities and strategic risks. This requires a multifaceted approach that balances economic interests with broader strategic considerations to ensure resilience in both the animal food and farm sectors. For more information, see Sen. Ricketts’ one pager.