Yara Thomas appointed Technical Manager at AIC
The Agricultural Industries Confederation (AIC) has appointed Dr. Yara Thomas as Technical Manager, bringing extensive experience in food and feed regulation, policy development and regulatory affairs.
Prior to joining AIC, Yara led policy work at the Food and Drink Federation (FDF) on reform of regulated product authorisation processes. Building on experience gained and further strengthened during her time in the food industry as a specialist adviser, she has developed expertise across a broad range of regulatory areas, including food and feed safety, contaminants, novel foods, food contact materials, pesticides, labelling and allergens.
Dr Thomas also has experience in global regulatory assessments, food safety management systems transport and logistics regulation and trade assurance. She holds a PhD in Precision Agriculture and an MSc in Sustainable Farming and Land Use at Harper Adams University, and is a Fellow of the Institute of Food Science and Technology (IFST).
In her role as Technical Manager, Yara will support AIC's technical services and assurance activities. Working with Members, participants, stakeholders and allied industries, she will help manage technical issues, support existing schemes and services, contribute to the development of new initiatives and provide technical expertise on regulatory and compliance matters affecting the agri-supply chain. Yara will specialise in the areas of FIAS, Palm Oil Trading, HACCP and training.
Yara Thomas said: “I am delighted to have joined AIC and to be supporting its technical services and assurance activities. The agri-supply chain operates in an increasingly complex regulatory environment, and I look forward to working with Members, participants and industry stakeholders to help address technical challenges, support compliance and contribute to the continued development of AIC's schemes and services. AIC plays an important role in bringing together expertise from across the industry, and I am excited to be part of an organisation that supports a modern, sustainable and resilient agricultural supply chain."
John Kelley, Chief Operating Officer, Agricultural Industries Confederation (AIC), said: “We are pleased to welcome Dr Yara Thomas to AIC. Yara brings extensive experience in technical affairs, food and feed regulation and policy development, together with a strong academic background in agriculture and sustainability. Her expertise will strengthen AIC's technical services and assurance activities, helping us continue to support Members, participants and stakeholders across the agri-supply chain. Yara's knowledge and practical experience will be invaluable as we continue to develop our services and respond to an evolving regulatory landscape."
ENDS
About AIC
As the UK agricultural supply industry's leading trade association, the Agricultural Industries Confederation (AIC) represents businesses in key sectors within the supply chains that feed the nation.
Its Member businesses supply UK farmers and growers with the animal feed, fertiliser, seed, crop protection products, trusted advice and quality services that are essential to producing food, as well as trading crops and commodities across the globe.
Formed in October 2003 by a merger of three trade associations, today AIC has over 230 Members in the agri-supply trade and represents £17.8 billion* turnover at farmgate.
AIC works on behalf of its Members by lobbying policymakers and stakeholders, delivering information, providing trade assurance schemes, and offering technical support.
AIC Services manages a range of services, including Trade Assurance Schemes and professional registers recognised by the UK Government as essential means to underpin feed and food safety alongside fertiliser security.
These schemes and professional registers include:
- Trade Assurance Scheme for Combinable Crops (TASCC)
- Feed Materials Assurance Scheme (FEMAS)
- Universal Feed Assurance Scheme (UFAS)
- European Seed Treatment Assurance (ESTA)
- Fertiliser Industry Assurance Scheme (FIAS)
- Feed Adviser Register (FAR)
- Renewable Energy Directive (RED)
- Forage Assurance Scheme (FAA)
- AIC Services Palm Oil Credit Scheme (APOCS)
*According to a 2023 survey of AIC Members.
Press Contact
Wendy Ford, Communications Manager, AIC
+44 (0)1733 385230
[email protected]
Author
Wendy Ford
Wendy Ford is Communications Manager at AIC, creating and overseeing the content published on AIC's website, emails, Member briefings, print publications, and social media.
