NFACC Information Update: November 2018
In this issue:
- NFACC welcomes new Associate Members
- Dairy Farmers of Ontario
- Semex
- Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef
- The next generation of Codes
- NFACC recognizes animal care programs
- Upcoming events
NFACC WELCOMES NEW ASSOCIATE MEMBERS
NFACC is pleased to welcome new associate members:
Dairy Farmers of Ontario
“Dairy Farmers of Ontario (DFO) is the marketing group for the largest sector of Ontario agriculture. It is proudly owned and operated by Ontario’s dairy farm families. DFO expects all dairy farmers provide proper care and handling according to the Dairy Code of Practice and promotes compliance through education and extension, inspection and other cooperative efforts. DFO is pleased to now be an Associate Member of NFACC.” – Murray Sherk, Vice-Chair
Semex
“At Semex we’re farmers and care takers of our animals. We work to exceed the requirements of the Canadian Codes of Practice, providing our bulls with the best care possible. We view a membership in NFACC as an opportunity to provide transparency in our commitment to animal welfare and leadership in the genetics industry.” – Aaron Gerow, Director of Animal Care and Farming
The Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef
“The Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef (CRSB) is a collaborative, multi-stakeholder community of stakeholders devoted to advancing sustainability in the Canadian beef industry. CRSB and its members, which span the whole beef value chain and beyond, recognize the importance and value of animal health and care for a sustainable agriculture industry. CRSB was pleased that NFACC contributed its expertise in animal care during development of the Sustainability Standards that form the basis of the CRSB’s Certified Sustainable Beef Framework to recognize sustainable practices in Canadian beef production. We look forward to working together to foster continuous improvement in Canadian beef production practices.” – Anne Wasko, Chair CRSB
The Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef (CRSB) and NFACC have agreed to exchange non-voting memberships to each other’s organization. CRSB is recognized as an Associate Member of NFACC and NFACC is an NGO member of CRSB.
THE NEXT GENERATION OF CODES
NFACC’s project application submitted through the new Canadian Agricultural Partnership has been approved! The following Codes (with support from the national leads for each industry group) will be updated/developed:
- Transportation (2001) – stakeholders across the transportation continuum support the update of this Code
- Goat (2003)
- Dairy Cattle (2009)
- Aquaculture/Fish Welfare – NEW!
A contribution agreement is being developed, but work is expected to begin before year’s end.
Watch for an initial survey for each Code being developed/updated that will solicit your input on top-of-mind topics that each Code needs to address.
NFACC RECOGNIZES ANIMAL CARE PROGRAMS
The Codes of Practice are vital, but alone are not enough – a mechanism is needed to demonstrate that Codes are being followed in order to build confidence throughout the value chain. The Animal Care Assessment Framework (ACAF) provides that mechanism. The process also enhances the transparency, legitimacy and credibility of assessment programs developed in accordance with the ACAF.
The ACAF provides a credible process to follow when developing an animal care assessment program. Groups demonstrating that they followed the ACAF are recognized by NFACC. The following programs have recently been recognized by NFACC as having followed the ACAF:
- Turkey Farmers of Canada’s Flock Care Program
- Canada Mink Breeders Association’s Mink Animal Care Program
- Canada Fox Breeders Association’s Fox Animal Care Program
- Chicken Farmers of Canada’s Raised by a Canadian Farmer Animal Care Program
Congratulations to all!
Other programs recognized by NFACC include the animal care module of Dairy Farmers of Canada’s proAction initiative and the National Cattle Feeders Association’s Feedlot Animal Care Assessment Program.
For more information on the Animal Care Assessment Framework visit: www.nfacc.ca/animal-care-assessment.
UPCOMING EVENTS
If you have an animal welfare event that you would like us to feature, please email Mikki (mikki@nfacc.ca).
