Animal feedstuff is one of the cornerstones of food safety, one of the first links in the food production chain. The standards that have appeared in recent years as regards fodder hygiene and traceability have been increasingly strict, part of growing public concern about the food we eat.

That is why the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food of the Basque Government has collaborated with the Regional Councils of Alava, Bizkaia and Gipuzkoa to organise the 1st International Animal Feedstuffs Congress: Food Safety and Innovation.

Animal Feedstuffs: food safety and innovation is designed to be an international event where participants can learn about and exchange knowledge in the fields of food safety, nutrition and research into animal feedstuffs.

The congress intends to be a point of reference for the sector and an instrument for identifying needs and potential future solutions regarding the animal food chain.

The congress will also deal with the challenges facing the livestock sector in the 21st century and look at where community policies are heading.

I hope that all these questions and the topics dealt with at the congress will allow us to reach a better understading of the current situation of the livestock and animal feedstuffs manufacturing sectors, allowing us to face the future with greater knowledge and awareness of the changes that have happened and are yet to happen in livestock production systems.

Signed: Amaia Barredo
President, 1st Animal Feedstuffs Congress