The Association of American Control Officials (AACO) consists of three independent associations, the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), the Association of American Plant Food Control Officials(AAPFCO), and the Association of American Pesticide Control Officials(AAPCO). Each summer, these three associations conduct their annual meetings consecutively at a common location. In 2007, the Association of American Control Officials meeting will be held in Grand Rapids, MI, July 27th – August 4th.
The primary purpose of AACO and each individual association is to maintain a forum through which control officials, responsible for enforcing laws regulating the production, labeling, distribution, sale, and use of animal feeds, pesticides and fertilizers, may unite to:
- Promote uniform and effective legislation and enforcement practices
- Formulate and distribute uniform definitions covering ingredients and terms
- Encourage and sponsor adoption of the most effective and adequate methods of sampling and analysis
- Develop high standards of inspection techniques and enforcement procedures
- Promote adequate labeling and safe use of animal feeds, pesticides and fertilizers
- Provide opportunities for free exchange of information, open discussion and cooperative study of problems encountered by members.
Each association also cooperates with public and private stakeholders in order to promote the effectiveness and usefulness of animal feed products, the safe and effective use of pesticides and fertilizers, and the protection of the environment.
Membership of each association consists of control officials from each state in the United States, its territories, Canada and Costa Rica, who are actively engaged in the administration of laws and regulations pertaining to animal feeds, pesticides and fertilizers.