Martine Boon appointed new Managing Director of GMP+ International

NETHERLANDS – GMP+ International Feed Certification scheme has announced Martine Boon’s appointment as its new Managing Director, effective August 29, 2024. 

With an extensive background in agricultural economics and a passion for sustainable agriculture, Boon brings a wealth of experience to the role, previously serving as the Director of Food & Agriculture Transition and Sector Management at Rabobank.

Boon expressed her enthusiasm for her new role, stating, “I feel fortunate to have the opportunity to help build on GMP+’s foundation and work with the community to ensure safe and sustainable feed worldwide.”

Reflecting on her career, Boon highlighted her deep-rooted love for farming, which began in her youth in Assen, the Netherlands. 

She emphasised her unwavering commitment to future-proofing the agricultural sector and expressed her eagerness to contribute to the animal feed community through her work at GMP+.

Boon is particularly focused on expanding GMP+ International’s sustainability efforts, recognising the global challenge of creating a more sustainable industry. 

She noted, “This is a global challenge and one that GMP+, with its international presence, is uniquely placed to work on.”

Roland van der Post, the outgoing managing director, welcomed Boon to the role and expressed confidence in her ability to lead GMP+ International into the future.

GMP+ International, founded in 1992 following several serious incidents involving contaminated feed, is the world’s largest certification scheme for safe and sustainable animal feed. It now boasts over 19,000 certified companies across 90 countries. 

The organisation’s mission is to ensure that every company in the feed chain operates safely and sustainably.

The GMP+ Feed Certification scheme comprises two key modules: GMP+ Feed Safety Assurance (GMP+ FSA) and GMP+ Feed Responsibility Assurance (GMP+ FRA). 

GMP+ FSA certification ensures that companies adhere to stringent feed safety requirements. These requirements cover all aspects of the feed chain, from production and distribution to transport, storage, and laboratory activities. This comprehensive approach helps deliver safer feed globally. 

On the other hand, GMP+ FRA certification focuses on sustainability and responsible practices within the feed industry. 

Companies achieving GMP+ FRA certification commit to sustainable production processes and responsible sourcing, including standards for RTRS soy, responsible pig and poultry feed, and dairy feed. 

By integrating these standards, GMP+ creates a uniform and reliable feed chain where certified companies collaborate under shared high standards, promoting safety and sustainability throughout the industry.

Updated version of the TS1.7 – Monitoring now available

In other news, GMP+ International has released an updated version of its TS1.7 – Monitoring document, which has been revised in collaboration with the International Expert Committee (IEC). 

The updated document, now available as of September 2, 2024, reflects changes in legislation and sector standards, particularly in the monitoring protocol of Aflatoxin B1 in maize and its by-products. 

The revisions include clearer requirements, an improved layout, and enhanced readability, ensuring that the monitoring protocols are more accessible and practical for the industry.

Sign up to receive our email newsletters with the latest news updates and insights from Africa and the World HERE.