Animal welfare is becoming an increasingly important consideration for consumers who want to ensure the food they buy and eat comes from humane farming practices. The RSPCA Approved Farming Scheme is Australia's leading certification program dedicated to ensuring higher welfare standards for farmed animals. But what exactly does the scheme involve, and how does it impact animal welfare in Australia?
What is the RSPCA Approved Farming Scheme?
The RSPCA Approved Farming Scheme is an independent, not-for-profit certification program. For over 25 years, the program's primary mission has been to improve the quality of life for farmed animals by promoting higher welfare farming systems and working closely with farmers to create environments that meet the physical and behavioural needs of farming animals.
The impact of the scheme
Since its inception, the RSPCA Approved Farming Scheme has had a prositive impact on animal welfare in Australia. Farms participating in the program must meet strict animal welfare standards, which has helped eliminate inhumane practices such as battery cages for layer hens and sow stalls for pigs. This includes reducing the number of animals they farm to ensure lower stocking densities, providing enriched environments, and dedicating more time to care and management.
For farmers, adopting the RSPCA standards may take time and investment but the benefits to animals is immeasurable and reflects the farmers' commitment to higher welfare standards.
How are the standards set and assessed?
The RSPCA has developed species-specific welfare standards that focus on the animals' behavioural and physical needs. These standards are grounded in the latest animal welfare science and best farming practices from Australia and abroad, and they undergo a thorough review every five years to ensure continual improvement.
Farms seeking RSPCA certification must undergo a rigorous assessment process. RSPCA assessors visit farms two to four times a year, with additional unscheduled visits, to ensure the standards are being met. These assessments are reviewed by the RSPCA's Certification Team, providing an extra layer of oversight to maintain the integrity of the Scheme.
What animals are protected by the RSPCA standards?
The RSPCA Approved Farming Scheme applies to several species commonly raised in intensive farming environments. Each species has its own set of standards tailored to their unique needs.
- Layer hens: Hens have access to nests, perches, and litter for dust bathing, ensuring they can express their natural behaviours. Battery cages are strictly prohibited.
- Pigs: Pigs are given space to move, explore, and socialise, with a focus on their behavioural and physical needs. The use of sow stalls and traditional farrowing crates is banned.
- Chickens: Chickens are encouraged to stay active with space, perches, and good lighting provided. Their environment is designed to meet their physical and behavioural needs.
- Turkeys: Like chickens, turkeys are given ample space to move and interact, with a focus on keeping them active and comfortable.
- Farmed atlantic salmon: The welfare of farmed atlantic salmon is ensured through good farming practices, including providing oxygen-rich water, space to swim, and humane handling during their life cycle.
- Dairy calves: Calves are given ample space to move, play, and socialise, and can rest on comfortable bedding with access to the outdoors once weaned. They are provided with a nutritious diet that encourages natural suckling and chewing behaviours.
How do you know if a product is RSPCA Approved?
Products that meet the RSPCA's higher welfare standards proudly display the RSPCA Approved logo (see below). This logo allows consumers to easily identify produce that has come from farms using humane and ethical practices. To ensure integrity, brands using the logo must have traceability systems in place, allowing products to be traced from the farm to the point of sale.
Why choose RSPCA Approved?
Choosing products with the RSPCA Approved logo means supporting a better future for farm animals. By opting for these products, consumers play an essential role in driving demand for higher welfare farming practices. It's a small action that has a big impact, helping to improve the lives of animals across the country.
