Guernsey farms receive animal welfare certification

Thursday 16 July 2020

Meadow Court Farm and Les Varioufs Farm have become Guernsey’s first ‘RSPCA Assured’ farms, in recognition of the high standard of welfare for their cattle.

RSPCA Assured is an ethical farm animal welfare and food labelling scheme. Its goal is to ensure farm livestock enjoy a high quality of life.

James Watts, a Farmer at Meadow Court, said the wellbeing of the farm’s cattle has been a focus for some time now.

“My whole career has been focused on looking after our herd better,” says Mr Watts.

“It is important for consumers to know that our cows are well looked after, and the RSPCA Assured scheme provides that reassurance.”

Following the initial announcement, Shane Robert from Les Varioufs also received RSPCA accreditation. 

It has been a significant week for the industry. Yesterday, the STSB's proposals to take the next step towards rebuilding and modernising the Dairy secured States backing. That means that further detailed analysis will now be done looking into the Dairy management's first choice solution to its ageing facility - which is a completely new facility at a cost of around £25m. 

Pictured: Milk will continue to be produced in Guernsey follow the States' commitment to modernising the dairy. 

Key criteria for the RSPCA Assured program include cows having access to the outdoors; any buildings must be well ventilated; brushes and clean beds must be provided, and the specific needs of calves must be met.

These are verified by inspection of documents and records, as well as visual inspection of the cows themselves.

Mr Watts said that meeting these requirements has resulted in the cows being healthier and more productive.

All 14 Guernsey dairy farms are in the process of achieving this certification. When this has been done, Guernsey Dairy will be able to use the RSPCA Assured logo on its milk cartons.

“Local farmers are passionate about the welfare of their beautiful and iconic Guernsey cows," said Guernsey Dairy Quality and Compliance Manager Alex Tielles. 

"They are all working extremely hard to achieve this certification, which has been no small challenge with the added pressures of covid-19. James and his team at Meadow Court Farm have led the way and we are incredibly proud of their efforts.

“As well as ensuring the highest levels of animal welfare, RSPCA Assured certification will promote the island as a centre of farming excellence."

Pictured top: Guernsey's Meadow Court Farm became the first local farm to be recognised by the RSPCA for the welfare of its livestock.