NARA recognizes Pet Food Alliance coordinator

NAPLES, FLA. — The North American Renderers Association (NARA) announced that the Fats and Proteins Research Foundation (FPRF) presented the 2023 Dr. Fred D. Bisplinghoff Research Innovation Award to Jennifer Martin, Ph.D., for her support in the foundation and its programs. Martin’s work has been key to the success of the Pet Food Alliance (PFA), an organization that aims to foster collaboration between the pet food and rendering industries.

Martin is an associate professor in Meat Safety and Quality and a meat extension specialist at the Colorado State University’s (CSU) Department of Animal Sciences. At CSU, Martin leads a research program focused on the safety and quality of meat and other meat-related products that aims to support industry partners. Additionally, she collaborates with meat and livestock industry members, and serves as the co-leader of Upskilling, a workforce and educational program at CSU’s College of Agricultural Sciences that provides career pathways for those in the agri-food industry.

In addition to her work at CSU, Martin also coordinates the PFA, a joint project facilitated through the university and FPRF. The alliance seeks to unite members of the rendering, pet food, laboratory and research, academia and technological industries in order to explore opportunities and create solutions to industry-wide challenges.

According to NARA, Martin’s ongoing commitment to the PFA, as well as her continued support of the FPRF and its initiatives, makes her a worthy recipient of the prestigious award.

“I am truly honored to receive the Fred Bisplinghoff Research Innovation Award from FPRF,” Martin said. “I am grateful for the opportunity to serve the rendering industry through the Pet Food Alliance and thankful for the numerous industry partners who are willing to collaboratively develop solutions for industry-wide challenges.”

Charles Starkey, Ph.D., vice president of scientific and regulatory affairs of NARA and director of research at FPRF, presented Martin with the award during NARA’s 2023 Convention in Naples.

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