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 as a specialist adviser in the food industry, she has developed expertise across 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 from 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 new initiatives and provide expertise on regulatory and compliance matters affecting the agri-supply chain. She will specialise in 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 at 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.”
AIC is the UK agricultural supply industry's leading trade association, representing businesses that supply farmers and growers with animal feed, fertiliser, seed, crop protection products and related services. It also delivers trade assurance schemes and technical support recognised as underpinning feed and food safety.
