FEFAC participated in the EU–Canada Joint Dialogue on Sustainable Agriculture, from 2–6 June, in Canada

The European Feed Manufacturers’ Federation (FEFAC), represented by FEFAC President Pedro Cordero and FEFAC Market & Trade Officer Rodrigo Nascimento, have participated in the recent EU–Canada Joint Dialogue on Sustainable Agriculture, held from 2–6 June across Alberta, Ontario, and Quebec. The event brought together over twenty key stakeholders, scientists, and policymakers from both sides of the Atlantic to discuss ways to enhance cooperation and innovation in sustainable agriculture.

The week-long programme, organised under the Joint EU–Canada Dialogue on Sustainable Agriculture, offered participants a on-the-ground perspective on best practices in sustainability and innovation. The agenda included field visits, living labs, and interactive discussions focused on soil regeneration, methane emission reduction in the livestock sector, and generational renewal in farming.

One of the highlights of the week was the stakeholder conference, “Harvesting Opportunity: Sustainable Growth in the Canada-EU Agri-food Partnership,” featuring opening remarks by Ms. Kathleen Donohue, Assistant Deputy Minister, International Affairs, AAFC, and Ms. Geneviève Tuts, EU Ambassador to Canada. Top Keynote speakers from both the EU Commission, led by Ms Elena Panichi, Head of Unit, the Americas, DG AGRI and Canadian agri-food sectors, including FEFAC President Pedro Cordero, set the stage for dynamic panel discussions on leveraging environmental sustainability to build resilient supply chains.

Pedro Cordero stated: “The FEFAC visit demonstrated the critical role of feed manufacturers in building resilient, sustainable food systems. By sharing expertise and fostering dialogue, to reduce the environmental footprint of livestock production, we are paving the way for innovative, climate-smart practices that benefit farmers, industry, and consumers alike.”

On the final day of the programme, FEFAC, together with its Canadian partner ANAC, organised a comprehensive feed mill visit to give participants an in-depth look at the full livestock supply chain. Delegates observed how feed production integrates with upstream sourcing of raw materials and downstream livestock farming, gaining valuable insight into the operational realities, challenges, and interdependencies that define the sector. The visit fostered direct exchanges with Canadian industry professionals and highlighted the critical role of feed manufacturing as a central link connecting crop producers, feed formulators, and livestock farmers within the broader agri-food system.

This initiative marks a significant step forward in strengthening EU–Canada agricultural relations, laying the groundwork for a robust network of experts and practitioners dedicated to continued collaboration. Supported by the European Commission and Canadian authorities, this partnership is committed to promoting practical, science-based solutions to global agricultural challenges as part of the  CETA Trade agreement implementation initiative.