Federated Farmers back new Animal Welfare Strategy

6 May 2013

Federated Farmers back new Animal Welfare Strategy

Federated Farmers is fully supporting the release of the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) Animal Welfare Strategy.

“The strategy reflects Federated Farmers own policy on animal welfare,” says Bruce Wills, Federated Farmers President.

“It really does matter how animals are treated and farmers have both a moral and ethical responsibility to ensure requirements are adhered to.

“New Zealand’s farmers are actually world leaders in integrating animal health and welfare into their farm management planning. Something recognised by the World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA).

“This strategy reaffirms our international leadership and reputation. It is a strategic means to ensure this reputation is not only maintained but improved and Federated Farmers supports it.

“Federated Farmers agrees that the deliberate neglect or ill treatment of animals is not acceptable. There is no way ill-treatment makes either farming or commercial sense, quite the opposite in fact.

“Ill-treated farm animals do not produce well or gain condition so good animal welfare is good for business, just as bad animal welfare is self-destructive.

“Yet we cannot rest on our laurels. Federated Farmers needs to be a part of educating and building animal husbandry skills among not only farmers and farm workers, but small holders and lifestyle block owners too.

“As an organisation, Federated Farmers is proactive in educating our members about best practice and how to meet animal welfare requirements. This is achieved through member services, working with the industry good bodies and with the Ministry for Primary Industries.

“Federated Farmers focus is on the ground support delivered farmer to farmer.

“In keeping with the strategy, Federated Farmers works in partnership with Government, industry good bodies and other sector groups to proactively improve compliance and where necessary, enforcement.

“Our current framework works in that animal welfare compliance and enforcement must be fit for purpose. It must also include sector groups and Government working together.

“We see this as a key part of the strategy where Federated Farmers can provide effective on the ground support to farmers. Our current Memorandum of Understanding with the MPI outlines core responsibilities during an animal welfare investigation.

“It is important that both organisations continue to collaborate to assist farmers in need.

“With animal welfare, a strong scientific base is critical. Standards and codes of welfare must be supported by science-based reasoning and the strategy is strong on this.

“As the drought has proven, Federated Farmers is a major rural organisation that farmers turn to when they need physical support, such as with feed.

“Improving contingency planning for response is key to ensure that animals do not suffer. This is again reflected within the strategy. It is important that groups know their roles and that response plans reflect the ability to assist animals that may be suffering under an adverse event

“Federated Farmers has developed its own adverse events policy and is a key member of the National Animal Welfare Emergency Management committee.

“By meeting the animal welfare goals outlined in this strategy, New Zealand will ensure its agricultural products will keep ahead of consumer expectations. Being a major exporter of animal based products this is important and New Zealand’s farmers ‘get it’,” Mr Wills concluded.

ends

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