Mr. Andrew Bizley, Consul General of the United Kingdom in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, conducted an official field visit to the Rasun Poultry Grandparents Project, a cornerstone of Iraq’s poultry sector. He was warmly welcomed by the senior management team of VANO GROUP, the exclusive distributor of Aviagen ROSS 308 in Iraq.
The visit featured a comprehensive tour of the facilities followed by a detailed meeting, during which Mr. Bizley and VANO GROUP executives discussed the strategic importance of the Rasun Project in supporting food security, sustainability, and self-sufficiency in Iraq’s poultry industry. As one of the country’s most vital agricultural initiatives, the Rasun Grandparents Project plays a pivotal role in supplying parent stock essential for domestic poultry production.
The discussions also addressed key challenges facing the poultry sector, including logistical, economic, and regulatory obstacles, and explored collaborative strategies to ensure the project’s long-term success and resilience.
Mr. Karwan Salah, General Manager of VANO GROUP, underscored the importance of the visit, noting that such diplomatic engagement reflects growing confidence in British–Iraqi commercial relations. He emphasized that the Consul General’s presence represents a strong message of support for local production and the continued role of Ross 308 genetics in advancing Iraq’s poultry industry. Mr. Salah expressed his gratitude to Mr. Bizley for his interest and encouragement, viewing the visit as a valuable step toward enhanced cooperation with British companies.
In his remarks, Mr. Bizley reaffirmed the UK Consulate’s commitment to supporting British enterprises operating in the Kurdistan Region and Iraq. He commended VANO GROUP for its leadership and contributions to the national poultry sector, particularly through the Rasun Project, which ensures a stable and high-quality supply of Ross 308 parent stock chicks imported from Aviagen UK. He further praised the project’s impact on local food production and reiterated the Consulate’s readiness to facilitate business development and investment opportunities between British firms and Iraqi partners.
The Rasun Grandparents Project is a flagship initiative within Iraq’s poultry infrastructure, importing Ross 308 grandparent stock from the UK and distributing them through VANO GROUP to meet the growing demands of the market. This visit underscored the significance of UK–Iraq collaboration in strengthening food systems, empowering local industries, and advancing long-term agricultural sustainability.
