The document discusses developments in farm animal welfare in the U.S., which is mainly market-driven with little federal regulation. It outlines various state laws, federal regulatory developments, third-party certification programs, and initiatives by the production industry, individual producers, retailers, and food service industry to improve welfare. However, it notes that welfare standards remain low, claims can lack oversight, and public education is still needed on conventional and higher-welfare production methods.
The Brussels Development Briefing no. 52 on “Food safety: a critical part of the food system in Africa ” took place on 19 September 2018 from 09h00 to 13h00, ACP Secretariat, Brussels 451 Avenue Georges Henri, 1200 Brussels. This Briefing was organised by the ACP-EU Technical Centre for Agricultural and Rural Cooperation (CTA), in collaboration with the European Commission (DG DEVCO & DG Health and Food Safety), the ACP Secretariat, CONCORD and the Global Food Safety Partnership.
Jim Fallon - Balancing People, Animals and the PlanetJohn Blue
Balancing People, Animals and the Planet - Jim Fallon, Coalition for Sustainable Agriculture, from the 2013 NIAA Merging Values and Technology conference, April 15-17, 2013, Louisville, KY, USA.
More presentations at http://www.trufflemedia.com/agmedia/conference/2013-niaa-merging-values-and-technology
Overview of Community Based Breeding Program and implementation procedureILRI
Presented by Tesfaye Getachew, ICARDA, at the SmaRT Ethiopia workshop and field day on Small Ruminant Community Based Breeding Program (CBBP), Hosaena, Ethiopia, 27–28 March 2018
Refocusing livestock agricultural research for development to address food an...ILRI
Presentation by Tom Randolph, Michael Kidoido, Isabelle Baltenweck, Steve Staal and Delia Grace at the Tropentag 2014 conference on 'Bridging the gap between increasing knowledge and decreasing resources', Prague, Czech Republic, 17−19 September 2014.
La experiencia de Organic Cotton Accelerator (OCA) para la conformación de me...Maximiliano Valencia
Presentación de la experiencia OCA, una iniciativa de múltiples partes interesadas centradas en la creación de un próspero sector del algodón orgánico que beneficia a todos, desde el agricultor al consumidor.
The Brussels Development Briefing no. 52 on “Food safety: a critical part of the food system in Africa ” took place on 19 September 2018 from 09h00 to 13h00, ACP Secretariat, Brussels 451 Avenue Georges Henri, 1200 Brussels. This Briefing was organised by the ACP-EU Technical Centre for Agricultural and Rural Cooperation (CTA), in collaboration with the European Commission (DG DEVCO & DG Health and Food Safety), the ACP Secretariat, CONCORD and the Global Food Safety Partnership.
Jim Fallon - Balancing People, Animals and the PlanetJohn Blue
Balancing People, Animals and the Planet - Jim Fallon, Coalition for Sustainable Agriculture, from the 2013 NIAA Merging Values and Technology conference, April 15-17, 2013, Louisville, KY, USA.
More presentations at http://www.trufflemedia.com/agmedia/conference/2013-niaa-merging-values-and-technology
Overview of Community Based Breeding Program and implementation procedureILRI
Presented by Tesfaye Getachew, ICARDA, at the SmaRT Ethiopia workshop and field day on Small Ruminant Community Based Breeding Program (CBBP), Hosaena, Ethiopia, 27–28 March 2018
Refocusing livestock agricultural research for development to address food an...ILRI
Presentation by Tom Randolph, Michael Kidoido, Isabelle Baltenweck, Steve Staal and Delia Grace at the Tropentag 2014 conference on 'Bridging the gap between increasing knowledge and decreasing resources', Prague, Czech Republic, 17−19 September 2014.
La experiencia de Organic Cotton Accelerator (OCA) para la conformación de me...Maximiliano Valencia
Presentación de la experiencia OCA, una iniciativa de múltiples partes interesadas centradas en la creación de un próspero sector del algodón orgánico que beneficia a todos, desde el agricultor al consumidor.
