Canadian egg farmers collaborate with NFACC to enhance welfare standards

In a move aimed at further strengthening animal welfare standards in Canada, Egg Farmers of Canada (EFC) has embarked on an initiative to amend the Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Pullets and Laying Hens. The National Farm Animal Care Council (NFACC) is overseeing this effort, which seeks to incorporate the latest scientific insights and societal expectations into the guidelines governing the treatment of farm animals.

Following a comprehensive review of the existing code in 2022, an expert panel comprised of industry stakeholders identified three key areas necessitating refinement. These include evaluating round feeder space, determining appropriate space allowances for pullets in aviaries, and setting limits on the maximum number of tiers in housing systems. The initiation of the amendment process by Egg Farmers of Canada underscores the industry’s commitment to ensuring the well-being of hens throughout their lifecycle.

EFC chair Roger Pelissero, underscoring the importance of this initiative, says, “Canadian egg farmers are dedicated to the health and welfare of the hens under their care.” He further highlighted the collaborative nature of the amendment process, which involves engaging with various stakeholders across the value chain.

The codes of practice developed by NFACC play a crucial role in guiding the care and handling of farm animals in Canada. These codes not only reflect national standards but also serve as educational resources and reference materials for regulatory purposes. Dr. Bettina Bobsien, vice-chair of NFACC, lauded the commencement of the code amendment process, recognizing the leadership shown by producer associations and the dedication of stakeholders to advancing animal welfare.

NFACC’s consensus-based approach ensures that all perspectives are considered, fostering credibility, transparency, and scientific rigor in the development of welfare standards. For those seeking more information on the code amendment process or NFACC’s work, additional resources are available on their website.