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Guernsey milk has been granted the 'RSPCA Assured' logo which demonstrates high levels of animal welfare. The logo will now appear on all milk packaging.
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) Assured scheme is an ethical food label dedicated to farm animal welfare. It demonstrates that animals are well cared for throughout their lives.
Guernsey Dairy becomes only the second supplier of milk in the British Isles which offers 100% RSPCA Assured milk.
Managing Director of the Dairy, Andrew Tabel, said: “Guernsey Dairy’s accreditation is the culmination of a project started several years ago. It was first necessary for all the island’s dairy farms to be RSPCA Assured before the Dairy, and subsequently Guernsey milk, could be certified.
“Having the RSPCA Assured logo on our packaging will reassure customers that Guernsey milk is produced and packaged to higher animal welfare standards and acknowledges the investment the industry has made in achieving this. Everyone involved in the island’s dairy farming industry and the wider community should be extremely proud of this.
“Our main aim is to ensure the Dairy continues to act as an economic enabler to dairy farmers, preserve the Guernsey countryside, its traditional farming heritage and protect the iconic Guernsey cattle breed."
Pictured: Michael Bray, President of Guernsey Farmers' Association, and Alex Tielles, Quality and Compliance Manager at the Dairy.
There are more than 300 standards that need to be met for a facility to be granted the RSPCA Assured logo. They include cows having plenty of space and bedding and good access to pasture and the Dairy undertaking multiple health reviews.
“We’re really impressed by how hard everyone involved has worked to bring about this major achievement for dairy cow welfare,” said Joe Bailey, Head of Farming at the RSPCA.
“Not only does it mean that many more animals will benefit from being cared for to the RSPCA’s higher welfare standards but consumers in Guernsey can now be extra confident that the milk they are buying is higher welfare. Now that really is something to celebrate.”
The Guernsey Dairy will now receive annual assessments by the RSPCA to make sure it continues to reach the high standards necessary to maintain its accredited status.
“We are extremely proud, not only of the great taste of Guernsey milk but other contributing factors, such as the environment, health and high animal welfare standards that are met,” said Mr Tabel.
“RSPCA Assured provides an independent guarantee which helps promote the island as a centre of farming excellence.
"Our milk is 100% locally produced and the journey from grass to glass is just a few miles.
“Islanders have always appreciated the great taste of Guernsey milk, which is something we are very proud of. However, consumers are more knowledgeable and conscious of other factors, such as the environment, health, knowing where the products come from and that they are ethically produced.”
Pictured: The welfare and health of cows is a significant factor in becoming RSPCA certified.
Michael Bray, President of Guernsey Farmers' Association, said: “Working with the Dairy, we began this journey some two years ago.
"Meadow Court Farm and Varioufs Farm were the first to receive their accreditations with the final farm achieving its certification in the autumn last year.
"It is the highest standard a dairy farm can attain so it is a massive achievement.”
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