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Opening the event, Rob Fryatt, CEPA Director General, set the tone by declaring that the over-arching goal for CEPA was to be open and receptive to delegates and ideas, to represent the industry as a whole, to seek-out best practices and to enable its integration into the European market. Fryatt concluded by saying: “Only then does CEPA earn the right to lead the European pest control industry.”
FOOD INDUSTRY PARTNERSHIPS. The event majored on the role of pest control in the ever-expanding international food production and processing industry. Frank Meek, International Technical Director for Orkin Pest Control, said: “Food processors have a responsibility to produce safe and consistent food. To achieve this, a partnership needs to be struck between the food processor and their pest management professionals. Pest control must now be an integrated part of the overall hygiene management system in food preparation and processing areas.”
The fact that pest control is an integral part of food hygiene was underlined by Deryck Tremble, European Regional General Manager for AIB International, based in Leatherhead, UK. From the start of 2009 pest control within AIB is to be rechristened as Integrated Pest Management. A revised publication detailing the Consolidated Standards for Inspection will become operative from Jan. 2, 2009. A copy can be downloaded from AIB.
EUROPEAN PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS. Delegates were updated on the progress of a CEPA prepared document known as the Rome Protocol. This covers Europe-wide professional operating standards for the pest management industry.
The next step, as outlined by Robert Stuyt, President of CEPA, is to work with the European Standards Institute (CEN) to establish a European standard for company pest management operations. Stuyt said: “CEN is excited and keen to work with CEPA to establish such a standard. Pest management will be the first industry within the services sector to develop such a standard.”
Delegates also had opportunities to network and socialize throughout the event. During the event dinner the retirement of Pierre Jacques was officially recognized. For over 32 years Jacques has been involved with pest management in Belgium and is the last of the original founder members of CEPA to retire.