NFACC Membership

• Types of membership
• Code of Conduct for NFACC members, Partners, Directors and Support Personnel
• Application letter for Primary membership
• Application letter for Associate membership
• NFACC overview

NFACC member organizations must accept the farming of animals and understand that NFACC’s scope concerns national animal care issues related to farmed animals, with a primary focus on animals raised for the production of food for humans. An overview of NFACC, its objectives and core values is available here.

Member organizations should represent national groups wherever possible, or provincial groups where no national association exists. When a provincial or territorial director sits on the Board, that person is expected to reflect the views and provide feedback to all provinces and territories.

Each selected director will act as the conduit for communications between the Board and the member organization. The Council may accept additional Primary members from other stakeholder groups at its discretion.

All members of the Council have an obligation to support the decisions and positions of the NFACC. At all times, directors and members of the Council must be respectful of other directors and members.

All member organizations, associates, their directors and designated support personnel must abide by the Code of Conduct for NFACC members.

Types of Membership

Primary Voting Membership

Primary Voting Membership on NFACC shall be available to:

• National Farmed Animal Associations – any national commodity association (i.e., by species) or other national associations as deemed appropriate by the Council (e.g., Canadian Federation of Agriculture)
• National Associated Farmed Animal Industry Associations – any national service sector association (e.g. meat/poultry processors, auctions, transport, retail, food service)
• National Animal Welfare Associations – any national or provincial association that accepts the use of animals in agriculture (e.g. Canadian Federation of Humane Societies)
• National Veterinary Associations – a national association with a focus on farmed animal health (e.g. Canadian Veterinary Medical Association)
• Provincial Farm Animal Care Councils – one collective vote

Ex Officio Non-voting Members

In addition to the Board of Directors, NFACC shall include representation from:

• Governments – both at the federal and provincial level
• Research Community - a recognized researcher in farm animal welfare employed by a university or government research institute.

An eligible association/organization wishing to apply for Primary membership shall complete an application form, indicating that the prospective member supports the core values, goals, and objectives of NFACC, and will abide by the Code of Conduct. Prospective Primary members must be approved by the NFACC Board.

Associate Membership shall be available only to:

• Companies/ Corporations (including restaurants, retailers, processors, feed companies, etc.), or
• Associations representing stakeholders that are allied with the Canadian Farmed Animal industry but not included in NFACC’s Primary membership categories (as listed above)

that have applied and have been accepted for Associate non-voting membership on NFACC.

Associations not currently members of NFACC but who qualify for Primary membership are encouraged to apply for Primary membership on NFACC. Associations interested in becoming a member of NFACC but unsure of which membership category is appropriate, should contact NFACC’s General Manager.

The term of Associate membership shall be annual, subject to renewal in accordance with NFACC’s policies. Associate members shall not be entitled to vote at meetings of NFACC.

Prospective associate members must be approved by the NFACC’s Executive. An application form must be completed and signed indicating that the prospective member supports the core values, goals, and objectives of NFACC, and will abide by the Code of Conduct.

Code of Conduct for NFACC Members, Partners, Directors and Support Personnel

NFACC is a collaborative partnership of diverse stakeholders whose organizational and individual relationships are based on a foundation of trust, communication and respect.

This Code of Conduct guides NFACC members, directors and support personnel in their approach to farm animal welfare and interactions with other members of the Council. NFACC members, directors and support personnel hold themselves accountable to these principles.

NFACC principles:

TRUST – We undertake and encourage actions that build trust and credibility amongst participants in NFACC’s processes.

RESPECT – We respect not only the views and values of other NFACC members, but also their areas of expertise and authorities. Respect guides our interactions with fellow NFACC associates.

COMMUNICATION – We strive for open communication that builds relationships and mitigates challenges that may stand in the way of achieving our common interest in promoting farm animal welfare.

CONSENSUS – We operate on a consensus-based model of decision making. As such we support the decisions and positions of NFACC.

COLLABORATION – We strive to share information, develop consistent approaches and work together with other NFACC members in advancing farm animal welfare.

COMMITMENT – Leadership on farm animal welfare requires farmers, food companies, animal welfare advocacy groups, researchers, governments and other allied groups to work together. Therefore we agree to:

• Support the Code development process and the Codes developed through it,
• As individuals associated with NFACC, follow all applicable regulatory requirements, along with the applicable Code of Practice for all animals under our care,
  • Where a Code of Practice does not exist, provide all animals under our care with an appropriate balance of the 5 freedoms, i.e.,:

1. Freedom from Hunger and Thirst
2. Freedom from Discomfort
3. Freedom from Pain, Injury or Disease
4. Freedom to Express Normal Behaviour
5. Freedom from Fear and Distress

Application letter for Primary Membership in NFACC

Copy/paste the information below onto your organization’s letterhead. Please ensure your organization’s name, address, phone, and email are included.

Application letter for Associate Membership in NFACC

Copy/paste the information below onto your organization’s letterhead. Please ensure your organization’s name, address, phone, and email are included.