DHAKA, BANGLADESH, April 29, 2026 – The North American Renderers Association (NARA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Fish Farm Owners’ Association of Bangladesh (FOAB), marking a significant milestone in NARA’s ongoing efforts to expand market access for U.S. rendered products in high-growth aquaculture markets.
This agreement, signed on April 15, reflects NARA’s sustained, multi-year engagement to unlock new opportunities for rendered animal proteins by working closely with international partners, regulators, and industry stakeholders. Through consistent technical outreach and regulatory dialogue, NARA continues to pave the way for the re-entry and broader acceptance of these products in strategic markets such as Bangladesh.
In 2024, Bangladesh imported approximately $426 million USD in feed ingredients. Aquaculture production in Bangladesh reached 2.98 million metric tons in fiscal year 2023-2024. “We see strong potential in Bangladesh and are ready to work alongside local partners to support sustainable growth in the aquaculture sector,” said Dana Johnson Downing, Senior Vice President of International Programs at NARA. This partnership builds on years of engagement and represents an important step toward re-establishing U.S. rendered products as a reliable, cost-effective ingredient for the industry.
“Rendered animal proteins are an ideal replacement for fishmeal in aquaculture feed due to their digestibility, palatability, and amino acid profile, said NARA’s President & CEO Kent Swisher. “These products deliver a nutritional advantage, are more affordable that other proteins, and are more sustainable because of our industry’s contributions to the reduction of food waste and agricultural circularity. We look forward to working with FOAB to help their farmers and Bangladeshi feed mills improve operations, feed quality, and feed affordability.”
The partnership will support the re-introduction of U.S. rendered animal proteins into Bangladesh’s aquaculture feed sector, paired with efforts to improve feed efficiency and help reduce costs for fish farmers. It also establishes a clear path for regulatory engagement, including work on product certification and standards to enable broader market adoption. The agreement formalizes a multi-year collaboration and represents a concrete step in NARA’s efforts to expand market access and build durable partnerships in priority aquaculture markets, and underscores NARA’s continued commitment to removing barriers, strengthening partnerships, and expanding the global footprint of rendered products through science-based, market-driven approaches.
