Global feed and food industry leaders, meeting in Turkey this week, have sought to address the critical issues facing the agri-food chain with the ultimate goal of delivering “equity and prosperity for all”.
Organised by the International Feed Industry Federation (IFIF) in cooperation with the European Feed Manufacturers’ Federation (FEFAC), the event in question was the 5th Global Feed & Food Congress (GFFC). Attended by over 900 delegates representing the global feed and food chain, and addressed by political and business leaders from around the world, the three-day congress programme embraced the following key issues:
- sustainability,
- how to drive and finance innovation,
- the importance of a balanced regulatory framework,
- technology transfer and capacity development, and
- free and fair trade.
“To face the challenges in our ever changing world, the feed and food industry should strive for sustainable development, unlocking the potential in different countries while also striving for harmonisation,” FEFAC president, Ruud Tjissens, told delegates. “We have to do this in a practical manner, taking the political realities in the world as a starting point.
“We should also explore strategies that do not oppose the political reality, but that work as practical as possible and which are achievable.”
The president of the congress hosts, TÜRKİYEM-BİR, Ulku Karakus, added: “In addressing the challenge of feeding 9 billion people by 2050, our theme of “equity and prosperity for all” underlines the need to address fair growth in livestock and poultry production.
“In that context, Turkey is a main bridge between Europe, Asia and Africa in terms of trade, transportation and transport of energy sources and is well positioned to support efforts to meet the increased future demand for feed and food in the region.”
The congress concluded with a call for “better communication to a wider audience and agreement that working together is key to meet future challenges”.