IEC Country Association Forum supports industry development

The International Egg Commission (IEC) launched its ‘Country Association Forum’ in November 2020, connecting CEO level association heads from around the world to discuss key issue experiences, challenges and opportunities.

Since its launch, the forum has grown from strength-to-strength, providing a quarterly roundtable for networking and discussion. From political challenges to feed issues, market challenges and the long-term implications of COVID-19, the forum enables association leaders to gain advice from others who have faced similar challenges, while also gaining valuable insight on key opportunities.

Speaking about the value of the Country Association Forum, Colin Steenhuisen, South African Poultry Association, said: “As an industry, we face numerous surprisingly similar challenges no matter where in the world you are producing eggs. It is here, at the IEC Country Association Forum, that you have an opportunity to report on matters concerning your particular country’s egg industry issues, and to listen and learn from other country’s reports.

“Questions are often asked by the participants for assistance or guidance on any topic of concern in an open forum well controlled by the Chairman, without criticism or ridicule, and always with wise council offered from other countries representatives having had or going through similar experiences or challenges.”

Bringing together leaders of the world’s most dynamic egg associations, the forum supports industry development through peer-to-peer learning and support. “There is a sense of ‘How can we help you?’ rather than ‘well that’s your problem!’, and a deep empathy for the problems countries’ are facing,” added Colin.

“I can thoroughly recommend that country representatives invited to join this IEC Country Association Forum should do so. You will find the discussions extremely interesting and valuable to possibly apply to your own country.

“I personally have been in the industry for 46 years and learn something new each time I participate in this forum.”

If you are a country association leader and would like to join the next IEC Country Association Forum please contact the IEC office.