The Pet Food Institute (PFI), whose members produce the vast majority of dog and cat food and treats in the United States, revealed today its Market Access Program (MAP) funding for 2024.
On Jan. 8, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) awarded funds for the 2024 MAP. This program helps expand export markets for U.S. food and agricultural products.
The Pet Food Institute was awarded over $1.3 million and will be active in 10 markets— Brazil, the Caribbean, Central America, China, Colombia, Mexico, the Middle East, the Philippines, South Korea, and Taiwan — in 2024. The funds will be used to promote the benefits of complete and balanced U.S.-made pet food to consumers in these markets.
Research has shown that for each $1 invested in the development of export markets through MAP, U.S. agricultural exports increased by more than $24.
“The allocation of these funds to PFI is not just a win for the pet food industry, it is a win for the U.S. agricultural industry,” said Nat Davies, PFI’s Vice President of Business Operations and Programs. “Pet food makers use at least 8,000,000 tons of plant- and animal-based agricultural ingredients annually, investing $6.9 billion into the economy to manufacture pet food. This provides an economic boost to rural communities and helps strengthen the U.S. economy.”
To learn more about PFI’s MAP activities, visit www.petfoodinstitute.org/MAP.