Kent Swisher

President and CEO, North American Renderers Association

The North American Renderers Association (NARA), headquartered in Alexandria, Virginia, was formed in 1933 as the professional organization of the rendering industry. NARA also has offices in Hong Kong and Mexico City.

NARA is an alliance that speaks with a collective voice to represent the best interests of its members in public, government and regulatory affairs, and provides services, programs and technical support to the North American rendering industry: both in the national and international markets.

Vision – To deliver sustainable solutions to food, feed, fuel, oleochemical, and other customers.

Mission – NARA advocates for a sustainable food chain, public health and the environment through the production and marketing of our members’ products and services.
Rendering is a process that repurposes by-products that would otherwise go to waste from the “meat we don’t eat.” By rendering specific materials that many North American consumers would consider inedible, such as certain fats, bones and proteins, renderers provide clean and safe rendered material used to develop sustainable new products while reducing overall food waste.

Food waste is highly prevalent, and finding solutions is critical. That’s why the North American Renderers Association (NARA) prioritizes educating the public, advocating for the rendering industry, and providing support and resources for renderers. As an association with a wide range of offerings for members, we work hard to promote sustainable food use in North America and worldwide.