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2002 - Program Highlights |
AFAC Update & Annual General Meeting 2002 April 8, 2002 ... Alberta Farm Animal Care (AFAC) Association will continue to play an important role in farm animal welfare developments in Alberta over the next three years, including:
At AFAC’s Annual General Meeting held in Edmonton on March 27, 2002 three key funding developments were announced, which will enhance the Association’s ability to fulfill its mandate. AFAC, a livestock industry based association, promotes humane animal care, communicates with the public on farm animal welfare, and encourages research. Susan Church, AFAC Manager said, "Issues and action related to farm animal welfare are no longer a part-time concern. We are in a long-term relationship with animal welfare. The livestock industry is actively involved in improving animal well-being. The food industry is stepping up its demands for humane handling assurances through audits. And, we must deliver our messages to the public when the public trust in agriculture is continually eroded by animal rights activists." AFAC will continue to take a leading role in developing and implementing livestock welfare training courses with increased funding from Alberta Agriculture, Food and Rural Development (AAFRD). Courses already underway include:
Guidelines for the Humane Handling of Unfit Livestock are also in progress. AFAC will continue to initiate training, in-service upgrading and education programs that enhance livestock care. As well, AFAC will work closely with the Alberta SPCA its role of providing province–wide livestock protection and enforcement services. AFAC has a lead role to play in enhanced communication with the livestock industry, youth, students, colleges and the public on farm animal care issues. Funding through the Livestock Industry Development Fund (LIDF) will allow AFAC to build upon its communication efforts, including:
Darcy Fitzgerald, LIDF General Manager said, "The LIDF supports initiatives that promote an environmentally and socially responsible livestock industry. We are very pleased to provide financial support to AFAC over the next three years to look at farm animal welfare communication programs." AFAC is also now a three-way partner in the Alberta-Canada Livestock Welfare Research Partnership (ACLWRP). Four research categories have been identified for study under the partnership: husbandry practices, disease, non-invasive procedures for measuring stress, and environment. Scientists will evaluate such areas as transport, handling, early detection of sick animals and reduced use of antibiotics, and livestock housing. Federal and provincial Agriculture Ministers, along with AFAC, announced the partnership during a press conference after AFAC’s Annual General Meeting. The ACLWRP will support research based at the Lacombe Research Centre. Guy Fontaine, AFAC chair, stated, "responsible animal care is a vital component of long-term sustainable agriculture." "We know that proper animal handling is directly linked to improved productivity, meat quality and producer profitability. Thus, the more we know about animal behavior, the better it is for the animal and the industry." Shirley McClellan, provincial Agriculture Minister, believes Alberta already has a high standard for farm animal care, but this important agreement will further ensure a sustainable livestock industry. "Factors that affect farm animal welfare are important to recognize. Positive change based on sound science helps Alberta producers to be more successful." Dr. Al Schaeffer, a researcher at the Lacombe Research Station, said animal welfare research is not a new study area. "Consumers have a right to know that animals are raised humanely. Research will provide those assurances." He added, "Research can give producers the information they need to continually improve." These funding initiatives will help the livestock industry to effect positive change for their animals that is driven by science, not emotion. For more information contact: Susan Church, AFAC Manager
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