By Adel Villalobos
Ninety years ago, a small group of pioneers gathered around a simple idea, that natural products and self-care could transform public health. They built the Natural Products Association (previously known as the National Nutritional Foods Association) not just as a trade group, but as a movement dedicated to science, safety and access.
Today, as we celebrate our 90th anniversary, we honor their legacy and more importantly, we commit to writing the next chapter together.
From the passage of the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) in 1994 to the defense of NAC and NMN in more recent years, NPA has been the industry’s frontline advocate for freedom of choice and scientific integrity. We’ve been the voice in the room when regulators overreached, when states considered bans, and when Congress debated the future of innovation.
That advocacy didn’t happen by accident. It happened because companies and individuals invested in the mission, team and future of this industry.
Our industry faces a new generation of challenges:
- State-level restrictions that threaten consumer access to supplements.
- Supply chain disruptions that raise costs for manufacturers and consumers alike.
- Regulatory uncertainty around ingredients, premarket filings and digital health claims.
These issues don’t resolve themselves but require doggedness, engagement and investment. Every membership, every sponsorship and every investment in NPA’s “Fueling the Next 90” campaign directly supports the policy, legal and public affairs work that keeps our industry growing.
Being involved with NPA isn’t just about dues or logos. It’s about ensuring that the next 90 years are defined by progress.
The “Fueling the Next 90” campaign represents a capital investment in our shared future. We’re raising $5 million to expand NPA’s advocacy infrastructure, strengthen our legal defenses, and create a stronger public education platform to tell our story to policymakers, media and consumers.
As campaign chairman, I’ve seen firsthand how every dollar invested multiplies in impact, protecting billions in economic value, thousands of American jobs, and the right of every consumer to make informed choices about their health.
If you’ve ever benefited from a regulatory win, a tariff exemption, or a state-level policy fix, now is the time to lean in. Join, renew, or contribute to the 90th Anniversary Campaign. Your engagement today ensures our success tomorrow.
Together, we can ensure that the Natural Products Association’s next 90 years are defined by the same courage, conviction and community that built this industry from the ground up.
Join us. Fuel the next 90. Protect the future of natural health.
Adel Villalobos is the founder of Lief Labs, a member of the NPA Board of Directors and chairman of NPA’s 90th Anniversary Campaign.
