The North American Renderers Association (NARA) is pleased to announce the successful inclusion of key priorities in the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2024, which advanced through the House Agriculture Committee. NARA commends Chairman GT Thompson and bipartisan members for supporting the rendering industry.
Key wins for NARA
Doubling of MAP & FMD Funding NARA’s advocacy has resulted in a significant victory with the doubling of funding for the Market Access Program (MAP) and Foreign Market Development (FMD) program (Section 3201). This funding boost will enhance NARA's efforts to promote U.S. agricultural products internationally.
Focus on Food Waste Management Provisions related to food waste management (Section 4307) were included thanks to NARA's collaboration with the House Agriculture Committee. Subsections (e) and (f) require the USDA Food Loss and Waste Liaison to submit an annual report to Congress on activities aimed at avoiding market disruptions and coordinating with the EPA.
Inclusion of Rendering in the Butcher Block Act Rendering activities are now explicitly included in the new meat processing grant program (Section 6305) and the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) workforce training program (Section 7053(D)). This support will aid rendering operations and workforce development.
Codification of USDA Authority to Negotiate Regionalization Agreements under the SAFE Act Section 12004 codifies the USDA's authority to negotiate regionalization agreements, crucial for managing animal health emergencies and trade disruptions under the SAFE Act, thus ensuring food supply chain stability.
These achievements demonstrate NARA's commitment to advancing policies that benefit the rendering industry and the agricultural circular bioeconomy. NARA looks forward to continued collaboration with both parties to ensure these provisions are included in the final bill.
