The American Meat Institute (AMI) has welcomed news that the North American Meat Association (NAMA) board of directors voted to proceed with a merger.
AMI’s members will vote on the merger in April. If AMI members also agree to merge, the merger will be effective January 1, 2015.
“NAMA’s vote is welcome news. A merger of our two groups is the right decision at the right time and it will serve our industry well,” said AMI Chairman Greg Benedict, chief operating officer and president of American Foods Group, who serves on the merger committee. “We believe this presents us with an opportunity to create a better, stronger organisation that can speak with a unified voice.”
Merger talks began last year and have been guided by a committee comprised of members of both organisations.