The Role of Women Entrepreneurs in Dairy Value Chain Activities: Examples fr...ILRI
Presented by Kassahun Belay at the Gender and Market Oriented Agriculture (AgriGender 2011) Workshop, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 31st January–2nd February 2011
Better lives through livestock: ILRI in East Africa focus on dairyILRI
Presentation by Amos Omore at a webinar held to highlight opportunities and initiatives for the development of sustainable dairy farm systems in East Africa 1 June 2021
More meat, milk and fish by and for the poor: Solution-driven research with d...ILRI
Poster prepared at the Tropentag 2014: Bridging the Gap between Increasing Knowledge and Decreasing Resources Workshop, Prague, Czech Republic, 17-19 September 2014
Meat, milk and fish are critical to poor people as food and income. They provide critical inputs in the diets of the poor, especially those who are malnourished.
The Challenge: to ensure the poor can have better access to enough and affordable animal-source foods as populations increase, resources for producing them become more constrained and demand for these foods rises. Part of the solution will come from increased productivity in the small-scale production and marketing systems that many poor rely on for their animal-source foods. We identify opportunities to improve and transform these systems to better meet the needs of the poor.
Asian Chicken Genetic Gains (AsCGG): A platform for exploring, testing and ...ILRI
Presented by Tadelle Dessie at the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), at launch meeting of the Asian Chicken Genetic Gains project, 24-25 May 2021.
Presented by Delia Grace at the Joint CGIAR Research Program on Agriculture for Nutrition and Health (A4NH)/CGIAR Independent Science and Partnership Council (ISPC) Workshop on Nutrition, Washington, D.C., 22-23 September 2014.
White gold - Opportunities for Dairy Sector Development Collaboration in East...Jan van der Lee
This report presents findings from desk studies and country visits on the six East African countries (Burundi, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda) made on request of the Inter-Agency Donor Group on Pro-poor Livestock Development, as per study terms of reference. It includes recommendations on areas of donor support and collaboration, a regional dairy sector analysis, country dairy profiles, and current donor programs in the dairy sector.
Smallholder dairy farming in Tanzania: Farming practices, animal health and p...ILRI
Poster prepared by Silvia Alonso, Phil Toye, George Msalya, Delia Grace and Fred Unger for the 6th All Africa Conference on Animal Agriculture, Nairobi, Kenya, 27-30 October 2014.
Better lives through livestock: ILRI in SADC Region ILRI
Presented by Amos Omore and Sikhalazo Dube at the Virtual Food Agriculture and Natural Resources (FANR) / International Cooperating Partner (ICP) Group Meeting on Agriculture and Food Security. Gaborone, Botswana, 7 October 2020.
Demand for grass-fed beef has increased by 25–30% every year over the last decade. Now, more than ever, it is critical for producers to get their message out to the world. Andrew Gunther from A Greener World presents to SWGLA members on the topic at the 2016 Southwest Grass-Fed Conference.
The Role of Women Entrepreneurs in Dairy Value Chain Activities: Examples fr...ILRI
Presented by Kassahun Belay at the Gender and Market Oriented Agriculture (AgriGender 2011) Workshop, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 31st January–2nd February 2011
Better lives through livestock: ILRI in East Africa focus on dairyILRI
Presentation by Amos Omore at a webinar held to highlight opportunities and initiatives for the development of sustainable dairy farm systems in East Africa 1 June 2021
More meat, milk and fish by and for the poor: Solution-driven research with d...ILRI
Poster prepared at the Tropentag 2014: Bridging the Gap between Increasing Knowledge and Decreasing Resources Workshop, Prague, Czech Republic, 17-19 September 2014
Meat, milk and fish are critical to poor people as food and income. They provide critical inputs in the diets of the poor, especially those who are malnourished.
The Challenge: to ensure the poor can have better access to enough and affordable animal-source foods as populations increase, resources for producing them become more constrained and demand for these foods rises. Part of the solution will come from increased productivity in the small-scale production and marketing systems that many poor rely on for their animal-source foods. We identify opportunities to improve and transform these systems to better meet the needs of the poor.
