BVA launches new principles for farm assurance schemes

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has developed a new policy position on farm assurance schemes, with the aim of delivering better clarity for the public.

Farm assurance schemes are designed to help customers to make sustainable and ethically informed choices about the food they buy, but the breadth of available schemes may currently be leading to a confusing customer experience.

As such, the BVA has set out seven guiding principles to help shoppers find schemes that adhere to specific standards, including assurance that the health and welfare of animals extends across their entire lifetime, and that they are slaughtered ethically and humanely.

Veterinary involvement was outlined as another core principle, as well as the provision of opportunities for animals to perform important behaviours, and are raised according to strong biosecurity standards.

Finally, the BVA has called for all farm assurance schemes to encourage responsible use of antimicrobials and other medicines, and to incorporate strong principles of environmental stewardship.

BVA president John Fishwick said: "By providing these principles, the BVA hopes to inform the consumer and also help ensure that animal health and welfare standards are further embedded in the schemes as they increase and develop."

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