History and accomplishments of the International Goat Association during the last 20 years

The International Goat Association (IGA) was organized on 12 January 1982 during the Third International Conference on Goats in Tucson, AZ, USA. Approximately 160 persons from 42 countries attended the organizational meetings. The organization was unanimously approved with Warren C. Foote as interim chairman and subsequently president and Kent Leach as secretary-treasurer. A board of directors was elected consisting of Jean G. Boyazoglu, C. Devendra, Christian Gall, George F.W. Haenlein, Peter Holst, Pierre Morand-Fehr, Maurice Shelton and Clair E. Terrill. IGA has continued to expand its influence and service during its first 20 years. IGA is unique in providing sustained international focus on a single species of animals and promoting its usefulness for the good of humankind. It has succeeded through three primary objectives: (1) fostering the use of goats to provide for the needs of people; (2) encouraging research with and development of goats to increase their productivity and usefulness throughout the world; (3) perpetuating the international conferences on goats. IGA has effectively encouraged and assisted the development of science and technology of goats and their application. IGA’s challenges in the future include to remain focused on its initial objectives; to maintain its place and role in international leadership; and to remain an independent but collaborative force in a world of shifting politics and economies, increasing numbers of GOs and NGOs, and exploding technology—to continue to speak with singleness of purpose and direction. © 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved