July 13, 2021

GMP+ Academy launched during live online event

Feed safety scheme holder GMP+ International and internationally renowned training institutes have launched the GMP+ Academy during an online event on July 7.

The platform connects feed professionals from all over the world to acquire and share feed safety skill and expertise.

Attendants of the live online event received a virtual tour of the GMP+ Academy, listened to a panel discussion with international feed safety experts and participated in breakout sessions with GMP+ registered training institutes.

According to Johan den Hartog, managing director of GMP+ International, knowledge is a crucial prerequisite for successfully implementing feed safety management systems and realising feed safety worldwide.

"Feed companies often struggle to organise knowledge transfer within their company", den Hartog said. "The GMP+ Academy thus answers the needs of the sector. It enables companies to use, develop and share top-of-the-line feed safety training materials. By joining forces, training institutes and companies save money and have access to higher quality trainings, while we ensure that companies all over the world base their trainings and policies on the same information."

Angela Booth from AB Agri, who took part in a panel discussion during the launch, stressed that knowledge is critical for preventing incidents, or minimising their impact. "Incidents always occur because of people doing something, not doing something, or missing the proper knowledge."

Brazilian feed safety consultant Angela Pellegrino Missaglia told the audience that sharing information is fundamental for a healthy and futureproof feed industry. "As clients and suppliers we are all connected, but each of us deals with different methods, regulations and cultures. Having access to the same information and training materials will go a long way in strengthening the chain."

Joris de Gooijer, senior marketeer at GMP+ International, gave attendants a virtual tour of the GMP+ Academy platform. He emphasised it is open to all feed safety professionals – whether GMP+ certified or not. De Gooijer urged professionals to sign up and get acquainted with the platform, join discussions and regularly check back for updates.

The academy is a joint effort by GMP+ International, Feed Design Lab, Ways Europe, Technik-Umwelt-Vertrieb BG (TBG), Schouten Advies, Sindirações - Sindicato das Indústrias de Alimentação Animal, AB Agri, De Heus, Nutreco and Agravis. It is owned by a not-for-profit foundation, and all proceeds will be invested in the platform.

- GMP+