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Kenya Program Updates Workshop Bridges Gap Between Kenyan Regulators and Small-Scale Food Industry August 2025 How does FAEA make an impact? By facilitating crucial conversations. In Kenya, FAEA sponsored a pivotal workshop that gave small businesses a rare, direct line to regulators, empowering them to help shape national food safety standards that are both scientific and achievable. MORE INFO Workshop for the Development of a Roadmap for Industry Capacity Building in Food Safety in Kenya August 2024 Learn how FAEA is paving the way for a safer and more sustainable food system in Kenya. In August 2024, in partnership with the USDA, FAEA led a workshop that brought together key stakeholders from across Kenya’s food and feed sectors. With a diverse group of industry experts, the workshop set the stage for a new roadmap focused on food and feed safety capacity building for the private sector. MORE INFO FAEA Executive Director Visits Kenya to Set Strategic Direction for 2024 Activities November 2023 In November 2023, FAEA’s Executive Director traveled to Kenya to review ongoing food and feed safety initiatives and set the direction for 2024 activities. Key meetings with TradeMark Africa and Jomo Kenyatta University opened doors for collaboration on capacity-building programs targeting both the private sector and government agencies. A follow-up meeting at the U.S. Embassy reinforced support from the Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) for FAEA’s strategy. With strong partnerships in place, FAEA is prepared to make significant progress in 2024. MORE INFO FAEA Executive Director Visits Kenya to Assess Food Safety Progress and Plan Next Steps December 2021 In December 2021, FAEA’s Executive Director visited Kenya to assess the progress of food safety initiatives and the livestock industry’s development. The visit confirmed key milestones, including a draft food safety bill ready for submission to Parliament and identified challenges in Kenya’s meat processing sector, such as feed availability and cold chain infrastructure. Discussions focused on capacity building and regulatory support for the next project phases, setting the stage for significant advancements in 2022. MORE INFO FAEA Drives Key Progress in Kenya’s Food Safety Legislation March 2021 In March 2021, FAEA continued their support for Kenya’s food and feed safety reforms by facilitating a follow-up meeting aimed at advancing the development of comprehensive food safety legislation. Building on progress from earlier discussions, this event brought together top officials and experts to draft a bill that aligns with both national and international standards. Discover more about the key outcomes and the next steps in Kenya’s journey toward a robust food safety framework. MORE INFO FAEA Kicks Off Support for Kenya’s New Food Safety Legislation December 2020 In December 2020, FAEA took a leading role in supporting Kenya's efforts to revamp its food and feed safety regulations. This initiative brought together key government stakeholders and international experts to align Kenya’s food safety laws with global standards. Discover the full story of how FAEA’s involvement is driving progress toward a robust, well-coordinated food safety system that will benefit public health and enhance Kenya’s global trade opportunities. MORE INFO FAEA Hosts Kenyan Food and Feed Safety Delegation in Washington, D.C. November 2019 In November 2019, FAEA hosted a key delegation of Kenyan officials in Washington, D.C., providing insights into how the U.S. food and feed safety system operates. The visit aimed to support Kenya’s efforts to develop comprehensive food safety legislation by showcasing effective interagency collaboration and science-based regulation. Discover how this initiative is helping shape Kenya’s regulatory framework and driving progress towards a safer food supply. MORE INFO

