The American Meat Institute (AMI) was established in 1906 just after the passage of the Federal Meat Inspection Act, one of the first U.S. laws to set federal food processing standards.  AMI is committed to increasing the efficiency, profitability, and safety of meat and poultry trade worldwide.  In addition, the AMI is a national trade association that represents companies that process 95 percent of red meat and 70 percent of turkey in the US and their suppliers.  AMI is presently based Washington, DC in order to keep a watchful eye on legislation, regulation, and media activity which would impact the meat and poultry industry.  The AMI performs scientific research in order to help meat and poultry companies improve their plants and their products.