The North American Renderers Association (NARA) expressed disappointment in the omission of the rendering industry in the Draft National Strategy for Reducing Food Loss and Waste. NARA urged the EPA, USDA and FDA to recognize the vital role rendering plays in preventing food loss, emphasizing its position as the largest recycler of organic food waste.
NARA President & CEO Kent Swisher highlighted, "As the original recyclers, we've been upcycling food waste since the 1800s. The Final Strategy must acknowledge rendering's contributions to a circular economy and reducing food waste in landfills. Meeting the 2030 reduction goal of 50% without rendering seems implausible."
NARA also advocated for a technology-neutral approach in the strategy, emphasizing sound science and recognizing the concept of additionality. The association welcomes further collaboration with EPA, USDA and FDA to expand the organic recycling market through research at Fats and Proteins Research Foundation (FPRF) and The Animal Co-Products Research & Education Center (ACREC).
