International ProjectsChina
Outcome Measures
The Model Farm Project recognises that there are a variety of farming methods, which can be environmentally and ethically sustainable. The techniques and practices used on farms in industrialised countries may simply not be applicable or possible to small scale farmers which use traditional breeds. Rather than prescribe how the Model Farms in China are to raise their animals we audit the Model Farms on 'Outcome Measures'; relatively simple measures such as feather cover on laying hens, which indicate an animal's welfare throughout its life. The traditional knowledge, and practices of indigenous and local communities are an essential component of cultural identity. By using Outcome Measures as a measure of animal welfare, the Model Farm Project is not prescribing rigid standards to which Chinese farmers must adhere but allows those traditional practices and techniques which result in high welfare, sustainable farming which other farmers in turn may learn from. Case Studies
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Intensive farms in China are vastly outnumbered by household-run backyard farms raising for example, one to nine pigs. These small scale farms usually take excellent care of their animals and are resourceful and efficient producers; the reason behind China's (to date) self-sufficient food production. However, China has recently opened its doors to investments by major multinational meat and dairy producers, as well as animal feed corporations. Keen to increase output, these corporations and the Chinese government are championing the intensive systems of raising farmed animals that have become commonplace in industrialised countries. Since the time of the famine, ensuring a sufficient food supply has been a national priority in China. While this industrial model of animal agriculture is promoted as an efficient modern means of production, such operations bring with them significant environmental and social costs such as massive water pollution, soil degradation, rising rates of obesity and chronic disease, risks to food security and safety, and declining animal welfare.