Welfare debated at pig and poultry conference

Pig producers and the wider supply chain are being urged to join the welfare debate after it was identified as the top issue affecting the United Kingdom pig industry in a survey of visitors to previous Pig and Poultry Fair and Pig and Poultry LIVE events.
Developing this opportunity and focusing on the direction that welfare should take in the United Kingdom will be one of the key discussions at this year's Pig and Poultry LIVE at Stoneleigh Park in Warwickshire, England, May 15, 2013.
The one-day business event is organized by the Royal Agricultural Society of England in partnership with ABN, a British feed manufacture. The event will bring together leading figures in agriculture, retail and animal health and welfare in a challenging debate: "Welfare; Science or Perception, What's our Future?" chaired by Martin Redfearn, Head of Barclays Agriculture.
In an opening address, Ed Garner, Kantar Worldpanel communications director, will present a unique insight into shopper's behavior when it comes to purchasing food products from the pig and poultry sectors. A distinguished panel will then set out their own view of the welfare agenda and debate with delegates how it should shape the future of United Kingdom production.
Speakers Andrea Gavinelli, head of animal welfare at the European Commission and the Royal Agriculture Society head of farm animals, Julia Wrathall will enable producers to engage directly with policy makers, and the scheme that covers 17.8 million layers, 40 million broilers and 2.7million pigs in the United Kingdom. 
Morrison's head of agriculture David Evans will explain its own stance on welfare and how it plans to addresses the issue in the future and National Farmer's Union president Peter Kendall will give his views on and what the next steps for the sectors should be.
Scientific expertise from Sandra Edwards, professor of agriculture at Newcastle University and leading poultry veterinarian Stephen Lister, Crowshall Veterinary Services completes the speaker line up.
"Welfare is on the agenda for the farmer, the consumer and the politician," said Angela Booth, ABN technical development and assurance director.
"Often there is tension between what consumers say they want and what producers think will actually benefit their livestock's welfare. Finding the correct balance in this debate with so many dimensions and perspectives is crucial for our industry."
David Gardner, Royal Agriculture Society chief executive, said pig and poultry producers needed to supply consumers with safe, tasty, affordable food; and collectively the industry must find ways to tackle the related issues.
"We want British producers to succeed in the long term, so finding answers to questions of future policy, competition and costs, and communication with consumers is vital.
"This discussion will help focus the industry's minds on what direction welfare should take in the UK and how it can help deliver on it," he added.
To book your place at this year Pig & Poultry LIVE visit www.pigandpoultry.org.uk.