AFIA secures USDA grant to boost animal feed exports to Vietnam

USA – The American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) has received a significant boost in its efforts to expand U.S. animal feed exports to Vietnam, thanks to a new  US$242,600 grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) through its Emerging Markets Program (EMP).

Announced in early June, the funding aims to deepen business-to-business relationships and support technical assistance activities that will strengthen the U.S. animal food sector’s foothold in one of Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing markets.

“We appreciate the continued support from the U.S. Department of Agriculture through the Emerging Markets Program,” said AFIA president and CEO Constance Cullman. 

“This partnership enables us to expand opportunities for U.S. animal food products in promising global markets, fostering long-term growth for our industry and reinforcing the value of American agriculture on the world stage.”

Vietnam’s demand for U.S. animal food has grown steadily since AFIA began market development efforts in the country in 2021. 

At that time, U.S. exports totalled just US$1.6 million. By 2024, they had reached  US$2.8 million, representing a 40% increase from the previous year alone.

According to Cullman, these gains are not only helping individual companies grow but also bolstering the broader U.S. economy. 

“Exports drive growth for American animal food manufacturers, and that growth extends beyond individual companies,” she said. 

“The animal food sector plays a vital role in supporting U.S. jobs and strengthening our economy. We look forward to USDA’s continued support in expanding opportunities abroad and hope AFIA members will continue to leverage the valuable market access we have helped secure.”

The USDA’s Emerging Markets Program supports a wide range of technical assistance efforts, including feasibility studies, market research, orientation visits, specialised training, and business workshops. 

The AFIA has been an active participant in implementing these activities for the benefit of its 650 members across the feed and pet food industries.

One key initiative planned under the new funding is the AFIA Trade Mission to Vietnam, scheduled for October 20–23, 2025. 

This mission will allow U.S. industry representatives to meet face-to-face with Vietnamese buyers, tour local facilities, and gain firsthand insight into the market’s needs and potential.

AFIA restructures to advance industry leadership

The grant announcement comes at a time of broader organisational change for AFIA. The association is undergoing a strategic realignment to strengthen its operations and better serve its members. 

As part of this restructuring, Leah Wilkinson has been named chief policy officer, Victoria Broehm has been promoted to vice president of member experience, and Sarah Novak continues as chief operating officer. 

The changes are designed to enhance AFIA’s policy advocacy, stakeholder engagement, and overall member experience.

“One of AFIA’s greatest strengths over its century-long history is its ability to remain nimble and responsive as the feed and pet food industries’ needs evolve,” Cullman said. 

“Today, we are embarking on an organisational realignment from a position of strength—firmly grounded in our Four Promises to members and focused on where we see the greatest opportunities for growth in our services, products, events and policy impact.”

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