Surge in agri-food production prompts Alltech executive changes

Animal health and nutrition company Alltech has made a number of executive level changes in response to a surge in European agri-food production.

The group’s European regional director, Patrick Charlton, has been named as vice-president of Alltech Europe. He takes the reins from Marc Larousse who has been promoted to vice-president for business development.

At Alltech for the past 21 years, Mr Charlton has worked extensively in Africa, Canada and the Middle East, and was also global Bioplex manager responsible for the Bioplex series of organic minerals.

“European agriculture is changing rapidly in response to a growing export market and increased internal regulation and Alltech Europe must grow and expand to keep up with these developments,” said Mr Charlton.

“We have a fantastic team in place with a firm devotion to the future of European agriculture, with unparalleled knowledge and experience in the agriculture industry. Together we will further the development of new technologies, while continuing to meet the needs of local customers.”

Alltech’s regional managers recently conducted a survey which found that the world’s feed production has reached an estimated 873m tonnes. The survey assessed tonnage of 132 countries and all species. This estimate compares to the 2010 WATT report, which indicated 717.6m tonnes.

Asia has secured a role as the number one feed producing region with a tonnage of 305m, and China is the leading country with a total tonnage of 175.4m. Europe follows Asia with 200m. North America, Latin America and the Middle East/ Africa round out the listing with 185m, 125m and 47m respectively.

Though headquartered in Kentucky, US, Alltech has a large operation in Co Meath and is widely seen as an Irish company thanks to the group’s Irish founder, Pearse Lyons.

“Alltech is experiencing tremendous progress in Europe,” said Dr Lyons. “This region has been a vital part of Alltech’s core strategy for many years and now it is time for us to expand. With Patrick Charlton’s considerable experience and leadership we are anticipating strong growth and development throughout the Europe region.”

The company has more than 2,650 employees in 128 countries.

Alltech is also a household name in equestrian circles.

It is the title sponsor of the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games 2014, scheduled to be held in Normandy, France. The games will take place from Aug 24, to Sep 7, 2014.

The French town of Caen is already in countdown mode, recently marking 1,000 days to go to the games with the commissioning of a totem pole made up of three obstacle bars pointing up towards the sky.

This will be erected in the stadium Michel d’Ornano and will house a solar-powered countdown clock.

In addition, an equestrian themed event will take place this weekend on Caen’s Saint-Pierre main street, Rue Saint-Pierre.

The street will be branded with the new identity, park benches will be turned into hurdles and the horses of the merry-go-round and lampposts will be wearing the official colours.