Oman's diary farmers to get US expertise
Published: 10:11 AM,Nov 14,2024 | EDITED : 02:11 PM,Nov 14,2024
Muscat: A collaborative meeting between US and Omani dairy farm experts is being held in Oman, led by the US Dairy Export Council (USDEC), as the annual multinational government seminar for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region commenced in Muscat on Wednesday.
This seminar, supported by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Water Resources (MoAFWR), brings together officials from various MENA countries to foster strong relationships and facilitate open dialogue on food safety, standards, and market access. The event is scheduled to last for three days.
Speaking to the Observer, Jonathan Gardner, Senior Vice President of Market Access and Regulatory Affairs at the USDEC, said that the seminar aims to build partnerships, collaborate with companies in the MENA region, and provide insights into the US regulatory system for dairy producers.
'Oman and the US have an FTA. Oman is hosting this event, and we appreciate the gesture. We are exploring how US farm regulatory authorities can help improve the farming system in Oman, including support for both small and large-scale farmers in enhancing safety and health in dairy production,' he said.
Held in conjunction with the centennial celebration of the US Dairy Regulatory Authority, the event brings together multiple agencies, the Food and Drug Administration, and various stakeholders, including animal health inspection officers and exporters, covering topics from animal health to food safety over the three days.
By engaging with key decision-makers across the region, the seminar aims to improve market access, tackle challenges, and address regulatory barriers to ensure smooth trade flows for US agricultural products.
'We represent both sides of the dairy industry, and our goal is to promote US dairy products globally. Through our presence in Oman, we work to increase understanding of safety and regulatory systems across the GCC and other regional countries. We have a long history, and through this seminar, we aim to share our expertise,' he added.
The seminar also focuses on promoting US food safety and standards, educating MENA officials on US food safety and quality, encouraging the adoption of international best practices, and proactively addressing potential regulatory changes.
On Thursday, the sessions will begin with a recap by Bryan Jacoby, Manager of Market Access and Regulatory Affairs at USDEC, followed by a session on 'The US Grade 'A' Dairy Program: A Foundation for Safe Milk' by Michelle Stedman.
Through this annual event, USDEC aims to create a platform for constructive dialogue, knowledge sharing, and collaboration, ultimately benefiting both the US and MENA economies.
This seminar, supported by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Water Resources (MoAFWR), brings together officials from various MENA countries to foster strong relationships and facilitate open dialogue on food safety, standards, and market access. The event is scheduled to last for three days.
Speaking to the Observer, Jonathan Gardner, Senior Vice President of Market Access and Regulatory Affairs at the USDEC, said that the seminar aims to build partnerships, collaborate with companies in the MENA region, and provide insights into the US regulatory system for dairy producers.
'Oman and the US have an FTA. Oman is hosting this event, and we appreciate the gesture. We are exploring how US farm regulatory authorities can help improve the farming system in Oman, including support for both small and large-scale farmers in enhancing safety and health in dairy production,' he said.
Held in conjunction with the centennial celebration of the US Dairy Regulatory Authority, the event brings together multiple agencies, the Food and Drug Administration, and various stakeholders, including animal health inspection officers and exporters, covering topics from animal health to food safety over the three days.
By engaging with key decision-makers across the region, the seminar aims to improve market access, tackle challenges, and address regulatory barriers to ensure smooth trade flows for US agricultural products.
'We represent both sides of the dairy industry, and our goal is to promote US dairy products globally. Through our presence in Oman, we work to increase understanding of safety and regulatory systems across the GCC and other regional countries. We have a long history, and through this seminar, we aim to share our expertise,' he added.
The seminar also focuses on promoting US food safety and standards, educating MENA officials on US food safety and quality, encouraging the adoption of international best practices, and proactively addressing potential regulatory changes.
On Thursday, the sessions will begin with a recap by Bryan Jacoby, Manager of Market Access and Regulatory Affairs at USDEC, followed by a session on 'The US Grade 'A' Dairy Program: A Foundation for Safe Milk' by Michelle Stedman.
Through this annual event, USDEC aims to create a platform for constructive dialogue, knowledge sharing, and collaboration, ultimately benefiting both the US and MENA economies.