Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil – More than 80 participants, including feed regulators, government officials, industry representatives and international experts from over 25 countries, took part in the successful 19th International Feed Regulators Meeting (IFRM). Held in Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil, on 30-31 July, the international dialogue was jointly organized by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the International Feed Industry Federation (IFIF).
The two-day meeting focused on strengthening international cooperation, advancing science-based regulation and sharing practical experiences to support safe, sustainable and resilient feed and food systems. Discussions covered international feed standards, regulatory convergence, nutritional innovations, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), circular feed sources and emerging regulatory priorities from around the world.
With approximately one-third of participants representing government regulatory authorities, the meeting once again demonstrated the unique value of the IFRM as the leading global platform for public-private dialogue on feed safety, regulatory convergence and sustainable livestock production.
Constance Cullman, Chair of IFIF, said: “For nearly two decades, the IFRM has served as the world’s premier forum where feed regulators and the global feed sector come together to exchange experiences, build trust and advance practical solutions to shared challenges. This year’s discussions on regulatory convergence, nutritional innovation and circular feed systems once again underscored that international collaboration is essential to advancing innovation, ensuring feed safety and supporting resilient, sustainable animal agriculture.”
Daniela Battaglia, Livestock Production Officer, FAO, said: “The International Feed Regulators Meeting continues to demonstrate the value of constructive dialogue between governments, international organizations and the feed industry. Working together allows us to share knowledge, strengthen regulatory approaches and support safe, sustainable and resilient livestock production systems that contribute to food security and One Health.”
Alexandra de Athayde, Executive Director of IFIF, added: “The strength of the IFRM lies in bringing together regulators and the feed industry in an open and constructive environment where we can learn from one another and address shared challenges. This year’s meeting demonstrated once again that international collaboration is essential to advancing science-based regulation, supporting innovation, facilitating trade and ultimately contributing to safe, sustainable and resilient feed and food systems. We thank all participants for making the 19th IFRM another outstanding success.”
Over the two days, participants received updates on Codex Alimentarius activities and the International Cooperation for Convergence of Technical Requirements for the Assessment of Feed Ingredients (ICCF), while regulators from around the world exchanged experiences on evolving feed legislation and emerging regulatory priorities.
Interactive World Café sessions encouraged open dialogue on two key themes: the role of animal nutrition in promoting animal health and welfare while reducing antimicrobial use, and the safe production and use of circular feed sources as part of resilient food systems. These discussions generated valuable recommendations to support future collaboration between FAO, IFIF, regulators and industry.
Key topics discussed included:
- International feed regulatory developments and Codex Alimentarius activities;
- Electronic labelling of feed ingredients and digital regulatory innovation;
- Progress of the International Cooperation for Convergence of Technical Requirements for the Assessment of Feed Ingredients (ICCF);
- Animal nutrition as a tool to promote animal health and welfare and help reduce the need for antimicrobial use;
- Safe production and use of circular feed sources as part of resilient food systems;
- Feed regulatory developments from Latin America, Africa, Europe and North America;
- Emerging priorities for future international cooperation.
The discussions in Foz do Iguaçu reaffirmed the importance of continued collaboration between governments, international organizations and the feed sector to strengthen feed safety, promote regulatory convergence, facilitate innovation and support sustainable livestock production. FAO and IFIF look forward to building on the outcomes of the 19th IFRM and continuing their long-standing partnership to address emerging global challenges facing the feed and food sectors.
About the International Feed Regulators Meeting
The International Feed Regulators Meeting (IFRM) is jointly organized by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the International Feed Industry Federation (IFIF). The IFRM provides a unique platform for feed regulators and industry representatives from around the world to exchange information, strengthen international cooperation and promote science-based approaches to feed safety, regulatory convergence and sustainable livestock production.
For more information about the IFRM, please click here:
About IFIF
The International Feed Industry Federation (IFIF) is made up of national and regional feed associations, feed related organizations, and corporate members from around the globe, representing over 80% of the feed production worldwide. IFIF provides a unified voice and leadership to represent and promote the global feed industry as an essential participant in the food chain that provides sustainable, safe, nutritious and affordable food for a growing world population. For more information on IFIF please visit www.ifif.org or contact Alexandra de Athayde, Executive Director, at info@ifif.org.
/Ends
Issued by: IFIF
Latest News