OUR PURPOSE: “Next Gen PFMA serves its members by advocating for better nutritional choices for pets and their owners and by supporting companies that (a) produce and/or sell pet food that is biologically appropriate, (b) employ Good Manufacturing Practices and (c) operate in an ethical and responsible manner.”
Legal Defense Fund
Terms:
Next Generation Pet Food Manufacturers Association hereinafter referred to as “NGPFMA” or “Next Gen”
Legal Defense Fund hereinafter referred to as “LDF”
Purpose:
The primary purpose of the Next Gen LDF is to provide both offensive and defensive legal support to help association members prepare for and face regulatory challenges for which there is a common interest among the membership as a whole.
Goal:
Initially, the fund should be focused offensively on issues related to FDA’s promulgation of a zero-tolerance standard for pathogens in pet foods based on their guidance documents, standards which are inconsistent with actual regulations. At such time as our association and/or our members must defend our collective interests, the fund will be redirected towards that legal defense.
The Next Gen LDF may be used for the following:
- To conduct legal research and analysis which establishes a basis for advancing the NGPFMA’s position, and to make that available to members in advance
- To make available an attorney \ for consultation with members.
- To file amicus briefs and similar legal documents on behalf of the organization in the event of litigation involving a member.
- To file suit against regulators in the name of NGPFMA on behalf of member companies, as appropriate.
Funding:
An allocated percentage of Membership Dues will be appropriated to fund the Next Gen LDF.
2021 allocation is planned at 25% of Membership Dues collected.
