Defra Strategy
What is It?
The Government’s priorities for improving animal welfare until 2030. As well as farmed animals, it covers pets, wild animals and hunting (although this briefing only covers farmed). Animal welfare is a devolved issue, so this strategy only covers England but the Government will work with the other UK administrations.
Most of the proposals on improving the welfare of farmed animals builds on work members have already begun with supply chains, such as phasing out all eggs from colony production and increasing stocking densities for chicken meat production. However, there may be challenges in how quickly the Government pushes for higher welfare systems versus the cost of production and consumers willingness and ability to pay for them. This has raised the additional challenge from UK farmers on how the Government will ensure they are not undermined by cheaper, lower welfare imports. The strategy suggests the Government will consider imports and productions standards ‘where necessary’.
The strategy suggests some new legislation but much of it focuses on improving guidance and encouraging voluntary action to end some practices.
The strategy is designed to work with other published strategies including the food strategy, trade strategy and the new farming roadmap,
What Does it Mean for Members?
The strategy will mean changes for your UK livestock farmers. They will be expected to evolve current production systems to improve the welfare of animals on farm, in transport and at slaughter. As much of the strategy is based on voluntary action and changes to industry guidance rather than legislation Government will be looking to retailers to support them as major buyers of UK meat and dairy products. T
The main proposals are
Farming Systems
The Government wants to significantly change some farming systems including caged hens and farrowing cages for pigs by
· Ending colony cages for hens by 2030. All major retailers already have commitments to stop taking shell eggs from these systems by the end of 2025 and some have gone further to include their use in processed products.
· Ending extended use of pig farrowing cages. Currently sows may be caged for up to a month before and after birth. Their use is very prevalent in indoor pig systems. The Government aims to work with the pig industry to transition to no or very limited use of cages.
· Improving cattle welfare, particularly of calves.
Slaughter
The Government is particularly concerned about the use of CO2 to stun pigs as well as the effectiveness of current slaughter regulations. It proposes
· Banning the use of CO2 stunning of pigs
· Encouraging poultry farmers to end the culling of day old male chicks
· Review the current slaughter regulations (WATO 2015) to ensure their effectiveness
Farm Management
There are a number of practices farmers use, primarily to prevent welfare problems, the Government wants to end as it believes improved stock management means they are no longer required. It proposes to make progress working with industry to reduce if not end these practices, and where they continue improve the process. It proposes tackling
· Pig tail docking
· Beak trimming of laying hens
· Tail docking of lambs
Fish
The Government wants improved welfare management of farmed fish. In particular
· Legislation to ensure humane slaughter of farmed fish
· Improved guidance on welfare of farmed fish
Breeding
The Government acknowledges the importance of breeding in improving farmed animals but is concerned breeding, particularly of chickens for meat production and dairy cows has led to welfare issues. It proposes
· Supporting voluntary action to move away from fast growing chicken breeds
· Monitor welfare risks from breeding and update standards if necessary
Transport
There is continuing concern on the welfare of animals in transport. The Government is keen for industry to reduce journeys and journey time for animals and improve welfare. Specifically it proposes
· Exploring a ban on the export of horses for slaughter
· Monitoring new EU transport proposals, which will be relevant to the new SPS alignment with the EU currently being negotiated
Food Labelling
The strategy says the Government is concerned at the confusion consumers may face in labelling of higher welfare systems and similarly farmers may not get the benefit of operating higher welfare systems due to a lack of transparency and consistent labelling. However, it doesn’t propose legislation at this stage but
· Explore with all stakeholders how labelling, particularly methods of production could be improved
Enforcement
The Government wants greater enforcement of animal welfare regulations and guidance. It will track enforcement and ensure enforcers have the necessary tools to be effective.
What is the BRC Doing About the Strategy?
At the strategic level we will ensure these proposals fit into our overall objective to deliver a more effective, productive, sustainable UK farming industry. This means ensuring farmers have access to resources to be able to implement changes, such as a reflection in the planning system for increased buildings to lower stocking rates and guidance to support change and compliance. We will also ensure Government understands the position of consumers, in terms of affordability and ability to pay for higher welfare systems, essential to ensure the strategy moves at the right pace without penalising our farmers. Finally, that UK farmers are not penalised by lower welfare, cheaper imports by ensuring an effective, fair trade strategy.
At the detailed level we will work with members through our Agriculture WG to understand how these changes are implemented in your supply chains, including their relevance to current farming systems and standards such as AFS. We will work with our Labelling WG to continue discussions on potential voluntary changes in labelling and promotion of higher welfare production systems.
