The purpose of FICA, like the International Food Information Council (IFIC), will be to bridge the gap between science and communication by collecting and circulating scientific information on food composition, food quality and safety, food biotechnology, food processing, nutrition and nutrition indicators, biodiversity and health, and by working with a wide-range of science and other experts to help translate scientific research into clear and useful information for opinion leaders, industries, and consumers in Africa.
3.1 Core objectives:

· Primarily, FICA’s role is to assess and communicate on all risks associated with the food chain.
· FICA is to provide independent scientific advice on all matters which have a direct or indirect bearing on food related issues in Africa. This may include safety of food for human consumption, nutrition, safety of animal feed and plant protection and plant health.
· The Agency will share its findings and listen to views of others through a vast network that will be developed over time, as well as interacting with experts and decision-makers on many levels.
· It will have a crucial role in communications especially in cases where it is necessary to pass on information to the public, for effective communication is the key to gaining the confidence of consumers and the respect of anyone with an interest in food related issues.