By Heather McGuire Doyle, Senior Market Reporter (North America)
US Congress introduced the Innovative Feed Enhancement and Economic Development (FEED) Act on March 18, a bipartisan bill aimed at modernizing US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations to grant farmers timely access to innovative feed additives. The legislation, co-sponsored by a bipartisan group of lawmakers, seeks to streamline the regulatory process for feed additives, which currently face long approval delays under existing FDA guidelines.
The proposed legislation would reduce FDA review times for certain animal feed additives by moving them from the New Animal Drug Application process to the Food Additive Petition (FAP) process, cutting regulatory burdens and costs for farmers. The bill aligns US policy with international standards, including those of the European Union, Japan, and Australia, where updated frameworks have expedited approvals and increased product availability.
“For years, FDA regulations on animal feed have failed to keep pace with innovations in the market. Some producers are waiting over 10 years for approval. That’s simply unacceptable,” said Rep. Chellie Pingree (D-ME), a co-sponsor of the bill.
Rep. Kim Schrier (D-WA) highlighted the environmental benefits of the bill, noting that some additives help reduce methane emissions from cattle, which contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Rep. Erin Houchin (R-IN) emphasized how the bill will help American farmers remain competitive in a global market.
The Innovative FEED Act has garnered support from several agricultural and industry organizations, including the National Milk Producers Federation, American Feed Industry Association, National Council of Farmer Cooperatives, and the US Poultry & Egg Association. These groups stress that modernizing regulations will boost innovation in feed technology, improve livestock health, and increase economic opportunities for US farmers.
“This bipartisan initiative will help US dairy farmers continue to innovate on multiple fronts,” said Gregg Doud, President and CEO of the National Milk Producers Federation. Similarly, Chuck Conner, President and CEO of the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives, stated that the legislation is crucial for empowering farmers with advanced feed technologies that enhance production efficiency and reduce environmental impact.
The bill, which includes 14 co-sponsors from both parties, now heads to the House Agriculture Committee for further deliberation. Lawmakers and industry leaders hope its passage will bring long-overdue regulatory reforms, ensuring American farmers have access to the latest advancements in feed additives without unnecessary delays.
“Outdated regulations have forced US animal food innovators to seek approval in foreign markets first, rather than bringing their advancements to American consumers and producers,” said Constance Cullman, president and CEO of the American Feed Industry Association (AFIA). “By modernizing the approval process, this bill will not only encourage innovation but also support US farmers and pet owners who rely on these advancements to improve animal health, increase efficiency, and reduce environmental impacts.”
Proponents argue the bill will speed up approval for safe and beneficial animal food ingredients, improve food safety, and enhance transparency in labeling and marketing. Cullman urged the Senate to introduce a companion bill, calling for swift action to modernize the regulatory framework.
