BOULDER, COLO. — The Pet Sustainability Coalition (PSC) was selected as a sub-awardee of Growing GRASS, a US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Partnership for Climate-Smart Commodities Grant project. The initiative supports large-scale projects that promote agricultural practices reducing greenhouse gas emissions or sequestering carbon. USDA is investing $3.1 billion in 141 selected projects under the partnership.

The Growing GRASS project, which was launched in May and set to continue through 2028, is led by the American Sustainable Business Network and Other Half Processing. The project aims to establish high-value supply chains for meat processing byproducts of regeneratively raised beef and bison, providing more climate-friendly materials for pet food, textile and ingredients markets.

Being awarded this grant supports PSC’s ongoing mission to advance sustainable ingredient sourcing practices within the pet food industry, according to the association. Through the utilization of regeneratively sourced bison and beef ingredients, pet food brands and manufacturers can help reduce the carbon footprint of pet food production while supporting long-term sustainable sourcing in the industry.

“The journey toward a more sustainable pet food industry is a long-term effort that will require collective cross industry collaboration,” said Caitlyn Dudas, co-founder of the Pet Sustainability Coalition. “As a crucial part of Growing GRASS, PSC is leading the charge, demonstrating that sustainable practices are not only feasible but also beneficial for the planet, the industry, and for business. The pet food industry is heavily reliant on protein ingredients and as we look toward the future, initiatives like this are crucial in the health and longevity of our industry, pets and the planet.”

The need for sustainable practices is becoming more urgent across all industries as climate change continues to accelerate.

“By focusing on regenerative agriculture, PSC and its partners aim to create a ripple effect that will influence sourcing practices, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and sustain the industry with highly nutritious ingredients that are good for pets while also supporting high-quality, safe jobs for American farmers and agricultural communities,” PSC said.

In addition to PSC, the Growing GRASS project is partnering with the University of California─Davis, Pure Strategies, IC-FOODS, Textile Exchange and others. 

“By bringing together expertise from different fields, Growing GRASS is poised to develop innovative solutions that will benefit the entire supply chain, from producers to consumers,” PSC said.

Read more about sustainability efforts across the pet food and treat industry.