Founded in 1906, 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 throughout America. Headquartered in metropolitan Washington, DC, AMI monitors legislation, regulation and media activity that impacts the meat and poultry industry and provides rapid updates and analyses to its members to help them stay informed. In addition, AMI conducts scientific research through its Foundation designed to help meat and poultry companies improve their plants and their products. The Institute's many meetings and educational seminars also provide excellent networking and information-sharing opportunities for members of the industry.

AMI’s Sustainability Task Force was created in 2008 to develop a sustainability program for the meat industry.  Other AMI committees contributed to this effort, including the Animal Welfare Committee, Environmental Committee, Public Affairs Committee and Scientific Affairs Committee.