Asian Chicken Genetic Gains (AsCGG): A platform for exploring, testing and ...ILRI
Presented by Tadelle Dessie at the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), at launch meeting of the Asian Chicken Genetic Gains project, 24-25 May 2021.
Presented by Delia Grace at the Joint CGIAR Research Program on Agriculture for Nutrition and Health (A4NH)/CGIAR Independent Science and Partnership Council (ISPC) Workshop on Nutrition, Washington, D.C., 22-23 September 2014.
White gold - Opportunities for Dairy Sector Development Collaboration in East...Jan van der Lee
This report presents findings from desk studies and country visits on the six East African countries (Burundi, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda) made on request of the Inter-Agency Donor Group on Pro-poor Livestock Development, as per study terms of reference. It includes recommendations on areas of donor support and collaboration, a regional dairy sector analysis, country dairy profiles, and current donor programs in the dairy sector.
Smallholder dairy farming in Tanzania: Farming practices, animal health and p...ILRI
Poster prepared by Silvia Alonso, Phil Toye, George Msalya, Delia Grace and Fred Unger for the 6th All Africa Conference on Animal Agriculture, Nairobi, Kenya, 27-30 October 2014.
Better lives through livestock: ILRI in SADC Region ILRI
Presented by Amos Omore and Sikhalazo Dube at the Virtual Food Agriculture and Natural Resources (FANR) / International Cooperating Partner (ICP) Group Meeting on Agriculture and Food Security. Gaborone, Botswana, 7 October 2020.
Demand for grass-fed beef has increased by 25–30% every year over the last decade. Now, more than ever, it is critical for producers to get their message out to the world. Andrew Gunther from A Greener World presents to SWGLA members on the topic at the 2016 Southwest Grass-Fed Conference.
The Eastern Ontario Local Food Conference (EOLFC 2013) provided a great opportunity to share information, learn about success stories and gather information on innovative local food businesses, projects and best practices. The conference was organized by KEDCO (Kingston Economic Development Corporation) and the Ministry of Agriculture and Food and the Ministry of Rural Affairs. The theme of the conference was Innovation Driving Local Food and it was held December 3, 2013 at the Ambassador Hotel in Kingston, Ontario, Canada. Jim Slama of Familyfarmed.org keynote presentation on Good Food = Good Business.
Dr. David French - Retail Panel on Stewardship Programs - Sanderson FarmsJohn Blue
Retail Panel on Stewardship Programs - Sanderson Farms - Dr. David French, Veterinarian, Sanderson Farms, from the 2016 NIAA Antibiotic Symposium - Working Together For Better Solutions, November 1 - 3, 2016, Herndon, Virginia, USA.
More presentations at http://www.swinecast.com/2016-niaa-symposium-antibiotic-use-working-together-for-better-solutions
The presentation was made to a group of 40 poultry farmers from various farms across Kenya to sensitize them about the Farm Animals Responsible Minimum Standards (FARMS).
Bryn Jensson - Leading by example - showing we care at the barn levelJohn Blue
Leading by example - showing we care at the barn level - Bryn Jensson, National Pork Board, from the 2012 World Pork Expo, June 6-8, Des Moines, Iowa, USA.
More presentations at http://www.swinecast.com/2012-world-pork-expo
Dr. Janet Helms - Animal Welfare Standards: Good for animals. Good for farmersJohn Blue
Animal Welfare Standards: Good for animals. Good for farmers - Dr. Janet Helms, National Director, American Humane, from the 2017 NIAA Annual Conference, U.S. Animal Agriculture's Future Role In World Food Production - Obstacles & Opportunities, April 4 - 6, Columbus, OH, USA.
