Responsible Use of Medicines in Agriculture (RUMA) Alliance is a UK-based lobbying organization established in 1997 that promotes the highest standards of food safety, animal health, and animal welfare within the livestock industry, focusing primarily on the responsible use of medicines, particularly antimicrobials. The organization operates with a strong emphasis on reducing antimicrobial resistance (AMR), aligning with a global ‘One Health’ approach to this challenge. RUMA advocates for prudent use of antibiotics in agriculture, emphasizing the mantra ‘as little as possible, as much as necessary’ to slow resistance buildup while maintaining animal welfare. It acts as a key interface between the pharmaceutical and farming sectors and public policymakers with the aim of fostering evidence-based best practices in the use of veterinary medicines.
RUMA involves various stakeholders, including farming industry bodies like the National Sheep Association (NSA), which supports RUMA’s initiatives to address AMR and improve on-farm antibiotic use. It maintains transparency and public engagement through websites targeted at farmers and the general public, emphasizing education and responsible veterinary medicine use on farms. The alliance also engages with EU institutions, regulators, and policymakers, contributing to regulatory discussions and promoting coordinated actions that integrate fiscal and regulatory measures to minimize unnecessary antimicrobial use.
RUMA is registered in the EU Transparency Register, which tracks organizations engaged in lobbying the EU institutions to maintain openness regarding the interests and resources involved in advocacy. The register includes detailed information on RUMA’s lobbying activities, affiliations, finance, and meetings with EU officials. Since its establishment, RUMA’s lobbying efforts have focused on influencing EU policies related to veterinary medicines, public and animal health, and regulatory frameworks aimed at curbing antimicrobial misuse in agriculture.
Regarding its networking, RUMA collaborates with various agricultural and public health organizations, including industry groups, UK farming bodies like the NSA, and participates in broader coalitions addressing AMR and food safety regulators both in the UK and at EU level. It also interfaces with pharmaceutical companies and veterinary associations to align interests on responsible medicine use.
Financially, RUMA’s declared EU lobbying expenditure is typically documented in the Transparency Register, showing its investment in influencing EU policy over time. This expenditure supports activities such as policy research, advocacy meetings, events, and stakeholder engagement.
RUMA actively participates in meetings with EU commissioners, cabinet members, and directors-general, focused on legislation and policies on animal health, veterinary medicines, and antimicrobial resistance. These engagements help shape EU decisions and promote RUMA’s agenda for sustainable, responsible use of medicines in agriculture.
