Press Room

IFIF elects new leader

November 10, 2008 The International Feed Industry Federation has elected its first Chairman, a position replacing the role of President following a revision of its statutes and structure earlier this year. Dave Cieslak, vice-president of Cargill Animal Nutrition, was elected IFIF Chairman for a three-year term at the Federation's Annual Assembly in Rome. He is based at Cargill's headquarters in Minneapolis, USA.

Outgoing IFIF President Fred Stephens (centre), welcomes incoming IFIF Chairman Dr Dave Cieslak (left) of Cargill Animal Nutrition. Roger Gilbert, IFIF’s Secretary General is on the right.

Dr Cieslak succeeds Fred Stephens, formerly of Potash Corp of Saskatchewan Inc, Canada, who had held the position of IFIF President since 2002. Elected positions of the IFIF, such as Chairman, run for a three-year period. Dr Cieslak congratulated the work carried out by Mr Stephens over a critical six-year period, advancing the contribution and visibility of IFIF in global food issues.

Dr Cieslak said that it was through Mr Stephen's, “Commitment of service and leadership to the industry” that has created credibility and visibility for the activities of IFIF.

“Fred Stephens has left the IFIF a legacy of leadership and an array of opportunities for continued growth. The feed industry plays an important role in the quality of life for people around the world. Through the work of Fred, and his leadership of the IFIF organisation, we now have a forum and a voice for issues that affect the livestock industry and food production.

“IFIF will continue to build on that credibility. The global food and feed industries face significant challenges and many opportunities. IFIF represents an industry that can provide solutions and leadership to meet the demands of a growing, and increasingly affluent, world population.

“We will continue to build on the connections and influence of our industry. Through our collaboration with FAO, and the organisation of events such as the Global Feed and Food Congress, IFIF has opened new doors to understanding and networking.”

At the recent High Level Conference on Food Security, held in Rome this past June, Fred Stephens introduced IFIF's focus on ‘PET’; policy, education and technology, as key areas of emphasis.

According to Dr Cieslak, “Our industry can be more visible and proactive in addressing the direction needed in these areas.”

IFIF is currently planning the 3rd Global Feed and Food Congress, to be held in April 2010 in Cancun Mexico. The Congress will bring together leaders in the food and feed industries to share information and discuss issues of food security.

The Annual Assembly attracted representatives from the global feed industry including the five largest national feed associations: American Feed Industry Federation (AFIA), European Feed Manufactures Federation (FEFAC), Sindiracoes of Brazil, China Feed Industry Association (CFIA) and the Mexican Feed Association, Conafab.

PDF of press release.