NARA Press Releases
NARA Announces Dr. Jennifer Dorick as Vice President of Scientific and Regulatory Affairs
ALEXANDRIA, VA, October 5, 2026 – The North American Renderers Association (NARA) is pleased to announce that Jennifer Dorick, Ph.D., has been named the association’s new Vice President of Scientific and Regulatory Affairs. In this role, Dr. Dorick will also serve as Director of Research for the Fats and Proteins Research Foundation (FPRF), the rendering industry’s research organization. Dr. Dorick will assume her new roles on October 15, 2026. The position of Vice President of
NARA Applauds Senate Agriculture Committee for Advancing Farm Bill
ALEXANDRIA, VA, September 30, 2026 — The North American Renderers Association (NARA) applauds the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry for advancing the Agricultural Act of 2026 on September 16. NARA thanks Chairman John Boozman (R-Ark.) for his leadership. The association urges Chairman Boozman, Ranking Member Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), and members of both parties to build on this progress and deliver a bipartisan Farm Bill. The bill includes several longstanding NARA priorities: More
NARA Announces Inaugural Owen Vickers Memorial Scholarship Recipient
ALEXANDRIA, VA, September 14, 2026 — The North American Renderers Association (NARA) is pleased to announce Ava Goodpasture as the inaugural recipient of the Owen Vickers Memorial Scholarship. Established earlier this year in memory of longtime rendering industry leader T. Owen Vickers, Sr., a third-generation leader of Birmingham Hide & Tallow Co. (BHT ReSources), the scholarship supports students pursuing higher education while honoring Vickers’ longstanding commitment to the rendering industry and to investing in future
NARA Announces 2026 Rendering Scholarship Recipients
ALEXANDRIA, VA, August 19, 2026 — The North American Renderers Association (NARA) is pleased to announce Carmen Howard and Audreanna Brown as the recipients of the 2026 NARA Rendering Scholarship. Now in its second year, the NARA Rendering Scholarship was established to recognize and support students who demonstrate an interest in the vital role rendering plays in sustainability, agriculture, animal nutrition, and the circular economy. The program also helps introduce the next generation to
NARA Launches Search for Vice President of Scientific and Regulatory Affairs
ALEXANDRIA, VA, July 8, 2026 — The North American Renderers Association (NARA) has launched a nationwide search for its next Vice President of Scientific and Regulatory Affairs, a key executive leadership position responsible for advancing the association’s scientific, regulatory, educational, and research initiatives. Reporting to President and CEO Kent Swisher, the Vice President will lead NARA’s scientific and regulatory programs, oversee regulatory advocacy, member education, and research, and serve as the association’s principal scientific advisor.
NARA Submits Comments Urging USTR to Address Ongoing Trade Irritants Through the Proposed U.S.-China Board of Trade
ALEXANDRIA, VA, July 1, 2026 – The North American Renderers Association (NARA) has submitted comments to the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) encouraging the adoption of science-based, transparent trade practices as the agency develops a proposed U.S.-China Board of Trade and new mechanisms to promote reciprocal trade. In its comments, NARA highlighted concerns regarding customs inspection and testing practices applied to U.S. exports of non-ruminant animal protein meals at certain Chinese ports.
World Bank Group Report Recommends Approving Use of Rendered Animal Proteins in Moroccan Aquaculture Feed
ALEXANDRIA, VA, May 22, 2026 – The North American Renderers Association (NARA) today welcomed the publication of a new World Bank Group (WBG) report recommending that Morocco move forward with implementation of regulations authorizing the controlled use of rendered animal proteins (RAPs) in aquaculture feed formulations. The recommendation appears in the World Bank Group’s recently released Morocco: Country Private Sector Diagnostic, which identifies the authorization of RAPs in aquafeeds as one of the targeted reforms
North American Renderers Association Launches Owen Vickers Memorial Scholarship
ALEXANDRIA, VA, May 8, 2026 – The North American Renderers Association (NARA) is proud to announce the launch of the Owen Vickers Memorial Scholarship, established in honor of T. Owen Vickers, Sr., a longtime industry leader and dedicated advocate for sustainability in rendering. The scholarship will be awarded annually to one student, providing $2,500 per year for two years, for a total award of $5,000. It is designed to recognize and support students with an
NARA Applauds U.S. House Passage of Farm Bill, Marking First-Ever Inclusion of Rendering Industry
ALEXANDRIA, VA, May 4, 2026 – The North American Renderers Association (NARA) applauds the U.S. House of Representatives for passing the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026, a comprehensive piece of legislation that strengthens U.S. agriculture and expands global market opportunities. NARA also commends Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson and the House Agriculture Committee for their leadership in advancing this important legislation. Notably, the House-passed bill marks the first time the rendering industry has
NARA Pens Partner Agreement with the Fish Farm Owners’ Association of Bangladesh
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
