AMI is the national trade association representing companies that process 70 percent of U.S. meat and poultry and their suppliers throughout America. Headquartered in metropolitan Washington, DC, AMI keeps its fingers on the pulse of 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 is governed by elected leaders and staffed by 32 professionals. AMI elected leaders include five officers plus the President and CEO, as well as a 70-person Board of Directors and a 25-person Executive Committee. Representatives on both of these bodies include leaders in both the supplier and packer/processor segments of the industry. AMI has also created operating groups, called policy committees and advisory committees, within its membership to allow member companies to recommend AMI policies in their primary areas of interest. Policy committees focus on broad functional and operational areas and develop policy recommendations for specific issues within these areas. Advisory committees provide specialized advice to policy committees.