Last Updated: 5th October 2025

At GAFA – Global Animal Feed Association (“GAFA”, “we”, “our”, “us”), your privacy is important to us. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and protect your personal information when you use our website animalfeeds.org, including our business directory, community forum, and related services (the “Services”).

By using our Services, you agree to the practices described in this Privacy Policy.


1. Who We Are

We are the Global Animal Feed Association (GAFA), the operator of animalfeeds.org.

Our website address is: https://animalfeeds.org


2. Information We Collect

We collect the following types of information:

  • Account Information – When you register, claim a listing, or participate in our forum, we collect your name, email address, and other details you provide.

  • User Content – Reviews, forum posts, comments, business information, and any media you upload.

  • Technical Data – IP address, browser type, operating system, and device information (collected automatically for security and analytics).

  • Cookies & Usage Data – To improve user experience, store preferences, enable logins, and track site performance.


3. Comments & Forum Activity

When visitors leave comments or participate in the forum:

  • We collect the data shown in the form (e.g., name, email, comment).

  • We log your IP address and browser user agent to help prevent spam and abuse.

  • If you use Gravatar, an anonymized hash of your email address may be sent to their service to display your profile image (see Gravatar Privacy Policy).


4. Media Uploads

If you upload images, you should remove embedded location data (EXIF GPS). Visitors to the site may download and extract location data from images.


5. Cookies & Tracking

We use cookies to:

  • Enable login sessions and save user preferences

  • Support forum participation and business listings

  • Improve security and detect spam

  • Analyze site traffic and performance (via third-party analytics tools)

You can disable cookies in your browser settings, but some features of our Services may not function properly.


6. Embedded Content

Articles or forum posts may include embedded content (e.g., videos, social media, or third-party links). Embedded content behaves as if you visited the external site directly, which may collect data about you, use cookies, or track your interactions.


7. How We Use Your Data

We use the information we collect to:

  • Provide and improve our Services

  • Enable user registration, profiles, reviews, and forum discussions

  • Verify and manage business listings and claims

  • Communicate with you about your account, updates, or support requests

  • Monitor for abuse, fraud, or security threats

  • Comply with legal obligations


8. Who We Share Your Data With

We do not sell your personal information. However, we may share it with:

  • Service providers (e.g., hosting, analytics, spam detection)

  • Law enforcement or regulators when required by law

  • Other users (for example, your public profile, reviews, and forum posts are visible to other members of the community)


9. Data Retention

  • Comments & Reviews – Retained indefinitely to maintain the integrity of discussions and business listings.

  • User Accounts – Stored until you request deletion or close your account.

  • Business Listings – Remain visible unless updated, claimed, or removed.

  • Technical Logs – Retained for a limited time for security and site administration.


10. Your Rights

Depending on your location (e.g., under GDPR in the UK/EU), you may have the right to:

  • Access the personal data we hold about you

  • Request correction or deletion of your personal data

  • Object to or restrict certain types of processing

  • Request a copy of your data in a portable format

To exercise these rights, please contact us at office@animalfeeds.org.


11. Data Transfers

Our Services are hosted in the United States. If you access our site from outside that region, your data may be transferred and processed in another country. We take reasonable steps to ensure your data is protected in accordance with this policy.


12. Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal data. However, no method of transmission or storage is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.


13. Children’s Privacy

Our Services are not directed to children under 16. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe a child has provided us with personal information, please contact us.


14. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Any changes will be posted on this page with a revised “Last Updated” date.


15. Contact Us

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or your data, please contact us:

GAFA – Global Animal Feed Association
office@animalfeeds.org