Global Food Traceability Center
IFT is gaining insights from a variety of stakeholders to determine the feasibility of a science-based, independent Global Food Traceability Center.
Since 2008, IFT has been a visible leader in food traceability. This initiative is a direct result of recommendations from participants in our previous traceability work who recognized gaps in the research and development of food system-wide product tracing, and their belief that IFT was ideally positioned to play a leadership role and leverage the collective expertise and commitment of stakeholders.
Our vision for the center is for it to become the “go-to” resource and authoritative global voice on food traceability.
As a means to deliver on that vision, we will create a focal point where industry, academia, regulatory agencies, and consumer groups can dialogue, collaborate, conduct research, establish best practices, and develop practical, actionable traceability solutions. The center will facilitate an ongoing exchange of knowledge, tools, and expertise for those with a shared commitment to improving food system capabilities.
The center will be funded and operated through a combination of public and private partnerships so as to provide a bridge between the policy imperatives of regulatory agencies, the commercial interests of the private sector, and the public health goals of all stakeholders. Currently, we are meeting with key stakeholders and organizations that may have an interest in becoming contributing partners and/or providing funding for this initiative. For more information, you can review the Concept Paper which describes why IFT is pursuing this idea, what the Center's purpose and objectives are, and how it intends to conduct its work on traceability. You are welcome to share this document with others.
To learn how your organization can play a part in the Global Food Traceability Center initiative, or for more information, please contact William Fisher, Vice President of Science & Policy Initiatives, at wfisher@ift.org.