Back to Press releases

IFAH to call for innovative solutions for a sustainable food supply at Global Animal Health conference

Arlington, Virginia, 16 October 2013 – In the context of World Food Day, the International Federation for Animal Health (IFAH) will stress the importance of a harmonised science-based regulatory environment for maximising the development and use of animal health products to support food security and sustainability around the globe at the third Global Animal Health Conference taking place tomorrow in Arlington. Hosted by IFAH in partnership with the Drug Information Association (DIA), the conference brings together experts from academia, industry, non-profit and international organisations as well as government officials to address a number of topics that have an impact on innovation in the animal health industry, namely:

• Harmonising regulatory requirements to reduce cost and development times
• Promoting adoption of appropriate, harmonised requirements by emerging markets
• Ensuring quality products are available at the point of need
• Global regulatory convergence
• Understanding developing markets
• Consumer acceptance of animal health products

IFAH emphasises that research into developing new technologies is vital to meet the challenges of increasing demand for animal protein brought on by a growing population. Innovations in animal health go hand-in-hand with a global approach to product development, authorisation and supply, and are indispensable to ensuring food remains abundant, affordable, safe and sustainable. Jeff Simmons, President of IFAH and President of Elanco Animal Health, said: “Food security remains an overwhelming concern for consumers, food chain partners and governments alike. By 2050, we will require a 70 per cent increase in food production. The animal health industry plays an essential role in ensuring a sustainable supply of safe and nutritious food.” Mike McGowan, IFAH’s Acting Executive Director and Programme Chair commented: “Global livestock production can meet this considerable challenge if the regulatory environment is based on rational decision-making that supports on-going research and development into new technologies. Globally harmonised standards and guidelines are a critical framework for building an appropriate climate to continue developing advanced solutions that protect both animal and human health and avert any future food and health crises.”

~ ENDS ~

More information on the Global Animal Health Conference: http://www.ifahsec.org/3rd-conference-on-global-animal-health/

More information on World Food Day: http://www.fao.org/world-food-day/home/en/

For further press information please contact: Kim Hardie Communications Director

Tel.: +32 2 543 75 75

E-mail: k.hardie@ifahsec.org

DOWNLOAD