09-10 Nov, 2009 - Bali, INDONESIA
The Laguna Resort & Spa, Nusa Dua, Bali
The Laguna Resort & Spa, Nusa Dua, Bali
Indonesia’s Minster of Agriculture, HE Ir. Suswono MA attended the recently concluded Global Feed Summit in Bali on 9-10 Nov 2009. The conference attracted around 80 participants from Europe, Asia, North America and Africa.
HE Suswono, who was recently appointed as Indonesia’s Minister of Agriculture, officially opened the conference, and delivered the keynote address on the Competitiveness of the Livestock Feed Sector. In his speech, Suswono expressed that, “the poultry, dairy, swine and aquaculture industries are the most dynamic and competitive industries in the global agriculture sector”. He added, “from a global perspective, the feed industry will be focused on supply of raw materials”, and referenced emerging trends of, “more demand and less supply” which are currently dominating the marketplace.
To be competitive, HE Suswono highlighted government commitments to improve Indonesia’s marketing channels, reduce transportation & marketing costs, as well as import taxes for several main imported feed raw materials and other production inputs.
HE Suswono’s speech summed up his belief that government policies, better marketing channels, alternative feeds, and technological innovations are part of the solution to balancing feed supply and demand.
Monsanto’s Brian Uken also highlighted the importance of increasing crop yields via biotechnology in his highly rated speech, demonstrating its role in supplementing growing global demand for corn by doubling yields. He also cited a report published in Australia, which said that GM-producing countries dominate world trade in maize, soybeans, cottonseed and canola.
The Global Feed Summit discussed and addressed several other issues that have arisen across the animal feed value chain, including advances in animal breeding, challenges for the world’s meat supply chain, feed business risk management, the grains markets, DDGS (Dried Distillers Grains with Solubles), Feed demand and supply in China, Mycotoxins and many more.
Participants also took advantage of the over 6 hours of Networking and Card Exchange sessions, cleverly integrated into the conference program for delegates to take maximum advantage of the learning and networking at the conference.
Erhard Briedenhann, Director for Feed & Protein from South Africa’s Afgri Trading & Logistics commented the conference was “Excellent & networking was also very good”, and Wahjudi Gunawan, VP – Procurement, Intl Division of Japfa Comfeed offered “it is well organized & good event” while Don Utoyo, the chairman of the Indonesia Poultry Forum (FMPI) said the conference was an excellent “suppliers and consumers meet”.
Overall, the conference was well received in the industry, with most participants offering a good rating to their experience at the Bali meet.
