The American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) is applauding Senator Pete Ricketts, R-Neb., and cosponsors for introducing this week the Securing American Agriculture Act. The 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 organization supports the bill and its companion in the U.S. House, introduced by Rep. Ashley Hinson, R-Iowa-2, in April.

According to AFIA, U.S. animal food manufacturers currently rely heavily on China for a consistent supply, with limited alternatives. As such, 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.

AFIA’s President and CEO Constance Cullman said this makes America’s food and agriculture system highly dependent on a limited number of suppliers for essential nutrients 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, she said.

“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,” Cullman stated.

AFIA is advocating for strengthening and diversifying the U.S. vitamin and amino acid supply chain to reduce economic vulnerabilities and strategic risks, an effort requiring a multifaceted approach that balances economic interests with broader strategic considerations to ensure resilience in both the animal food and farm sectors.

AFIA thanked 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 the legislation.