FARM ANIMAL WELFARE AND
CODES OF PRACTICE
CONSULTATION WORKSHOP

REPORT OF PROCEEDINGS

SEPTEMBER 23 – 24, 2002
GATINEAU, QUÉBEC

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Day 1 Wrap Up Remarks

Dr. John Church
Alberta Agriculture, Food and Rural Development

Dr. Church told participants that a lot had been achieved over the course of the day. Although it is not clear what the consumers are thinking, in light of the decisions that the major retailers/food service companies (like McDonald's and Burger King) are making, farm animal welfare is on their radar screen.

He reviewed the key messages from the day:

• The international market is a key driver of the animal welfare issues.
• There is a recognition of the need for research to develop good national standards that can be audited. Current research resources are stretched, and there is a real need for adequate funding. The question is, where will the money come from?
• What consumers want, may not be what animals need or want.
• Our trading partners are working on these issues; we should seek to work together to achieve global solutions.
• Let's keep animal welfare front and center.

In closing, he noted that workshop participants are genuinely concerned about animal welfare. As he put it, "While you might disagree on the details, I am impressed that everyone's heart is in the right place."

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