The Pet Food Institute (PFI), whose members make the vast majority of dog and cat food and treats in the United States, congratulates Dudley Hoskins on his confirmation to be U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Under Secretary of Agriculture for Marketing and Regulatory Programs (MRP).
“PFI looks forward to working with Under Secretary Hoskins to ensure safe pet food and treats for cats and dogs in the 94 million U.S. households that own a pet, and pets around the world,” said Dana Brooks, PFI’s president and CEO. “With U.S. pet food exports reaching over $2.5 billion in 2024, the Under Secretary’s confirmation comes at a pivotal time of global expansion of the U.S. pet food industry, and we’re eager to work with him through USDA’s Market Access Program (MAP) and its Foreign Market Development (FMD) Program to continue promoting U.S. pet food promotion in key foreign markets.”
Since 1993, PFI has engaged in export promotion through MAP, which supports global promotion of U.S. agricultural goods. PFI has used the program to promote U.S. pet food in key foreign markets, with products shipped to over 90 countries. As a cooperator in MAP, PFI uses USDA grant funds to engage in marketing activities across 18 countries to promote the safety and quality of U.S. pet food.
U.S. pet food manufacturers stimulate the country’s overall agricultural and rural economies through the purchase of ingredients, labor and services from related industries. PFI’s member companies manufacture pet food in 34 states, employ over 35,000 people and generate nearly 400,000 jobs in associated industries. U.S. pet food makers produce more than 9.8 million tons of food a year.
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About Pet Food Institute:
Established in 1958, PFI is the trade association representing U.S. cat and dog food manufacturers providing complete and balanced nutrition for the dogs and cats in 94 million U.S. households. Our members account for most of the dog and cat food made in the United States, with more than $65 billion in domestic annual dog and cat food and treats sales and annual exports of more than $2.4 billion. PFI’s members collectively contribute to rural communities’ vibrancy by employing over 35,000 people in 34 states, purchasing over $13.2 billion in agricultural inputs from U.S. farmers and ranchers. Visit petfoodinstitute.org to learn more.