Trade, Avian Influenza, and artificial intelligence in focus at IPC Annual Meeting 2026.
The International Poultry Council (IPC) Annual Meeting 2026 concluded this week with a clear message: leadership matters more than ever in a sector facing profound change.
The meeting marked British Poultry Council Chief Executive Richard Griffiths’ first address as IPC President, the first time a UK representative has held the position. Mr Griffiths emphasised the importance of engagement and dialogue, making clear that IPC members must work together to actively shape solutions, rather than simply respond to events.
Mr Griffiths said: “The challenges ahead are complex and interconnected, but there is a strong appetite to engage. IPC is well positioned to drive coordinated global action, and the UK sector is ready to step up, share responsibility, and help shape solutions that matter.”
Attendees, meeting in Atlanta, Georgia (USA), also celebrated IPC’s 20th anniversary. This milestone marked a moment to recognise founder Jim Sumner for his vision in establishing IPC as the global forum for the poultry sector.
Discussion centred on three defining issues, where leadership and coordination will determine outcomes.
International trade in a fractured world
Keynote speaker Roberto Azevêdo, former Director-General of the World Trade Organization, reflected on the realignment of global relationships and the growing complexity of international trade. In an environment where strategic cooperation matters more than ever, Azevêdo emphasised the need for trusted dialogue and stable frameworks. Poultry remains central to global food security, affordability, and access, underlining the sector’s responsibility to engage constructively and support resilient trading relationships.
Managing Avian Influenza
Avian Influenza dominated conversation, with a collective understanding that the sector must move decisively from reaction to anticipation. The launch of IPC’s ‘Preparedness Framework’ reinforced that preparedness is no longer optional: a stronger focus on surveillance, biosecurity, and the exploration of vaccination will be critical to living with Avian Influenza. The UK is well placed to lead by example, translating scientific capability and ambition into coherent action.
The role of artificial intelligence
With artificial intelligence already reshaping decision-making across the value chain, the message was clear: technological leadership will be a defining factor in competitiveness and resilience. Speakers highlighted real-world applications delivering measurable gains, followed by an interactive ‘Preparing for Tomorrow’ workshop. This reinforced the importance of foresight and collaboration as the sector navigates uncertainty across geopolitics, disease challenge, and workforce readiness.
Speakers:
- Richard Griffiths, IPC President
- Roberto Azevêdo, former Director-General, World Trade Organization
- Christine McCracken, Rabobank
- Gounalan Pavade, World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH)
- Carel du Marchie Sarvaas, HealthforAnimals
- Julian Sparrey, Livetec
- Andrea Thomas, BlueDot
- Justin Sherrard, Völur
- Brian Earnest, CoBank
- Dennis Erpelding and Elisabetta Olgiati, IPC
- Greg Tyler, USA Poultry & Egg Export Council