More presentations at http://www.trufflemedia.com/agmedia/conference/2017_niaa_us_animal_ag_future_role_world_food_production
Mr. Joe Swedberg - Antibiotic Stewardship Update ProgressJohn Blue
Antibiotic Stewardship Update Progress - Dr. Roger Saltman, Group Director Cattle and Equine Technical Services, Zoetis; Ms. Shannon Wharton, Research Manager, Hy-Plains Feedyard; Mr. Joe Swedberg, Chairman of the Board, Farm Foundation, Hormel Foods Corporation (retired); Dr. William T. Flynn, Deputy Director, Science Policy, Center for Veterinary Medicine, FDA; Dr. Amy Batal, Corporate Nutritionist, Sanderson Farms, from the 2017 NIAA Antibiotic Symposium - Antibiotic Stewardship: Collaborative Strategy for Animal Agriculture and Human Health, October 31 - November 2, 2017, Herndon, Virginia, USA.
More presentations at http://www.swinecast.com/2017-niaa-antibiotic-symposium-antibiotic-stewardship
Dr. Lisa Becton - Pork Industry Antibiotics UpdateJohn Blue
Pork Industry Antibiotics Update - Dr. Lisa Becton, National Pork Board, from the 2016 Iowa Pork Congress, January 27-28, Des Moines, IA, USA.
More presentations at http://www.swinecast.com/2016-iowa-pork-congress
Dr. Amy Batal - Antibiotic Stewardship Update ProgressJohn Blue
Antibiotic Stewardship Update Progress - Dr. Roger Saltman, Group Director Cattle and Equine Technical Services, Zoetis; Ms. Shannon Wharton, Research Manager, Hy-Plains Feedyard; Mr. Joe Swedberg, Chairman of the Board, Farm Foundation, Hormel Foods Corporation (retired); Dr. William T. Flynn, Deputy Director, Science Policy, Center for Veterinary Medicine, FDA; Dr. Amy Batal, Corporate Nutritionist, Sanderson Farms, from the 2017 NIAA Antibiotic Symposium - Antibiotic Stewardship: Collaborative Strategy for Animal Agriculture and Human Health, October 31 - November 2, 2017, Herndon, Virginia, USA.
More presentations at http://www.swinecast.com/2017-niaa-antibiotic-symposium-antibiotic-stewardship
1. Developments in Farm Animal Welfare
in the U.S.
Cathy Liss, President, Animal Welfare Institute
Market-Driven Animal Welfare in the EU and the U.S.
March 22, 2012
2. About the Animal Welfare Institute
• Non-profit US charity founded in 1951
• Mission to alleviate suffering inflicted on animals by
humans
• Seeks humane husbandry, handling, transport and
slaughter for all animals raised for food.
• Engages with policymakers, scientists, industry and
the public
• Has focused on farm animal welfare dating back to
its work on humane slaughter in the early 1950s
3. AWI’s high welfare
farm animal standards
• In 1989, AWI developed Humane Husbandry
Standards for Pigs and the first “USDA-Approved”
label placed on pork from animals raised to AWI’s
standards.
• Animal Welfare Approved is launched in 2006. It is a
high welfare, pasture or range-based program. AWA
requires that its farmers have individual ownership
and control of their animals.
4. Animal Welfare Approved
Carries out the following activities:
• Auditing and compliance
• Market support
• Supply chain work
• Grants and grant support.
Has standards for 14 types of livestock, plus
slaughter standards
Works with 1500 farms in 45 states and Canada
5. Consumer Awareness
Welfare and protection of farm animals is important to
consumers and a strong consideration in buying food.
Food industry trend watcher, the Hartman Group, cites
grass-fed meat, healthy fats, real butter, cage-free eggs,
heirloom marbled pork, and the family dinner as
growing trends in 2012.
6. Consumer Awareness
• Concern about meat’s origins is growing….some shoppers are
willing to pay two or three times as much to guarantee that the
animals they eat had ample living space and sufficient time
outdoors, were raised on organic or foraged food (or both),
and were not fed antibiotics or growth hormones. ---Carolyn
Dimitri, professor of food studies at New York University
• According to a 2011 Kansas State University study consumers
will likely pay up to 20% more for meat with a mandatory label
showing that animals were raised without the use of cages and
crates. Women and younger consumers indicated even higher
demand for this labeling.
