NARA, Côte d’Ivoire forge alliance to modernize animal feed and rendering sectors

CÔTE D’IVOIRE – The North American Renderers Association (NARA) has signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Côte d’Ivoire’s Ministry of Animal and Fishery Resources (MIRAH) to accelerate the growth and modernisation of the West African nation’s animal feed and rendering industries.

Signed in Washington, D.C., the five-year agreement sets the stage for enhanced regulatory development, science-based standards, and technical collaboration to help Côte d’Ivoire adopt safe and sustainable practices in feed manufacturing and rendering.

Under the MoU, both parties will undertake joint initiatives to facilitate trade in rendered animal proteins while promoting public and animal health. 

These efforts will span a wide array of areas, including government-to-government engagement, data sharing, study tours, training programs, market research, and outreach efforts to increase awareness about the safety and nutritional benefits of rendered products.

“We are honoured to partner with MIRAH in support of their efforts to modernise animal feed regulations and promote safe, sustainable feed ingredients,” said Kent Swisher, president and CEO of NARA. 

“This MoU underscores our shared commitment to international collaboration, innovation, and building resilient food systems.”

A step toward sustainable global markets

The agreement also marks a strategic milestone for NARA in its mission to expand international market access and build strong global partnerships. 

NARA represents the North American rendering industry, promoting the use of animal byproducts, facilitating trade with foreign buyers, and advocating for sustainable feed practices worldwide.

According to NARA, rendered animal protein meals, such as meat and bone meal, poultry by-product meal, and fish meal, are nutrient-dense sources of calcium, phosphorus, essential amino acids, and protein. 

These materials are vital for formulating animal feed, pet food, and aquaculture diets. When rendered animal fats are included in feed rations, they improve palatability and provide critical energy.

By repurposing meat, fat, and processing remnants that would otherwise be discarded, the rendering industry reduces waste and contributes to environmental sustainability. 

According to NARA, “Rendering practices are vital for sustainable and well-balanced pet food nutrition.”

Broad industry applications

The MoU comes at a time when the demand for sustainable, high-quality animal proteins is increasing across various sectors. In pet food, rendered proteins are widely used for their nutritional value and cost-effectiveness, offering a safe, environmentally friendly option that meets stringent quality standards.

Similarly, in aquaculture, rendered proteins offer an economical and sustainable alternative to traditional feed ingredients. Their use supports the development of nutrient-rich feeds needed for the growing aquaculture industry, which cultivates fish, shrimp, clams, and other aquatic species.

A recent joint study with the Pet Food Institute and the American Feed Industry Association underscored rendering’s role in reducing food waste and boosting agricultural sustainability.

With the MoU now in effect, NARA and MIRAH are poised to implement technical and regulatory reforms that could serve as a model for similar collaborations across Africa. 

As Kent Swisher emphasised, “This collaboration reinforces our mutual dedication to sustainable development and innovation in the global rendering sector.”

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