NFACC is the culmination of over 4 years of discussion amongst diverse groups of stakeholders on the value of a national approach for farm animal care.  The organization held its inaugural meeting in August 2005.  The Canadian Animal Health Coalition (www.animalhealth.ca) provides secretariat support for the Council.

NFACC addresses national animal care issues related to farmed animals, with a primary focus on animals raised for the production of food for humans.  It is an organization of process, not specific issues.  NFACC's focus is broadly based to provide benefits to members affected by farm animal care matters throughout the value chain.  We work collaboratively in areas of common interest to our members.  NFACC refers all issues that are commodity or species specific to the individual organizations affected.

The Council works on a consensus model, so that any decisions made have the weight and support of its membership as a whole.  We believe that by striving for consensus, realistic and lasting improvements to farm animal care can be made.

The organization brings a broad spectrum of groups together at one table to share information and build collaborative approaches.  The formula promises to bring real progress on responsible farm animal care, while helping to ensure animal agriculture is viable in a climate of increasing market demands.

The whole of NFACC meets 2 - 3 times per year.  The Executive meets more frequently with monthly teleconferences.  The Executive includes:

• NFACC's Chair
• National Farmed Animal Associations (2)
• National Associated Farmed Animal Associations (1)
• Animal Welfare Associations (1)
• National Animal Health Associations/National Consumer Groups/Research Community (1)
• Provincial Farm Animal Councils (1)
• Government (1 - ex officio)

NFACC Coordinator

Jackie Wepruk (nfacc@xplornet.com)

Partners

• Agriculture and Agri-Food Portfolio (Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada/Canadian Food Inspection Agency)
• Canada Mink Breeders Association
• Canadian Bison Association
• Canadian Hatching Egg Producers
• Canadian Cattlemen's Association 
• Canadian Federation of Agriculture
• Canadian Federation of Humane Societies
• Canadian Meat Council
• Canadian Pork Council
• Canadian Poultry and Egg Processors Council
• Canadian Restaurant and Food Services Association
• Canadian Sheep Federation
• Canadian Veterinary Medical Association
• Chicken Farmers of Canada
• Coalition of SPCA's responsible for animal welfare enforcement (BC, SK, ON)
• Dairy Farmers of Canada
• Egg Farmers of Canada
• Equine Canada
• Ontario Trucking Association, Livestock Transporters Division
• Provincial Farm Animal Care Councils (AFAC, FACS. MFAC, OFAC)
• Provincial Government (represented currently by Manitoba Agriculture)
• Researcher representative (currently from AAFC)
• Turkey Farmers of Canada