SUPPORTING FOOD SAFETY AMID GROWING DEMAND FOR MEAT IN RWANDA

DAN HENNESSY ANIMAL NUTRITION MARKETING VICE PRESIDENT

and O’Lakes Venture37—the nonprofit, international development affiliate of Land O’Lakes, Inc.—works in 13 countries around the world to improve lives through agriculture, including through food safety and security. By empowering producers and processors to follow best practices in food safety and quality, Venture37 addresses critical barriers to nutrition and helps emerging economies gain access to reliable and safe food supplies.

In Rwanda, for example, demand for meat has been growing and is likely to rise further as the country becomes increasingly urbanized and more affluent. However, meat safety remains a challenge. The Feed the Future Orora Wihaze Activity—a five-year livestock market systems activity funded by the United States Department of Agriculture Agency for International Development (USAID)—partnered with Rwanda’s food inspection authorities to address this issue. This work is building the capacity of local meat processors and retailers and improving consumer trust in the quality and safety of meat hygiene, ensuring that safe and healthy food is available for all Rwandans.

are aligned with local and global food standards."