NEWS

A GROWING APPETITE FOR CHANGE

The latest Business Benchmark on Farm Animal Welfare (BBFAW) report, was launched in April.

It analysed the animal welfare policy commitments, performance and transparency of 150 of the world’s leading food companies, and revealed the promising news that 60% now have formal farm animal welfare policies.

The report, based on 2019 research, confirms Marks & Spencer, Waitrose, Migros, Cranswick, Noble Foods and Co-op Group (Switzerland) as global leaders on farm animal welfare. It also shows that UK companies have significantly higher average animal welfare scores (64%) compared to those from other geographic areas, including the rest of Europe (40%), and North America (29%). Compassion is proud to have worked in depth with 13 of the 30 companies that have improved their tier ranking this year, and with three of those that have maintained their top tier position within BBFAW.

The Benchmark is a longterm change initiative, designed as a guide for investors, and it is showing definite signs of progress. Although there is still more work to be done, it is promising that there appears to be both an appetite and a willingness for change within the food industry, the financial sector and crucially amongst consumers who are a key driving force behind it.

The Business Benchmark on Farm Animal Welfare Report 2019

 The Business Benchmark on Farm Animal Welfare Report 2019

COMPASSION BEHIND THE NEWS

Nicky Amos & Dr Rory Sullivan

In January, The Guardian drew extensively on Compassion’s research and campaigning expertise for a whole week of articles on long distance live transport. The series took a closer look at the reality of this industry, the countries involved, and raised important awareness of the trade’s impact on the health and welfare of farm animals.

To read The Guardian’s series of articles, visit

ciwf.org.uk/Guardian-Live-Exports

PROFESSOR ARJEN HOEKSTRA – A TRUE FRIEND OF COMPASSION

In November last year, we were truly saddened to learn of the sudden and unexpected death of Compassion Visionary, Professor Arjen Hoekstra.

Arjen, the founder of the Water Footprint Network, was a friend of Compassion for many years and contributed an important chapter to ‘The Meat Crisis’, which our Ambassador Emeritus, Joyce D’Silva, co-edited. His work was invaluable in publicising the amount of water required for food production – e.g. a kilo of beef compared with a kilo of vegetables – thereby making the case for reduced meat consumption in the interest of preservation of resources.

STRICTER PUNISHMENTS FOR ANIMAL ABUSE IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC

In March, the Czech Parliament voted to instate more severe punishments for cruelty to animals. This amendment to the Criminal Code is the result of a two-year campaign led by our friends and European Citizens’ Initiative partners, Home4Pets. They collaborated closely with Czech MEP Jiri Pospisil, Plicka and Partners law office and Hlas Zvirat (Animal

On 10th March, Compassion hosted a dinner in the House of Commons, showcasing an exciting plant-based menu to MPs and other influential figures, including high-profile vet, Emma Milne, and Liz Earle MBE, who are both supporters of Compassion. The five-course meal, sponsored by Kerry McCarthy MP, included interesting options such as a vegan ‘scotch egg’ and Jerusalem artichoke ‘white pudding’.

The event provoked useful discussions with policy makers, think tanks and key individuals within the food, farming and cultured meat industries. The UK’s growing appetite for meat alternatives was discussed, while taking a closer look at the benefits, risks and opportunities surrounding this rapidly expanding industry.

MEAT ALTERNATIVES SPARK DISCUSSION

The benefits of alternative meats include the capacity to reduce our reliance on factory farming, and we are encouraged by the Government’s interest in this growing industry. We recognise that increased research and investment in meat alternatives also increases the potential we have to disrupt the current food system and encourage moves towards higher standards of animal welfare.

Voice). Compassion supported this campaign, signing the petition and raising awareness about inadequate punishments for animal cruelty.

The maximum punishment for cruelty to animals is now a sentence of six years in prison; and the punishment for keeping animals in sub-standard conditions is imprisonment for up to ten years. Anyone convicted under this law will receive a lifetime ban from keeping animals. This accomplishment is a clear indication that animal welfare is a topic of ever-increasing importance in the Czech Republic.

MORRISONS LEADS THE WAY

Back in February, UK supermarket, Morrisons, reached their goal of selling only free-range whole eggs – smashing (!) their own target by two years. This impressive achievement was made possible by doubling the number of free-range farmers from whom they source their eggs.

Tracey Jones, Compassion’s Director of Food Business

said: “It’s great to see Morrisons achieving their commitment to be 100% free range on shell eggs ahead of their 2022 target. Momentum on ending the use of cages for laying hens is growing and Morrisons are leading the way. Importantly, they also have a 2025 cage-free commitment on the eggs that go into processed and ingredient foods.”