SC New York News

Today, Congressman Nick Langworthy introduced the Innovative Feed Enhancement and Economic Development (FEED) Act on National Agriculture Day. This bipartisan bill aims to modernize U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations to ensure farmers have timely access to innovative feed additives. Joining Congressman Langworthy in this initiative are Representatives Kim Schrier, Jim Baird, Chellie Pingree, Erin Houchin, and Jim Costa.

The legislation addresses outdated FDA definitions that have not kept pace with advancements in feed additives since 1958. Currently, some animal feed products face lengthy and costly approval processes as drugs when they could be regulated more efficiently as foods. Other countries like the European Union and Japan have already updated their frameworks to expedite approvals.

The Innovative FEED Act proposes reducing FDA review times by several years by moving zootechnical animal food substances from the New Animal Drug Application process to the existing Food Additive Petition process. This change is expected to foster innovation and provide American farmers with improved tools for nourishing animals while supporting their operations.

Congressman Langworthy stated, "Farmers in NY-23 and across the country rely on innovative feed additives... The Innovative FEED Act would level the playing field for American innovators and farmers."

Congresswoman Chellie Pingree highlighted that "For years, FDA regulations on animal feed have failed to keep pace with innovations... Our bipartisan Innovative FEED Act would remove unnecessary bureaucratic barriers."

Congresswoman Schrier noted that "Our farmers... rely on innovative products like new feed additives... Some additives even reduce methane emissions from cows."

Congresswoman Erin Houchin emphasized that "Farmers deserve access to the best options... The FEED Act cuts unnecessary regulations."

Several organizations support the bill including the National Milk Producers Federation, American Feed Industry Association, National Council of Farmer Cooperatives, among others.

Gregg Doud of the National Milk Producers Federation praised the initiative saying it will help dairy farmers innovate. Ted McKinney of NASDA mentioned it promotes voluntary adoption of new tools for livestock efficiency. Chuck Conner from NCFC said it empowers farmers with advanced technologies for livestock production.

Berit Foss from NGFA remarked that IFEED creates a regulatory pathway for modernizing animal food policies while maintaining safety standards. Constance Cullman from AFIA stated that this bill is necessary to fix a broken regulatory system forcing innovators abroad instead of prioritizing America.