FAEA Staff & Partners Gina Tumbarello Executive Director LEARN MORE Anne Zaczek Global Programs Director LEARN MORE Advisors and Consultants Dr. Janie Dubois Food Safety Regulatory and Laboratory Practices Consultant Dr. Charity Mutegi Kenya Representative Ben Conner Policy Advisor Bunmean Boung Cambodia Representative U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council Liaisons Kurt Shultz Senior Director of Global Strategies Sam Clemence Global Strategies Coordinator International Partners Nigeria The Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) The NESG is a think-tank organization that promotes sustainable growth and development in the Nigerian economy using research-based advocacy methods. The NESG was incorporated as a not-for-profit/non-partisan organization with a mandate to promote and champion the reform of the Nigerian economy into an open, private sector-led economy that is globally competitive on a sustainable basis. The NESG currently serves as the host of the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) National Secretariat and UNGC Corporate Sustainability Champion (saddled with the leadership of advancing sustainability practices in corporate governance in Nigeria), a member of the Steering Committee for the Presidential Committee for the Preparation of the Medium-Term National Development Plan (MTNDP) 2021-2025 and Nigeria Agenda 2050, the Private Sector Co-chair of the ECOWAS-World Bank-EU National Investment Scorecard Implementation Committee, the secretariat for the National Assembly Business Environment Roundtable (a collaboration between the NESG, the Nigerian Bar Association Section on Business Law, and the Nigerian National Assembly) sponsored by the UKAID and ACA Foundation, the secretariat for the Nigerian Renewable Energy Roundtable sponsored by the Heinrich Boel Stiftung Foundation, etc. The NESG also served as a member of the Transitional Technical Task Team and provided technical support to the Presidential Transition Council. U.S. Government Regulatory Agencies Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service is a multi-faceted Agency of the United States Department of Agriculture, with a broad mission area that includes protecting and promoting U.S. agricultural health, regulating genetically engineered organisms, administering the Animal Welfare Act and carrying out wildlife damage management activities. These efforts support the overall mission of USDA, which is to protect and promote food, agriculture, natural resources and related issues. Environmental Protection Agency The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is an independent agency, specifically an independent executive agency, of the United States federal government for environmental protection. The EPA is responsible for preventing and detecting environmental crimes, informing the public of environmental enforcement, and setting and monitoring standards of air pollution, water pollution, hazardous wastes and chemicals. Food and Drug Administration The Food and Drug Administration (FDA or USFDA) is a federal agency of the United States Department of Health and Human Services, one of the United States federal executive departments. The FDA is responsible for protecting and promoting public health through the control and supervision of food safety, tobacco products, dietary supplements, prescription and over-the-counter pharmaceutical drugs (medications), vaccines, biopharmaceuticals, blood transfusions, medical devices, electromagnetic radiation emitting devices (ERED), cosmetics, animal foods & feed[4] and veterinary products. Food Safety and Inspection Service The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), an agency of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), is the public health regulatory agency responsible for ensuring that the United States' commercial supply of meat, poultry, and egg products is safe, wholesome, and correctly labeled and packaged. U.S. Government Trade Agencies Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) is a key agency within the Executive Office of the President, responsible for developing and coordinating U.S. international trade policy. USTR negotiates trade agreements, enforces U.S. trade laws, and works to ensure that U.S. trade policy promotes strong economic growth, job creation, and a level playing field for American businesses, workers, and farmers. With a focus on sound science and risk-based systems, USTR plays a critical role in protecting U.S. interests in global trade while fostering an open and fair trading environment. Foreign Agricultural Service - Washington (FAS/W) Bangladesh: FAS/OAA Dhaka Office Cambodia and Vietnam: FAS/OAA Hanoi Office China: FAS/OAA Beijing Office Ghana: FAS/OAA Accra Office Kenya: FAS/OAA Nairobi Office Nigeria: FAS/OAA Lagos Office Pakistan: FAS/OAA Islamabad Office Trade and Regulatory Capacity Building Division (TRCBD) The Trade and Regulatory Capacity Building Division (TRCBD, formerly the Trade and Scientific Capacity Building Division) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service’s (FAS’) Office of Global Programs provides trade capacity building to current and emerging trading partners to promote international trade and open markets for U.S. agricultural exports – creating predictable and transparent trade environments favorable to U.S. agricultural commodities such as soy, cotton, specialty crops, beef, and poultry. U.S. Codex Office The U.S. Codex Office (USCO), housed in USDA’s Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs, acts as the national focal point for the U.S. Codex Program. Its mission is to engage stakeholders in the development and advancement of science-based food standards for the benefit of the United States and the worldwide community. USCO manages the planning, policy development, support, and coordination for U.S. involvement in Codex, and develops strategies to accomplish U.S. objectives.

Success Stories Years of Collaboration Culminate in Landmark Food Safety Legislation in Kenya July 2026 Read More

