The American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) and the Grain Elevator and Processing Society (GEAPS) signed a memorandum of understanding last week that will expand educational and professional development opportunities for members of both organizations.
AFIA, the world’s largest organization representing the U.S. animal food industry and its suppliers, and GEAPS, an international association of grain handling and processing professionals, will collaborate to connect their members with select educational courses, industry events and other resources. The organizations will also coordinate enrollment processes and jointly promote eligible opportunities to their members.
“We are excited to partner with GEAPS to expand the programs and educational opportunities available to our members,” said Megan Provost, AFIA’s chief operating officer. “By bringing together the strengths and expertise of our two organizations, we can provide industry professionals with more resources to grow their knowledge, build their skills and support the continued success of the feed and grain industries.”
John Caupert, GEAPS chief executive officer, said the grain, grain processing and animal feed industries are closely connected. “This partnership creates opportunities for employees to access educational programming, exchange knowledge and build relationships by combining our strengths and resources,” he said.
Under the MOU, eligible GEAPS members can access AFIA’s training modules and professional growth opportunities, such as the biennial Feed Industry Institute. They will also receive discounted rates to AFIA’s premier industry events, including the Liquid Feed Symposium and the Equipment Manufacturers Conference.
AFIA members will receive discounted rates for GEAPS’ online learning modules and attendance to the GEAPS Exchange and GEAPS Leadership Conference. The organizations will announce specific eligible programs and registration information as they become available.
The partnership was in the making for over a year and builds on the organizations’ shared commitment to providing practical education that supports experts across the feed and grain industries.