7. Consumer Awareness
Most consumers uninformed:
•Believe only 37% of eggs
produced in the U.S. come
from hens in cages (in fact
>90% of eggs produced in cage
systems)
•About 30% believe the pork
they buy comes from pasture
or organic farming (actual
amount is <5%)
8. Farm Animal Welfare in the US
Mainly market driven welfare criteria
Little regulation underpinning farmed animal
management
Single issue state legislation may have a minimal
effect on overall animal welfare
--welfare is multi-factorial
--states that have enacted legislation tend to
have smaller numbers of producers
Retailers and companies are setting their own
agenda
9. State Laws
State action includes:
• Prohibition of gestation crates for
pigs
• Prohibition of cattle tail docking
• Ban on foie gras
• Regulation on hen housing
• Prohibition on veal crates
Small number of states in total
10. Federal Laws
No federal regulation of:
•Humane slaughter for poultry
•Transport times for poultry
•Transport conditions (except
horses)
•On-farm husbandry practices
11. Regulatory Developments
• National Organic Standards
Board is drafting animal
welfare regulations
• Some states have set/are in the
process of setting on-farm
husbandry regulations
(standards are very low,
however)
12. Third Party Initiatives
There are animal welfare
certification programs with
birth to slaughter
requirements in the U.S.
•Cover multiple species
•About 40 million
animals/year currently
raised under these
programs
13. Third Party Initiatives
Other animal welfare-related
food labels exist
•Not necessarily making a
“humane” claim – but some
standards on welfare
•About 300 million animals/year
raised under these programs
•Some of the animal welfare
requirements are equivalent to
standard industry practice
14. Benefits of Third Party Initiatives
• Reduce consumer confusion about
animal rearing practices
• Help consumers make more
informed choices
• Reward high-welfare farmers
• Illustrate differences in welfare
among farms and marketing
programs
15. Negatives of Third Party Initiatives
• Voluntary
• Inconsistent
• Can solely be used as marketing tools rather than
improvement of welfare
• Can be expensive for the farmer to participate
• Claims can be meaningless
• Not necessarily any independent oversight
16. Production Industry Initiatives
• United Egg Producers
modified guidelines to
prohibit feed withdrawal for
molting as of 2006
• American Veal Association
resolution recommending
transition from veal crates to
group housing by 2017
17. Individual Producer Initiatives
• Mary’s Chicken and Bell & Evans chicken
switched to controlled atmosphere stunning
• Smithfield Foods says it will phase-out
gestation crates by 2017
• Hormel Foods says it will phase-out gestation
crates by 2017 (for company-owned facilities)
• Cargill reported it is 50% gestation crate free
in 2012
18. Individual Retailer Initiatives
• Numerous chain restaurants and several chain
grocery stores have adopted animal welfare
policies that set minimum standards for:
– eggs from cage free hens
– pork from group-housed sows
– poultry meat from birds killed with controlled atmosphere
stunning/killing
• McDonald’s is requiring suppliers to produce
plans to phase out gestation crates
19. Food Service Industry Initiatives
Compass Group
•Shell eggs now cage free
•Pork from gestation crate systems phased
out by 2017
Bon Appétit
•Shell and liquid eggs to be cage free
•Pork to be from group-housing only (no
gestation crates)
•No foie gras and no veal from crates
20. Labeling Oversight
Animal raising claims made by
affidavit, and challenged by:
•Lawsuits
•Better Business Bureau
advertising complaints
•Administrative agency
petitions
21. What’s Needed
• Public education about conventional and higher-
welfare production and the meaning of common
marketing claims
• Mandatory labeling of meat and dairy products
• Meaningful regulatory definitions of common
marketing claims
• Independent welfare assessment of all raising
protocols
22. A big thank you to the
Delegation of the European Union
and the European Institute