The Turkey Farmers of Canada (TFC), Chicken Farmers of Canada (CFC), Canadian Hatching Egg Producers (CHEP) and Canadian Poultry and Egg Processors Council (CPEPC) have requested NFACC initiate the review of their Code. The review and any subsequent changes will be guided by the NFACC's Code development process.

Canada's Codes of Practice are national guidelines for farm animal care requirements and recommended best practices. They serve as the foundation for ensuring that farm animals continue to be cared for using sound management and welfare practices that promote animal health and well being. The Codes serve as educational tools, reference materials for regulations, and as the foundation for industry animal care assessment programmes.

Jack Greydanus, Chair, CHEP and NFACC director, explained: "The NFACC Code development process ensures the poultry Code of Practice is relevant, current, developed with the input from all the stakeholders and is based on the latest science."

Robin Horel of CPEPC added: "In order to be effective, the Codes must be reviewed regularly and revised as production systems and management evolve."

NFACC's Code development process is a uniquely collaborative approach. The process ensures credibility and transparency through scientific rigour, stakeholder collaboration and consistency.

Edouard Asnong, Chair of NFACC, said: "Stakeholder commitment is the key to ensuring that quality animal care standards are established and implemented."

The Canadian Federation of Humane Societies (CFHS) is one of many active participants in the process.

Geoff Urton, representing the CFHS, added: "Developing and maintaining practical solutions to address farm animal welfare concerns requires a commitment from all parties involved to work together for progress and success. NFACC's Code development process provides a forum for this level of collaboration."

The existing poultry Code of Practice was developed in 2003. Revisions to the Codes of Practice have been made possible by funding received from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada's Agri-Flexibility programme.

For more information on the Codes of Practice and NFACC's Code development process, click here.