[Astana, Kazakhstan] - ON 14 March 2024 a delegation from the United Kingdom Embassy in Kazakhstan, comprising Dr. Rob Grinnall, Veterinary Consultant at UK Export Certification Limited, Meruyert Kairbekova, Agriculture Sector Lead at the Department for Business and Trade, Kazakhstan, and Paul Greenhalgh, Deputy Head of Mission at the British Embassy Dushanbe, recently visited the Islamic Organization for Food Security (IOFS) on the sidelines of the Agritek Farmtek Astana 2024 Fair.
The purpose of the visit was to engage in discussions with IOFS on various issues related to livestock and genetics. The delegation highlighted the UK's capabilities in livestock breeding technologies and emphasized the importance of control and traceability of export products in the livestock sector. Discussions also focused on genetic material exchange between Central Asian countries and the UK, including certification processes and disease control measures particularly on blue tongue and foot and mouth diseases.
In response, IOFS underscored its role in the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) geography, running programs in agriculture and livestock sectors. The organization highlighted its global mandates in Afghanistan and Africa under the Afghanistan Food Security Program (AFSP) and the African Food Security Initiative (AFSI), particularly focusing on the reliance of many member states on pastoralist communities and the livestock sector in regions such as the Sahel, Central Asia, and the Middle East.
Mr. Talgat Kupashev, Program Manager at IOFS, introduced the organization's Animal Development Program, which aims to support member states in achieving sustainable livestock production through genetic improvement, animal health, welfare, and feeding practices. Furthermore, IOFS outlined its Sheep Farming Development Program, targeting the enhancement of sheep production capacity and genetic quality of meat for export to GCC countries. IOFS also emphasized its openness to non-OIC partnerships, welcoming collaboration with the UK and other partners.
Both parties agreed to continue communication to explore potential partnerships in areas such as capacity building, technology transfer, policy development, knowledge sharing, and research and development. They also committed to engagement through attendance at fairs, workshops, and conferences not only in Kazakhstan but across all IOFS Member States.
