On May 6, 2026, the Safe Animal Feed Education Program (SAFE) hosted a scoping session in Seaside, California, in conjunction with the California Animal Nutrition Conference to gain valuable stakeholder feedback on the proposed Safe Animal Feed Formulation Educational Registry (SAFFER). The session was attended by about 30 participants, both online and in-person.
SAFE presented an outline of what SAFFER is, why this new program is needed, and what the program will look like. A Q&A session concluded the event, and no questions or comments were made. Sixteen participants who attended the session completed a survey, results below.
Survey Results from Scoping Session:
Question 1: Indicate your primary role in the feed industry.
Question 2: Do you think there is a need to educate formulators and nutritionists about the laws and regulations in place which safeguard animal health and food safety?
Question 3: Do you see value in the proposed SAFFER to benefit the feed industry, producers, and consumers?
Question 4: Do you have any concerns with the proposed SAFFER?
Participants were concerned with low engagement and getting the individuals that most need the education to participate. One participant was concerned this would control nutritionists.
Question 5: Are there any additional educational topics or resources that you think should be covered?
One participant stated basic information regarding livestock nutrition would be beneficial.
Question 6: What training format is preferred?
Question 7: Do you think SAFFER should work to expand collaboration with other organizations, such as American Registry of Professional Animal Scientists (ARPAS) or University of California (UC) Cooperative Extension, to provide trainings that will count toward continuing education credits?
Question 8: Do you have any other feedback or suggestions?
Participants suggested collaboration with UC Cooperative Extensive, and to ask premix manufacturers to have a check box for “SAFFER Registered” on their formula submissions.
At this time, we invite anyone that would like to view the SAFFER presentation and follow the link to participate in the anonymous survey to provide feedback.
SAFFER Presentation:
Link to Survey: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/g/Z8NmQ0tRri