Alberta Egg Industry
June 30, 2016
Alberta Egg Farmers Applaud Release of Draft Layer Code for Public Comment
June 30, 2016 (Calgary, AB) – Egg Farmers of Alberta (EFA) welcomes the much anticipated release of the draft Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Pullets and Laying Hens, and the launch of the public comment period. EFA would also like to applaud the National Farm Animal Care Council (NFACC) for leading the collaborative, consensus-based, multi-stakeholder process to revise the Code.
“Egg Farmers of Alberta is committed to building a sustainable egg industry in Alberta and across Canada,” says EFA General Manager Susan Gal. “From an animal welfare perspective, sustainability is dependent on continuous improvement, providing the highest quality of care possible for laying hens, and adhering to evidence-based standards.”
NFACC brings together a wide variety of stakeholders including farmers, veterinarians, food companies, and animal welfare enforcement and advocacy groups. The scientifically supported requirements and recommended practices found in the Code form the foundation for the Canadian egg industry’s mandatory national Animal Care Program.
“The NFACC Code development process allows a diverse array of voices to be heard, ensuring the recommended practices are progressive, scientifically verified, and reflective of the public’s expectations for high quality animal welfare,” says EFA Vice-Chair Susan Schafers. “We encourage broad participation in NFACC’s public comment period, whether you’re a farmer, industry partner or consumer.”
Egg Farmers of Alberta will be engaged partners during the public comment period. EFA will do its due diligence to fully review and analyze the draft revised Code, and the potential impact it will have on Alberta egg farmers and the entire provincial egg value chain.