Updates planned for livestock codes of practice

The news

Three existing livestock codes of practice will receive updates and one new code of practice will be created with an announced $4.56 million granted to the Canadian Animal Health Coalition (CAHC), on behalf of the National Farm Animal Care Council (NFACC). NFACC is a collaborative partnership of stakeholders created to share information and work together on farm animal care and welfare. It is the national lead for farm animal care in Canada.

The details

The funding, made through the federal AgriAssurance program of the Canadian Agricultural Partnership, will be used to:

• Update the transportation Codes of Practice for the care and handling of farm animals during transport;
• Update the dairy Code of Practice that will address new scientific findings, changes in industry practices, and address changes in market and consumer demands;
• Update the goat Code of Practice that will respond to growing buyer and consumer expectations for on-farm animal welfare; and,
• Develop a new Code of Practice for farmed fish. The federal government says that fish welfare is a new and emerging animal welfare concern for which the industry needs to be able to demonstrate its commitment and alignment with public values and consumer expectations.

Quotes

“Livestock and poultry welfare is important to everyone, from the animals themselves to producers and consumers. We are pleased the Government of Canada has chosen to invest in this project to help improve farm animal well-being and address expectations of consumers and the marketplace.” – Ryder Lee, chair of the National Farm Animal Care Council.

Watch RealAgriculture for more details to follow as we follow up on which aspects of the existing codes are set to be updated.