Speakers

Alison Watson specializes in Quality, Health, Safety, and Environment, with over two decades of distinguished experience across the agri-food sectors. Her career has been defined by a relentless pursuit of excellence in quality management, health and safety and regulatory compliance, with a strong emphasis on Environmental and Social Governance (ESG). She has led cross-functional teams to implement world-class quality systems, drive continuous improvement, and build sustainable practices, all while ensuring the welfare of workers and upholding the highest ethical standards.

Currently, Alison serves as Senior Manager at Silal Food and Technology LLC, where she oversees the quality management systems for a vast portfolio, including locally grown produce, strategic reserves, and a diverse array of commodities. She leads efforts to secure ISO and Global GAP certifications, ensuring compliance with both local and international regulatory standards. A key aspect of her role involves collaborating with government and regulatory bodies such as MOCCE, ADAFSA, and Dubai Municipality to ensure that Silal’s operations not only meet but exceed the highest industry standards.

Throughout her career, Alison has managed and elevated quality operations, implemented rigorous food safety mechanisms, and ensured product integrity across multiple locations. Her tenure at the United States Department of Agriculture highlighted her ability to navigate complex regulatory landscapes, where she developed policies that facilitated market access for Jamaican agricultural products and contributing to sector growth.

Alison holds a Master’s degree in Zoology from the University of the West Indies and has recently begun the Senior Management Program at the prestigious University of Cambridge. Throughout her career, she has remained deeply committed to agriculture and local production while driving quality excellence within a culture of safety, sustainability, and responsible governance.