WASHINGTON — The North American Meat Institute (NAMI) announced on March 21 that it entered into a partnership with the Black Professionals in Food and Agriculture (BPFA) to increase black voices for food and agriculture spaces and promote diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB).

The partnership will include BPFA having representations at NAMI’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee, which is comprised of individuals from NAMI meat and poultry companies looking to advance DEIB efforts. 

“As BPFA membership continues to expand, it is imperative that we meet this moment by elevating opportunities to carry out our mission of promoting, advancing and ensuring representation of Black policy professionals,” said Kellie Adesina, BPFA President. “This partnership solidifies NAMI’s commitment to growing the current and emerging cohorts of Black leaders in the food and agriculture space and is only the beginning of what is certain to be a fruitful relationship between BPFA and NAMI.”

The trade association noted that it participated in a panel discussion organized by BPFA to discuss equity and inclusion in the 2023 Farm Bill.  

BPFA was founded in October 2020 to promote development and advancement of black professionals in the food and agriculture industry. 

NAMI noted that the BPFA partnership aligns with its ongoing effort with the Protein PACT.