In July 2010, the AAFCO Membership was asked to provide reasons for attending and participating in AAFCO meetings.  Hre are the responses:

1. AAFCO allows our state to operate with less staff by providing the technical knowledge & enforcement resources to regulate companies that market across the US and the world. It would be difficult to be an expert on all the materials used in animal feed without AAFCO providing expertise to review them. It would be difficult & time consuming to get the attention of a supplement company 2000 miles away selling product in our state to follow our rules without the ability to call up the regulator in the home state and have them visit the mill to gain compliance.
    
2. Training provided for field inspectors by AAFCO are a valuable resource.  
    
3. Feed Administrator Seminar requires us to set time aside to reflect & resolve complex problems that cannot be resolved by one state or in one conference call. It builds continuity in regulations across the US.
    
4. AAFCO meetings provide a forum to build contacts and tap personnel resources from all over the US.
    
5. The ability to participate nationally as a representative and voice from my individual state in animal feed issues affecting the nation and to cooperate with regulatory agencies & industry through a democratic process of rulemaking as well as the opportunity to join in as a member of a united front on animal feed issues.
    
6. Attending AAFCO meetings provides networking opportunities and direct access to numerous subject matter experts in all areas of animal feed from across the US and Canada on both the regulatory as well as the industry side.
    
7. Because our work in our state is affected so much by what decisions are made in AAFCO, the state should be there to represent themselves.  It is a meeting for the state – not AAFCO.
    
8. To participate in establishing rules, regulations and guidelines that will benefit our state.  If we are not present then we take what we get.
    
9. AAFCO organization is the dominant group setting policy in the US & Canadian commercial feed arena. Enforcement strategies are discussed amongst control officials in attendance. Face to face interactions are essential for developing relationships which foster cooperation for the uniform regulation of the livestock feed and pet food industry.
    
10. To serve the consumers of my state by attending the meetings with fellow state and federal regulators and industry leaders to assure our model rules and regulations for feed and feed ingredients are safe and effective.
     
11. Supply and exchange ideas in our state’s feed program with other states in order to improve the quality of my states own feed program.
     
12. If your state is not represented, then you are relying on those present to represent you on national issues.  Quite frankly, no other state can represent our interest as well, or as passionately as we need to.
     
13. Without representation, we have deprived everyone present of our needs, thoughts and experience, overall weakening the efforts of the Association.
     
14. Interaction with other feed control officials and FDA to understand technical issues in order to “hone” our craft and make more uniform reviews to achieve uniformity in regulation (as much as your state statues will allow).
     
15. Have a chance for your state to be represented when AAFCO votes on either definitions or changes to the model bill.
     
16. Interaction with industry – to meet registrants face to face changes the dynamics when you deal with them via email or on the phone.
     
17. Participate in discussions and plans for future lab work.
     
18. Attending AAFCO meetings allows for networking with other feed control officials regarding the feed industry and representing your state regarding feed safety.
     
19. AAFCO provides professional development of the states feed program.