AFMA: the voice of the South African animal feed industry

The Animal Feed Manufacturers' Association (AFMA) is the official representative body of the South African feed industry, serving the poultry and livestock sectors. Liesl Breytenbach, executive director of AFMA, spoke to Magda du Toit about the organisation's mandate, strategic pillars, and standards.

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Who or what is AFMA?

AFMA is the official representative body for the animal feed sector.

We position and align ourselves with the industry by creating an enabling business environment that will benefit our members. We act as the critical link between crop production and the food chain, ensuring 'Safe Feed for Safe Food' through collaboration, compliance, and strategic leadership.

Who are your members?

By connecting manufacturers, suppliers, and service providers, we bring the animal feed industry together. At present we have 64 full members, 80 associate members, and 20 affiliate members.

Full members comprise core feed manufacturers. These members form the heart of the industry, producing balanced animal feeds that nourish the nation's livestock and poultry.

Associate members provide the essential components, such as raw materials, speciality ingredients, as well as vitamins and minerals used in premixtures. Our affiliate members include service providers to the feed industry, such as analytical services, consultation services, and installation services.

What is the AFMA Code of Conduct, and why is it important to your members?

It is a self-regulatory mechanism that sets the benchmark for feed safety, quality assurance, and good manufacturing practices in the animal feed sector.

All full and associate members must adhere to AFMA's Code of Conduct, and members are audited every two years by an independent third party. Only compliant members may display the AFMA Code of Conduct logo as a visible sign of adherence to strict quality controls and responsible ingredient use.

The code aligns with legislation and helps ensure that every step of the feed manufacturing process meets high safety and quality standards.