FEFAC elects Nicolas Coudry-Mesny as president for 3 years

EUROPE – The European Feed Manufacturers’ Federation (FEFAC) has elected Nicolas Coudry-Mesny as its new president for the 2026–2029 term, with the European feed industry placing increased emphasis on supply chain resilience, protein autonomy and innovation as geopolitical tensions continue to reshape global agricultural trade.

Coudry-Mesny was elected during FEFAC’s 71st General Assembly held in Bucharest, Romania, succeeding Pedro Cordero. 

He currently serves as Procurement Manager at French agribusiness group MAISADOUR and is President of EUROFAC, the organisation representing the French compound feed and premix industry at the European level.

His appointment comes at a time when feed manufacturers across Europe are facing growing uncertainty about access to key feed raw materials and additives, alongside increasing pressure to improve sustainability and competitiveness in the livestock and aquaculture value chains.

“I look forward to representing the interests of the European compound feed and premix manufacturers in these unprecedented times, characterised by the end of the rules-based global trade order, resulting from geopolitical tensions and raw power politics which deeply impact the resilience and competitiveness of the EU livestock and aquaculture value chain,” Coudry-Mesny said.

Feed industry prioritises protein security and sustainable innovation

Under its new leadership, FEFAC said it will continue to support European Commission initiatives to strengthen the bloc’s feed and protein supply chains by diversifying sourcing and reducing dependence on strategic imports.

The federation identified protein autonomy as a key priority, noting its intention to contribute to the development of the European Union’s forthcoming protein plan, which aims to increase domestic protein production and reduce vulnerabilities associated with imported feed ingredients.

Feed manufacturers have increasingly called for measures to secure access to protein-rich raw materials and feed additives as disruptions linked to geopolitical tensions, trade restrictions and supply chain bottlenecks continue to affect global markets.

FEFAC also highlighted the role of compound feed and premix manufacturers in supporting the transition toward more sustainable livestock and aquaculture production systems.

According to the federation, the sector has developed feed solutions that contribute to circularity, improve resource efficiency and help reduce greenhouse gas emissions across animal production chains.

The organisation said it would remain actively involved in discussions surrounding the European Commission’s livestock workstream launched in 2025 by Agriculture Commissioner Christophe Hansen, which is expected to help shape the EU Livestock Strategy currently under development.

“As FEFAC President, I will do my utmost to promote the market uptake of innovative, smart feed solutions, integrating them into our best-practice professional recommendations and assisting our customers with the transition towards more resilient production systems,” Coudry-Mesny said.

Alongside the presidential appointment, delegates elected a new board for the 2026–2029 mandate. 

Zoltan Pulay of Hungary’s HGFA was elected Deputy President, while Pedro Cordero of Spain’s CESFAC, Bernd Schmitz of Germany’s DVT, and Claus Saabye Erichsen of Denmark’s DAKOFO were appointed Vice-Presidents.

The new leadership team will oversee FEFAC’s engagement with policymakers and industry stakeholders as the European feed sector navigates evolving trade dynamics, sustainability requirements and growing demand for resilient livestock and aquaculture supply chains.

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