AIC Hosts European Agricultural Attachés for Former Food Sector Visit
The Agricultural Industries Confederation (AIC) recently welcomed a group of agricultural attachés and policy representatives from across Europe to AIC Member SugaRich, providing an opportunity to explore the role of former food products within the UK feed sector and wider food supply chain.
The visit, held on 3 July 2026, brought together representatives from the Netherlands, France, Ireland, Spain, Greece, Slovenia, Portugal, Hungary, Bulgaria, Germany, the European Union Delegation (EUDEL) and AIC. Attendees included colleagues from embassies and diplomatic missions with responsibility for agriculture, food and sustainability policy.
The delegation was welcomed by Ed Barker, AIC's Head of Policy and External Affairs, and David Moss, Technical Manager at AIC Services Secretariat for a number of feed sector committees including the United Kingdom Former Foodstuffs Processors Association (UKFFPA), who hosted the visit on behalf of AIC and facilitated discussions throughout the day.
The programme was designed to give delegates a practical understanding of how former food products are safely repurposed into animal feed in the UK, supporting both livestock production and the circular economy. Discussions also explored how these principles relate to wider European supply chains and the role of former food products in reducing waste and improving resource efficiency.
The visit began with presentations from AIC and industry representatives, including Richard Lee, Vice-President of the European Former Foodstuff Processors Association (EFFPA) and Technical Manager at SugaRich, and AIC's Ed Barker. The presentations provided an overview of the former food sector, its contribution to animal feed, and the work of EFFPA. Delegates also learned more about EFFPA's role in representing the sector at European level and promoting best practice across member states.
The group then toured SugaRich's facilities, where attendees were able to see first-hand how former food products are collected, processed and incorporated into feed supply chains. The visit provided valuable insight into the practical, regulatory and sustainability considerations involved in turning unavoidable food surplus into a safe and nutritious feed material.
AIC would like to thank SugaRich for hosting the visit and sharing its expertise with the delegation. The event highlighted the importance of collaboration between industry, policymakers and international stakeholders to support sustainable food and feed systems and promote greater understanding of the contribution former food products make to a circular economy.
The visit forms part of AIC's ongoing work to raise awareness of the former food sector and its role in delivering environmental, economic and supply chain benefits across the UK and Europe.
Authors
David Moss
Project management and technical projects. Areas include animal feed, feed adviser register, stakeholder management and health & safety. Secretariat for a number of feed sector committees including the UKFFPA (United Kingdom Former Foodstuffs Processors Association).
