Development of Canada’s first Code of Practice for Farmed Finfish underway; stakeholder survey launched
PARTICIPATE NOW - We want your input
- Introductory survey for the farmed finfish Code - survey closes March 17, 2019
NEWS RELEASE
For immediate release:
(Ottawa) 25 February 2019 – The National Farm Animal Care Council (NFACC) is pleased to announce the development of a Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Farmed Finfish. Initiated by the Canadian Aquaculture Industry Alliance (CAIA), this Code will be developed using NFACC’s Code development process.
The Code development process includes a survey, launched at the outset of each Code, to capture top-of-mind welfare concerns from any and all stakeholders. The input received will help the Code Development Committee understand the kinds of issues people wish to see considered throughout the process. Everyone is invited to participate; the survey for the farmed finfish Code is available on the home page of NFACC’s website (www.nfacc.ca) or www.nfacc.ca/codes-of-practice/farmed-finfish.
Canada’s Codes of Practice are guidelines for the care and handling of farm animals. They reflect our national understanding of animal care requirements and recommended practices and serve as educational tools, reference materials for regulations, and the foundation for farm animal care assessment programs.
“We are very excited about partnering with NFACC on Canada’s first Code of Practice for farmed finfish. This Code will serve as an important tool for promoting responsible animal care standards for farmed finfish in Canada,” states Tim Kennedy, President and CEO of CAIA. He added, “The development of this Code is an excellent opportunity for members of Canada’s aquaculture sector to come together and establish a national standard that ensures a good quality of life for finfish raised in Canadian waters.”
“The NFACC Code development process is based on stakeholder commitment to ensure quality animal care standards are established,” said Ryder Lee, Chair of NFACC. “It is a uniquely robust approach that brings together practical expertise, public expectations, and the latest science into an achievable reality.”
Along with the development of the farmed finfish Code, three Codes – transportation, dairy cattle, and goats – are being updated. Visit www.nfacc.ca for more details and a timeline outlining the steps and progress made on the various Codes.
Funding for this project has been provided through the AgriAssurance Program under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership, a federal–provincial–territorial initiative.
About NFACC
The National Farm Animal Care Council (NFACC) is a collaborative partnership of diverse stakeholders created in 2005 to share information and work together on farm animal care and welfare. It is the national lead for farm animal care in Canada. For more information visit www.nfacc.ca.
About the CAIA
The Canadian Aquaculture Industry Alliance (CAIA) is the national association that speaks for Canada’s seafood farmers, representing their interests in Ottawa to regulators, policy makers, and political leaders. With a membership that reaches coast to coast to coast, comprised of finfish, shellfish and aquatic plant farmers, feed companies and suppliers, as well as regional aquaculture associations, CAIA is a passionate advocate for the quality and sustainability of farmed seafood. For more information visit www.aquaculture.ca
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For more information contact:
Jackie Wepruk, General Manager & Project Coordinator, National Farm Animal Care Council
Phone: 403-783-4066, nfacc@xplornet.com, www.nfacc.ca
Dawid Werminski, Policy and Regulatory Affairs Manager, Canadian Aquaculture Industry Alliance
Phone: 613-239-0619, dawid.werminski@aquaculture.ca, www.aquaculture.ca
