Editor’s note: News sources erroneously reported that Dr. Julie Callahan was confirmed yesterday afternoon. This press release will be updated upon her confirmation.
(PRESS RELEASE) WASHINGTON D.C. — The Pet Food Institute (PFI), whose members make the vast majority of dog and cat food and treats in the United States, congratulates Dr. Julie Callahan on her confirmation to be Chief Agricultural Negotiator in the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR).
“PFI looks forward to working alongside Dr. Callahan to maintain strong international market access and support continued growth for exports of U.S. pet food, which is predominantly made with ingredients from American farms,” said Dana Brooks, PFI’s president and CEO. “With exports exceeding $2.53 billion in 2024 and reaching more than 90 countries, Dr. Callahan’s extensive agricultural trade expertise will be essential as the U.S. pet food industry continues its global expansion.”
Since 1993, PFI has engaged in export promotion through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Market Access Program (MAP), which supports global promotion of U.S. agricultural goods. Through MAP, PFI promotes U.S. pet food in key foreign markets. As a MAP cooperator, PFI uses USDA grant funds to carry out marketing activities in 11 markets across 20 countries, highlighting the safety and quality of U.S. pet food.
U.S. pet food manufacturers also strengthen the country’s overall agricultural and rural economies through the purchase of ingredients, labor, and services from related industries. PFI’s member companies manufacture pet food in 33 states, and pet food manufacturers purchased $13.2 billion in farm products to support production in 2024, driving additional economic activity throughout the supply chain. U.S. pet food makers produce more than 9.8 million tons of food annually.
About Pet Food Institute
Established in 1958, PFI is the trade association representing U.S. cat and dog food manufacturers providing complete and balanced nutrition for the dogs and cats in 94 million U.S. households. Our members account for most of the dog and cat food made in the United States, with more than $65 billion in domestic annual dog and cat food and treats sales and annual exports of more than $2.53 billion. PFI’s members collectively contribute to rural communities’ vibrancy by employing over 35,000 people in 33 states, purchasing over $13.2 billion in agricultural inputs from U.S. farmers and ranchers. Visit petfoodinstitute.org to learn more.
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