< Back Years of Collaboration Culminate in Landmark Food Safety Legislation in Kenya July 2026 Nearly six years after the Food & Agriculture Export Alliance (FAEA) began supporting Kenya's efforts to strengthen its food safety system, the country has reached a major milestone with the enactment of the Food and Feed Safety Control Coordination Act following Presidential assent. The new legislation establishes the legal framework for more coordinated food and feed safety oversight across Kenya and represents an important step toward modernizing the country's food safety framework through stronger regulatory coordination, clearer institutional responsibilities,and alignment with internationally recognized food safety principles. The passage of the Act is the culmination of years of collaboration among the Government ofKenya, regulatory agencies, academia, the private sector, and development partners workingtoward a shared vision of a stronger national food safety system. Building on Years of Partnership Since 2019, FAEA, through support from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), haspartnered with the Government of Kenya and local stakeholders to support long-term food safety reform. Over the course of the program, FAEA has helped convene government and private sector stakeholders, facilitate technical dialogue, strengthen regulatory coordination, and support institutional collaboration necessary to advance Kenya's food safety modernization efforts. Throughout the legislative process, FAEA worked alongside Kenyan partners to encourage collaboration among the ministries and agencies responsible for food and feed safety oversight while supporting discussions surrounding the development of the Food and Feed Safety Control Coordination Act. As the reform process evolved, FAEA also supported the National Food Safety Coordination Committee (NFSCC) as an important forum for interagency coordination and stakeholder engagement. Through this process, Kenyan stakeholders agreed to advance development of a National Food Safety Database through the NFSCC, reinforcing government ownership and strengthening future coordination across regulatory institutions. The enactment of the Act represents the latest milestone in a long-term partnership that has included support for legislative development, stakeholder consultations, regulatory coordination, and ongoing collaboration to strengthen Kenya's food safety framework. A Milestone Years in the Making The Food and Feed Safety Control Coordination Act establishes the institutional framework necessary to improve coordination among Kenya's food safety authorities and provides a strong foundation for continued modernization of the country's food safety system. While the success of the legislation reflects the leadership and commitment of the Government of Kenya and the many organizations involved throughout the legislative process, it also demonstrates the value of sustained investment in stakeholder engagement, institutional strengthening, and technical collaboration. FAEA is proud to have supported Kenya's food safety reform journey and congratulates the Government of Kenya and all public and private sector partners whose dedication andcollaboration made this important achievement possible. Previous Next

Food and Agriculture Export Alliance (FAEA) was created for cooperation in marketing access to meat, poultry, dairy, feed grains and soybean organizations and agri. input providers. The goal of FAEA is to connect sectors in developing food export for the benefit of the U.S. agriculture sectors. 203A5165 203A5176 203A5165 1/30 Who We Are The Food and Agriculture Export Alliance (FAEA) is a coalition formed in May 2004, bringing together key stakeholders from the agriculture industry dedicated to advancing global food and feed safety through science-based regulations. Our organization is committed to fostering international collaboration and aligning food and feed safety standards with global best practices. With a focus on countries in Asia and Africa, FAEA plays a critical role in shaping regulatory environments that support safer, higher-quality agricultural products worldwide. What we do FAEA works to improve food and feed safety laws and regulations internationally, ensuring they align with science-based standards. By leveraging funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and FAEA member organizations, we help address non-tariff barriers that hinder global trade. Our initiatives include collaborating with governments, industry experts, and local stakeholders to build regulatory frameworks that not only protect public health but also enhance market access and economic opportunities. Through our programs and expertise, FAEA helps create a safer, more transparent regulatory landscape for agricultural products across our target markets in Asia and Africa.

The Food and Agriculture Export Alliance (FAEA) was created in May 2004 to achieve greater cooperation and effectiveness in market access among meat, poultry, dairy, feed grains and soybean organizations and private sector agriculture input providers. 01 Objective The primary objective of the Food and Agriculture Export Alliance (FAEA) is to proactively identify and comprehend the considerations of foreign nations and officials regarding the establishment, revision and enforcement of food/feed safety and animal health/production laws and regulations. The aim is to strategically intervene before any potential trade-restrictive barriers are enacted, ensuring smoother market access for U.S. agricultural products. 02 Strategy FAEA's strategy involves a meticulous process of identifying regions and nations where food/feed safety and animal health regulations are in the development or modification stages that impact the products represented by FAEA members. Priority is given to those markets that hold significant growth potential and where FAEA members have a vested interest in maintaining or expanding access. 03 Activities FAEA's approach includes four main categories of activities known as MICA: Management and Administration: FAEA Staff: Comprising three dedicated members who manage daily operations. Executive Director (ED): Leads the management and implementation of FAEA strategies and activities. Program Coordinator (PC): Assists in administrative and programmatic functions. Director of Codex and Global Affairs: Focuses on the execution of Codex-related strategies and initiatives. USGC Staff: Supports day-to-day administrative tasks and acts as a liaison with the Foreign Agricultural Service. FAEA Board Members: Ten board members and two U.S. Grains Council staff provide leadership, set priorities and evaluate organizational performance. Information Gathering, Analysis, and Intelligence Sharing: FAEA leverages its extensive network, including U.S. Government agencies, member staff and contractors, to collect, analyze and disseminate critical information. This process helps in influencing foreign legislation and ensuring that new regulations are science-based and do not constitute technical barriers to trade. Capacity Building Activities FAEA allocates resources to build technical capacity in target markets. This involves educating and training regulatory, health, and judicial decision-makers and staff in these countries through workshops and seminars. Local contractors are also engaged to facilitate these activities and provide timely updates on regulatory changes. Advocacy for Codex and Science-Based Standards FAEA conducts ongoing advocacy to support U.S. positions on international standards, such as those set by the Codex Alimentarius Commission, OIE and IPPC. The alliance sponsors officials to participate in critical Codex meetings and uses its networks to promote standards that facilitate fair trade. Continuum of FAEA Engagement Progress 04 Stage 01. Assess market needs & opportunities. Stage 02. Development of relationships through seminars/workshops. Stage 03. Engage SPS, TBT & Codex offices & policy developers, and those involved in legal & regulatory development. Stage 04. Comment on development of regulations. Stage 05. Transfer FAEA programs to FAEA members.

