The national associations /organizations eligible to apply for funding under this cooperative agreement must be a national organization that represents State animal food regulatory programs as a primary purpose. National Associations/Organizations have the membership, resources, structure, and expertise necessary to build national consensus amongst state agencies on key animal food safety issues. They are the primary means for communication and collaboration on issues of national significance for state agencies. The outcomes are position statements, resolutions, and legislation that are uniformly supported by state agencies. National Associations/Organizations are also viewed as primary sources for educational opportunities and current information, such as proposed legislation and emerging food safety issues.The association’s principle purpose must be to act as a leader and a resource to State animal food regulatory agencies in developing strategies to resolve and promote public health and consumer protection related to the regulation of manufactured foods. Additionally, the association must have knowledge on the infrastructure, capacity, strengths and needs of State animal food protection programs. The association must have successful experience in carrying out national efforts to build an integrated food safety system, which includes Federal, State, and local agencies. The association must be comprised of regular members that are officials of State regulatory agencies that administer animal foods inspection programs in conjunction and in collaboration with FDA.

--