April 23, 2020

  

GMP+ International to host feed safety management trainings

 

Press release

 

 

 

As companies in emerging countries are looking to enter the international feed market, they are increasingly confronted with purchasing requirements, especially in the area of feed safety. That's why GMP+ International, owner of the world's largest feed certification scheme, is teaming up with industry associations to help companies become acquainted with feed safety management.

First, they are surprised: why is it free? Afterwards, they are inspired. Attendees of the 'Feed Safety Management System' trainings left determined to improve feed safety efforts within their own organisations.

The multi-day training sessions, jointly organised with consultancy firm Q-Point, are part of GMP+ International's efforts to share its knowledge and expertise about feed safety with companies in upcoming regions. Because these so-called 'Tailor-Made Trainings' are fully funded by the Dutch government's Orange Knowledge Programme, companies can attend them for free.

The first-ever training took place in the Philippines in May 2019, with a follow-up session in October. The second edition was held in Thailand, and trainings in Vietnam, Indonesia, and others are planned for 2020 and beyond. According to Olyn San Miguel (GMP+ International's Business Development), companies are often familiar with ISO, 'but they do not always realise there are more comprehensive approaches to feed safety'.

That's why the training focuses on the management system aspect of feed safety. The main message: not just individual companies but the entire feed supply chain should be dedicated to feed safety.

Taking responsibility

"Feed safety doesn't start with the producer, it begins with cultivation and collection", says San Miguel. "This approach has consequences for every company operating in the chain. Everyone has their own unique role and responsibility."

"When it comes to feed safety, Southeast Asia is really coming along. The knowledge level is getting better", says Victor Volkers, senior consultant and co-owner at Q-Point. "Most of the companies that attend our trainings are certified for ISO. With the help of basic standards, they are working to improve feed safety. Still, they often don't know about the existence of GMP+ FSA, which is a much more transparent and comprehensive approach than what they're used to."

The invitation-only training sessions are attended by entrepreneurs, quality managers, trainers and representatives of industry associations, like the Philippine Feed Millers Association. Participants receive an introduction to Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) and the GMP+ Feed Certification scheme: how to start, how to implement it, and what implications does it have on a company's business operations.

Raising awareness

Even as countries in Southeast Asia are adopting feed safety legislation stimulated by ASEAN, knowledge is often still lacking and GMP+ International is determined to do its part. In certain regions this leads to some suspicion: why is it free? What is the benefit for GMP+ International? San Miguel stresses that GMP+ International is a non-profit, and the training is about sharing knowledge.

"Sometimes, people are surprised. It is free because we want to share our knowledge to benefit feed safety worldwide, which is our main objective. We have knowledge and expertise and the whole industry benefits if we share this as much as possible. And if participants choose to join our scheme, that would be a bonus."

Although the GMP+ Feed Certification scheme consists of norms and standards, procedures can never be the only answer. Knowledge (why are we doing what we're doing) and intrinsic motivation are just as important. This is the reason GMP+ International places strong emphasis on company culture. "It never starts with certification. It all starts with awareness and knowledge. Only then feed safety can become truly ingrained in company culture", San Miguel says. "In the end, our scheme is not about the certificates, it is about installing values. Certificates confirm a company's dedication to feed safety, but it is that dedication that is most important."

Ensuring results

For sustainable results, graduates of the training sessions are encouraged to pass on the knowledge, and follow-up trainings are scheduled. But just like feed safety cannot be realised with a single company's efforts, sustainable results cannot be achieved with only one or two trainings. For individual companies, the feed chain, as well as GMP+ International feed safety is 'an everlasting process' that takes hard work day in, and day out.

San Miguel: "We will continue sharing our knowledge and build collaborations with sector associations, and provide support wherever we can. That's what GMP+ International is all about. Working together to advance feed safety worldwide."

And every journey of a thousand miles starts with the first step: one company that participated in the training in Thailand recently underwent its first-ever audit and will soon be GMP+ FSA certified.

For more info, please check the calendar at www.gmpplus.org.