Q&A with Laura Scott

We sat down with Incoming AAFCO Board President, Laura Scott.

Why did you first get involved with AAFCO?

Canada has been a long-time member of AAFCO for both our regulatory and lab activities. I was able to attend a couple of seminars and it was great to meet people who had similar jobs and challenges as me. I started actively participating in AAFCO committees in 2017 when I took over as CFIA’s main contact. For Canada, AAFCO is a great way to stay connected and aligned on issues that cross our borders and to collaborate on tools and knowledge that are beneficial to everyone.

How has AAFCO played a role in your career?

Participating in a large organization like AAFCO has been a great way to build my leadership skills and to broaden my knowledge. AAFCO has allowed me to work with a great group of people and more importantly to learn from them. AAFCO members and advisors bring diverse perspectives to issues. This means that some topics have robust discussions which have helped me to learn more about issues and gain a better appreciation for all of the considerations. AAFCO also provides excellent leadership opportunities through committee work and the board.

What’s one thing you’d like to say to encourage members to get involved?

Just do it! Don’t hesitate to put up your hand to volunteer for a work group or to join a committee. Talk to a committee chair or a committee member and see how you can get involved. The more you put into your time with AAFCO, the more you’ll get out of it. You’ll build connections, develop skills you didn’t know you had and even make great friends.

What do you hope to see for AAFCO in the next 5 years?

I’d like to see AAFCO continue to grow as a trusted leader that safeguards animal and human health. I’d like to see participation from members remain high – collaboration helps ensure that AAFCO is representing our members and supporting their needs so they in turn can do their jobs to help ensure food for animals remains safe.

Tell us about the pets or animals in your life.

I currently have a calico cat, Tulo, that has full calico attitude and a golden retriever, Striker. In my free time I like to do dog sports, so Striker and I are working towards entering the obedience and agility rings and he’s earned some trick titles already. He’s not yet 2 so we still have some training to do before we’re ready to compete.