3 minute read
A new beginning
Just like the previous year, 2021 was marked by great uncertainty as a result of the enduring COVID-19 pandemic. But this time around, along came glimmers of hope. The shared efforts of governments, scientists, businesses and general populations allowed for cautious optimism, and promises of a new beginning.
For GMP+ International, a new beginning it certainly was. Not only did we finally get to implement the completely redesigned GMP+ Feed Certification scheme, we also launched the GMP+ Academy, and welcomed a new management team.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank Johan den Hartog for his decadeslong dedication to our organisation, and to Feed Safety Worldwide. We are thankful that Johan’s experience and knowledge will be around for a few more years, and wish him the best in his new, parttime role as Business Development Director. At the same time, we've welcomed Bram Schuit as Commericial Director at GMP+ International.
New GMP+ Feed Certification scheme
After years of preparation, and gathering input and feedback from our worldwide community, we are proud to report that the new GMP+ FC scheme is up and running.
With a restructured layout, and clearer and more goal-oriented standards, the GMP+ Feed Certification scheme stands ready to serve our community – and feed safety – for decades to come. In September, Microbalans, based in Oirschot, the Netherlands, became the first company to be certified under the renewed scheme standards.
GMP+ Academy
By launching the brand-new GMP+ Academy in July, we fulfilled the challenge presented by our community during our 25-year anniversary conference in Amsterdam in 2017. The feed sector challenged GMP+ International to play an active role in gathering and sharing feed safety knowledge. Along with training institutes and feed safety experts from our organisation, we created an easy-to-use online marketplace with feed safety modules for feed companies all over the world (read more on page 34).
To be able to launch a new GMP+ FC scheme as well as a professional learning platform in the midst of a pandemic, shows what our sector is capable of when we work together. That spirit is much needed in the years ahead, as our sector navigates through challenges in feed safety, shifting consumer demands, sustainability, climate change, transparency and the data revolution.
So let this be a new beginning for all of us. We invite feed companies and all our stakeholders to participate. Take the lead, share your thoughts and ideas, and continue to work together for Feed Safety Worldwide.
