Explore Careers in the Rendering Industry with NARA’s Podcast, The Invisible Industry

Have you discovered NARA’s podcast, The Invisible Industry? Whether you’re involved in the Animal Agriculture or rendering industries, or simply curious about how rendering supports sustainability, reduces food waste, and drives the circular economy, this podcast is your gateway to understanding the vital role of rendering. In our latest episode, we dive deep into the diverse career opportunities within the rendering industry. Episode 8 takes a unique approach by featuring voices from within the industry—those who

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NARA’s 2024 Congressional Fly-In: Advocating for the Rendering Industry

The North American Renderers Association (NARA) recently hosted its annual Congressional Fly-In in Washington, D.C., from June 10-12. This three-day event brought together NARA members who came to our Nation’s Capital from all over the U.S. to advocate for the rendering industry’s interests.   Productive Meetings with Policymakers Throughout the Fly-In, NARA members met with engaged in meaningful discussions with their Representatives, and their staff. Key topics included: Sustainability Regulatory Concerns Trade Environmental Stewardship Food

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Gearing Up For National Rendering Day -10 Ways to Celebrate

The 2nd annual National Rendering Day will be observed on April 21st. Celebrating this important day each year helps in educating on and acknowledging the vital role of rendering in sustainability and environmental protection and shows appreciation for all those in the rendering industry. Initiated by the North American Renderers Association (NARA) in 2022, this National Day highlights agricultural rendering, a process that has been used for centuries to transforms food waste into valuable resources.

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Rendering’s Sustainability Story Gets a Boost: Feature Article Published in 3 International Agriculture and Animal Nutrition Magazines

International Petfood Magazine June 2022

Rendering education continues to be a top priority at NARA. The more awareness there is about what rendering is and what we do, the more renderers and NARA members can showcase rendering’s important contributions to reduced food waste and sustainability as a whole. Agricultural rendering is an industry that has largely “flown under the radar” for many years, but we are now proudly sharing our sustainability story. Rendering is by definition sustainable as we are

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Dr. Meeker Receives Prestigious Tallow Master Award

two men in suits are shaking hands in a room

NARA and FPRF’s Senior Vice President of Scientific Services, Dr. David Meeker, has been presented with the prestigious Tallow Master Award in appreciation of his distinguished service and outstanding contributions to the American rendering industry.   The award was presented at the Pacific Coast Renderers Association annual meeting in Laguna Niguel, California, earlier this month.   In his acceptance of the award, Meeker said, “Working for renderers has been the best job of my career.

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Meet NARA’s New Vice President of International Programs – Dana Johnson Downing

Dana Johnson Downing

NARA is excited to introduce our new Vice President of International Programs, Dana Johnson Downing! Dana officially joined our team earlier this month and will be directing NARA’s international marketing program, managing all international promotion, market development, and foreign market access activities. She will oversee and implement market access programs for rendered products throughout the world and represent the U.S. rendering industry in international trade negotiations. The position of Vice President of International Programs also

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Meet NARA’s New Incoming President and CEO: Kent Swisher

a man with a beard and a striped shirt is smiling in front of a tree

On September 1st NARA announced that Kent Swisher has been named the incoming president & CEO of the North American Renderers Association (NARA). He will also serve as president of the Fats and Proteins Research Foundation (FPRF), the rendering industry’s research organization. Kent will assume leadership upon the retirement of NARA’s current president and CEO, Nancy Foster, on December 31, 2021.   Kent has worked for the North American Renderers Association for over 18 years

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The North American Renderers Association (NARA) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It does not discriminate in the terms and conditions of employment on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other factor prohibited by law.

As a participant in USDA programs, we share the commitment to comply with all federal, state and local civil rights laws and those of the USDA. More about this commitment is available on the USDA website page here.