The Canadian Sheep Federation (CanSheep) has announced the launch of the Canadian Verified Sheep Program (CVSP).
A rebranding of the Food Safe Farm Practices program, this new program adds two additional modules on animal care and biosecurity.
Sheep farmers who have already completed the Food Safe Farm Practices program will only need to complete these added two chapters to complete the process of the Verified Sheep Program, according to the Canadian Sheep Federation.
“The program was developed to allow producers to demonstrate responsible management practices on their sheep farm, building off of the Codes of Practice for the Care and Handling of Sheep and the National Sheep On-Farm Biosecurity Standard,” says Kristy House, CVSP national co-ordinator.
House adds that logos and branding are in the works, for use by those who complete the process, and that this program was specifically developed with a move to “humane” production certification.
“We built the animal care chapter of the NFACC Sheep Code of Practice, which is considered the standard for animal welfare for sheep in Canada, and the animal welfare groups were involved in the process. The next year of the project focusses on working branding and working with retailers and processors to have certified animals recognized,” House says.
For more information, sheep farmers may visit the Canadian Sheep Federation website.
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