• PFI awarded $725,000 through America First Trade Promotion Program
• Funding supports expansion of U.S. pet food exports in global markets
• Program complements existing USDA initiatives like MAP and RAPP
• Focus on increasing international demand for U.S. agricultural products
• U.S. pet food industry represents over $65 billion in domestic sales
The Pet Food Institute (PFI) has announced it received $725,000 in funding through the America First Trade Promotion Program (AFTPP), a newly launched initiative from the U.S. Department of Agriculture aimed at strengthening export opportunities for American agricultural products.
The funding will support PFI’s efforts to expand global demand for U.S. pet food, with a focus on developing and diversifying access to key international markets. PFI represents the majority of U.S. dog and cat food manufacturers, whose products are distributed globally.
Supporting U.S. Agricultural Exports
The AFTPP is part of a broader USDA trade strategy designed to help U.S. exporters capitalize on emerging market opportunities and strengthen international trade relationships. The program works alongside established export promotion efforts such as the Market Access Program (MAP) and the Regional Agricultural Promotion Program (RAPP), both of which PFI currently participates in.
PFI said the new funding will enhance its ability to promote the quality, safety, and innovation of U.S. pet food products abroad, supporting continued export growth and market penetration.
Driving Growth Across the Supply Chain
According to the organization, expanding exports benefits not only pet food manufacturers but also the broader U.S. agricultural supply chain, including farmers, ranchers, and rural communities.
PFI members account for the majority of pet food produced in the United States, contributing more than $65 billion in annual domestic sales and over $2.4 billion in exports. The sector also supports more than 35,000 jobs across 34 states and purchases billions in agricultural inputs annually.
Information sourced from the company’s press release.
