NFACC Information Update: May 2018
In this issue:
- NFACC welcomes new Associate Member - Gay Lea Foods
- Achievements report released
- Maintaining the integrity of the public comment period for Codes
- New Scientific Committee report released on animal welfare during transportation
- New videos available
- The next generation of Codes
- Upcoming events
NFACC WELCOMES NEW ASSOCIATE MEMBER - GAY LEA FOODS
NFACC is pleased to welcome Gay Lea Foods as new Associate Members.
“As a farmer owned and operated co-operative with members on more than 1,360 Canadian dairy farms, Gay Lea Foods knows well that high quality dairy products begin with high quality milk from healthy, well cared for animals. Our co-operative is fully supportive of a strong animal welfare system that promotes scientifically informed codes of practice for animal care and handling, and we look forward to working collaboratively with NFACC members to ensure these programs continue to safeguard the health and welfare of animals on-farm, while also meeting the expectations of our customers and consumers.” - Michael Barrett, President & CEO”
ACHIEVEMENTS REPORT RELEASED*
The final annual Achievements Report for the project, “Market Relevant Codes and Communication Leadership” is now available at www.nfacc.ca/achievement-reports. This report summarizes how NFACC is delivering leadership on farm animal care. Five new Codes were released from 2016-2018, illustrating NFACC’s track record of success. Harnessing the strengths of diversity and consensus-based collaboration, NFACC’s approach maximizes the opportunity to make better and more sustainable decisions on animal welfare. These efforts are fundamental for building public trust relative to farm animal welfare.
MAINTAINING THE INTEGRITY OF THE PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD FOR CODES*
NFACC is continually aiming higher to enhance its already robust processes. An internal review of the Public Comment Period process has been completed. The resulting recommendations will further enhance how public feedback is invited, received, and incorporated into the Code development process.
Going forward expect:
- Earlier and additional opportunities to participate in the Code development process
- A process that is more navigable, making it easier to provide input
- Improved acknowledgement that your feedback was received.
The full report is available at www.nfacc.ca/public-comment-period.
NEW SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE REPORT RELEASED ON ANIMAL WELFARE DURING TRANSPORTATION
The report, “Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Farm Animals: Transportation, Review of Scientific Research on Priority Welfare Issues” is available at www.nfacc.ca/transportation-code-of-practice-update.
This peer-reviewed report synthesizes the results of research related to key animal welfare issues during transportation. Species covered included cattle, pigs, poultry, sheep, and equine. The Scientific Committee focused on the effect of transport duration, time off feed and water, rest intervals (where appropriate by species), environmental conditions, and loading density, as single factors or in combination, on animal welfare.
NEW VIDEOS AVAILABLE
Two new videos are available from NFACC’s YouTube channel:
- “How Codes are Used” – this 3 minute video outlines the three roles of farm animal welfare Codes in Canada. Watch the video at www.youtube.com/watch?v=aawKZaGAlYI&t=10s.
- “Producer Champions Speak about the Rabbit Code” – two rabbit producers involved in the development of Canada’s first-ever rabbit Code of Practice talk about what the Code means for them and their industry. Watch the video at www.youtube.com/watch?v=_T_adQcmYPs&t=2s.
THE NEXT GENERATION OF CODES
A project proposal has been submitted through the new Canadian Agricultural Partnership to update the following Codes (with support from the national leads for each industry group):
- Transportation Code (2001) – stakeholders across the transportation continuum support the update of this Code
- Goat Code (2003)
- Dairy Cattle (2009)
- Aquaculture/Fish Welfare – NEW!
Note: The process for developing or updating Codes of Practice for the Care and Handling of Farm Animals is not sustained on an ongoing basis. NFACC applies for project funding for every Code that is developed or updated.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Visit www.nfacc.ca for more information and links.
If you have an animal welfare event that you would like us to feature, please email Mikki (mikki@nfacc.ca).
*"Market Relevant Codes and Communication Leadership" - a project made possible through the AgriMarketing Program under Growing Forward 2, a federal –provincial –territorial initiative.