Success Stories Years of Collaboration Culminate in Landmark Food Safety Legislation in Kenya June 2026 Read More

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< Back Workshop Bridges Gap Between Kenyan Regulators and Small-Scale Food Industry August 2025 In August 2025, FAEA sponsored a workshop on "Risk-Based Food Safety Practices", successfully forging a crucial link between the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) and the nation's food industry, particularly its small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Hosted at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), the event moved beyond theory to address the practical, day-to-day application of food safety standards. The workshop's primary success was creating a neutral, science-based forum for open dialogue. It provided a rare opportunity for Kenyan industry members to give candid feedback directly to regulators. Participants voiced their concerns and explored the scientific basis for challenging requirements with JKUAT lecturers, microbiology lab technicians, and FAEA consultant Dr. Janie Dubois. This exchange was invaluable for KEBS. Mr. Wycliffe Rachuonyo, a Standards Development Officer and Technical Committees Coordinator at KEBS, highlighted the event as a "vital opportunity" to engage directly with small-scale food operators. He gained a firsthand appreciation for the real-world hurdles they face in implementing standards. This new understanding is set to have a direct impact on policy. According to Mr. Rachuonyo, the insights gained will "contribute to the overall performance for the Technical Committees (TCs) by ensuring that the voices of smaller businesses are actively heard and considered." This emphasis on inclusion is key to developing standards that are not only scientifically sound but also practical and achievable for the entire food sector. Ultimately, the workshop shifted the dynamic from simply identifying problems to co-creating solutions. Facilitator Dr. Janie Dubois challenged both regulators and industry to bring innovative ideas back to the TCs. This approach empowers the food industry to become proactive partners in shaping regulatory policy, leading to more robust, widely adopted food safety practices that benefit consumers and strengthen Kenya's position in the global market. Previous Next

Cambodia Program Updates Workshop on Enhancing Collaboration for Effective Implementation of the Cambodian Food Control System July 2024 Discover how FAEA is advancing food safety in Cambodia through a workshop aimed at modernizing the country's food safety system. The workshop developed a foundation for a roadmap for improving information sharing, enhance stakeholder capacity and strengthen coordination between government agencies and industry leaders in Cambodia. It also empowered participants to actively contribute to the implementation of Cambodia's Food Safety Law and set the stage for future initiatives. MORE INFO

National Pork Producers Council The National Pork Producers Council, which consists of 42 affiliated state associations, is the global voice for the U.S. pork industry, enhancing opportunities for the success of pork producers and other industry stakeholders by establishing the pork industry as a consistent and responsible supplier of high-quality pork to domestic and world markets. On behalf of America’s 60,000 pork producers, NPPC fights for reasonable federal legislation and regulations, maintains and develops export market opportunities, and protects producers’ livelihoods. Public-policy issues on which it focuses are in the areas of agriculture and industry, animal well-being and food safety, environment and energy, and international trade. https://www.nppc.org < Back Trachelle Carr Senior Director of International Technical Affairs The National Pork Producers Council, which consists of 42 affiliated state associations, is the global voice for the U.S. pork industry, enhancing opportunities for the success of ... Previous Next

U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council The U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council develops export markets for U.S. barley, corn, sorghum and related products including distiller’s dried grains with soluble (DDGS) and ethanol. With full-time presence in 28 locations, the Council operates programs in more than 50 countries and the European Union. The Council believes exports are vital to global economic development and to U.S. agriculture’s profitability. https://www.grains.org/ < Back Kurt Shultz Senior Director of Global Strategies The U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council develops export markets for U.S. barley, corn, sorghum and related products including distiller’s dried grains with soluble (DDGS) and ethanol. ... Previous Next