6 minute read
Food Security
COMMENT
Food security is a pressing priority in the IMETA region
Evren Ozlu, head of animal health IMETA, Boehringer Ingelheim
DISEASE EVOLUTION
Until today, the fi rst world countries have followed a slaughter policy to control and eradicate the fi eld outbreaks of this disease in their countries.
The highly pathogenic Avian Infl uenza caused by either H5 and H7 subtypes forms part of the list A of diseases that must be reported to the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) and are a cause of restriction for commerce. Avian Infl uenza is considered a risk and possible threat to human beings. As of today, these subtypes don’t infect human beings, but the nature of these viruses poses a risk of recombination and mutation that might enable them to do so in the future.
To help combat diseases, the industry has seen an increase in demand for vaccinations that can be performed in hatcheries, which can o er improved e ciency and easy administration.
Therefore, countries in the IMETA region must join forces and develop strategies to control such infectious diseases with high economic impact.
FOCUS ON COLLABORATION AND TECHNOLOGY
A recent communication from the Ministers of Agriculture from the EU agreed to modify their strategy and recommend the use of vaccines to combat Avian Infl uenza disease, something that was previously forbidden.
Several countries are also proactively taking steps to promote poultry welfare. For instance, the UAE government’s Smart Early Warning System for Biological Security initiative seeks to develop a nationwide smart e-system that documents reports about animal diseases, agricultural pests, notifi cations related to local and imported foods and biological security.
Whereas in Egypt, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations’ (FAO) Africa Sustainable Livestock 2050 (ASL2050) initiative is looking to identify and support livestock and poultry policies that, while tapping into opportunities, also e ectively deal with the anticipated challenges for public health, society and the environment. In June, I attended the fi rst African Meeting of the Morocco Association of Avian Pathology (AMPA) and World Veterinary Poultry
Association (WVPA), where topics from disease updates, vaccine strategies, and solutions were discussed. The event was crucial to establishing an exchange of knowledge and experiences on relevant topics related to poultry production and diseases in the
IMETA region between veterinarians, scientists and local authorities.
The lives of animals and humans are interconnected in profound and complex ways. Many of the world’s global challenges, from mitigating climate change to pandemic preparedness and food security and safety, can’t be managed successfully without considering animals and their wellbeing.
By 2030, our global population is reportedly expected to grow to 8.5 billion, and as the human population continues to expand, protein is at the heart of the food security debate. Yet, 20 per cent of livestock production is lost to disease every year, while one-third of all food produced is wasted.
One key area that needs attention is poultry production, which plays a vital role in meeting India, the Middle East, Turkey and Africa (IMETA) region’s demand for a ordable animal proteins. The area represents nearly 50 per cent of the global poultry market, represented by 73 countries, and 13.2 billion chickens are produced here annually. Providing nutritious food while preserving animal wellbeing in environmentally sustainable conditions is key to ensuring food security for so many people.
The statistics highlight that there is an urgent need to ensure good health for humans, animals and the environment, as each has the potential to act as an entry point for diseases that can have huge implications on the other.
Alan’s Corner
Alan O’Neill, author, keynote speaker and owner of Kara, specialists in culture and strategy
Coming full circle
Why the circular economy is good for the environment, and your business
Climate change is widespread, rapid and intensifying, and some trends are now irreversible, at least during the present time frame, according to the latest much-anticipated Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report. The UN SecretaryGeneral António Guterres said ‘The Working Group’s report was nothing less than a code red for humanity. The alarm bells are deafening, and the evidence is irrefutable’. When you couple that with the escalation in the past year of positive noise for the “green agenda”, this is indeed a sobering message. What was at one time seen to be the domain of ‘new-agers’, ‘tree-huggers’ and the likes, many of us have become much more sensitive to this topic lately. The pandemic and subsequent lockdown got us all thinking di erently about our health and wellness, and the environment.
STRIKING A BALANCE
I am particularly impressed with the many organisations that have struck a balance between doing great things for the environment and making money from the circular economy. And no, I don’t believe there is a contradiction, as they co-exist very comfortably.
I remember having a British client in 1991 that manufactured chopping boards. Its USP was that the beech wood used in the boards came from managed forests. The boards were more expensive than others on the market at that time and therefore sales were challenging. The USP wasn’t topical enough so in some ways, this company was ahead of its time. Now, the company’s boards are in great demand. For all likeminded companies, their time is now.
Another such company is VivaGreen, an Irish manufacturer that launched the Tru Eco range in 2020. Driven by the founders, Russell and Garrett Walsh have produced innovative products made from sustainable resources. VivaGreen ensures its products are made from plant-based and biodegradable ingredients and it works hard to develop products that meet consumers’ needs, while also trying to protect the environment.
Tru Eco for example, is a range of Irishmade refi llable, eco-friendly laundry and household cleaning products. The range is made up of an all-purpose cleaner, washing-up liquid, non-bio laundry detergent and fabric so tener. Each bottle is made from 100 per cent recycled plastic, creating a circular economy product that is reusable, recyclable, and refi llable. The products are guaranteed Irish, vegan-friendly, cruelty-free, and septic tank safe.
The brand also o ers a refi ll solution, which closes the loop on plastic waste. By refi lling, consumers can reduce their environmental footprint, minimise plastic waste as well as lowering carbon emissions. HERE’S HOW YOU CAN LOOK AT ADOPTING SUSTAINABILITY IN YOUR COMPANY: Check your culture. In the same way that so tware powers the hardware in your electronic devices, your culture drives your thinking around sustainability and innovation. If sustainability is not on your radar, you may fi nd yourself missing a trick. This is a really big topic and your customers may soon start challenging you for evidence of your commitment to it. Consider writing a policy document to show your seriousness to your organisation and other stakeholders.
Include sustainability in your strategy.
When it comes to developing your plans for key areas like product sourcing, supply chain and your own operations, conduct an audit of your current practices. Perhaps you might appoint an internal champion to be your internal watch-dog.
Ask probing questions to challenge your
status quo. Within your current product portfolio and supply-chain, ask yourself how you can build in sustainability. Are your raw materials and product components respecting the environment? Can you shorten your supply chain? Can you make appropriate changes to your own operations to reduce your carbon foot-print? Can you gain competitive advantage with products that appeal to a more select and discerning consumer?
THE LAST WORD
In the last six months, I have facilitated several strategy sessions with clients from around the world. In every single one, I encouraged the teams to consider sustainability in their thinking. Being sustainable no longer has to be an extra cost. I believe that this is no longer a ‘nice to do’, it’s a business imperative. I’m happy to say that actions were agreed without resistance or cynicism in every case.
By the way, most of these strategy sessions were done online from my desk, without having to clock up airmiles. I’m not at all saying that it is a permanent solution as online is just not the same dynamic as a real physical meeting. Nevertheless, the future demands a hybrid solution, further supporting the green agenda.
