FB: Open Production Systems Not Always Humane

WASHINGTON, D.C., June 14, 2007 – Proposed legislation that would restrict the professional judgment of veterinarians and livestock producers by mandating arbitrary “humane” standards for food animal production must not become law, the American Farm Bureau Federation told Congress.

“This legislation assumes that farm animals are not routinely treated humanely, an assumption that is deeply flawed and grossly unfair to America’s family farmers and ranchers,” said AFBF President Bob Stallman.

In a letter to House members, Stallman noted that every major U.S. livestock and poultry species group has either a professionally developed, science-based quality assurance program or has established specific, science-based animal welfare practices to which their members adhere. The proposed legislation would go beyond these standards and require producers to convert to so-called “open production systems.”

“Such systems are not always the most humane for each and every livestock operation,” said Stallman. “To require the use of such systems could in fact compromise human and animal health, food safety and animal welfare.”

Farm Bureau is urging lawmakers to oppose the Farm Animal Stewardship Purchasing Act, H.R. 1726.

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