Compassion in World Farming marked a new first when, on 16 November at the Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel, it celebrated its inaugural Asia Good Farm Animal Welfare Awards; a chance to recognise food companies from the region that are making strides towards improved animal welfare across their supply chains through their current policies or commitments. And to inspire others to do the same.
In total, 19 awards were presented across three countries: Thailand, Japan and China. The majority, (16 awards) focussed on higher welfare eggs and broiler chicken production, and together these alone are set to benefit the lives of over 25 million animals. The three additional trophies were presented to the 2022 Good Pig Production Award winners.
Overall, there was one Good Chicken Award presented to a Thai company, a first for the country. Eight companies (three Japanese and five Chinese) earned Good Egg Awards, while six Good Chicken Production Awards, one Good Egg Production Award, and three Good Pig Production Awards were presented to companies from China. (See full listing below).
The Awards ceremony was preceded by the inaugural meeting of Compassion’s recently formed Thai Broiler Producer Working Group which brought together key stakeholders to discuss the importance of meeting the higher welfare requirements of the Better Chicken Commitment (BCC). Thailand is a major supplier of chicken meat for European food businesses, many of whom have committed to the BCC and are reliant on Thai producers to deliver higher welfare chicken.
One company moving in the right direction to achieve this is Klong Phai Farm, the first Thai-based company to have been presented with a Good Chicken Award. Acknowledging its dedication to animal welfare and product quality, Klong Phai Farm sources free-range chicken and pays its farmers more than the usual market rates. These practices not only support the farming community but also promote ethical and sustainable farming methods.
Laurent Opportune, Managing Director for Klong Phai Farm said: "Receiving this award is a testament to our unwavering commitment to the well-being of animals and the sustainability of our practices. We believe that true success in our industry is measured by the positive impact we make,
and this award reaffirms our mission to provide exceptional quality while upholding the highest standards of animal welfare. This recognition inspires us to continue pushing boundaries and setting new standards for the betterment of our environment and the animals we care for."
To celebrate the Awards, guests at the ceremony were able to enjoy a cooking demonstration by the 2020 Iron Chef Thailand winner, Chef Julien Le Breton featuring products from Klong Phai Farm.
Dr Tracey Jones, Global Director for Food Business at Compassion in World Farming said: “It’s been tremendous having the inaugural in-person meeting of our Thai Broiler Producer Working Group and Asia Awards ceremony, celebrating the expansion of our programme in the region.
“It’s been vital for us to connect with Thai producers to discuss how they can meet higher welfare requirements of the Better Chicken Commitment, particularly for their export market which will enable European companies to fulfil their own BCC commitments.
“The scope and range of the awards presented, not least our very first Thai Good Chicken Award, shows how enthusiasm for higher welfare is spreading across the region in key countries like Japan and Thailand, and it’s wonderful to see continued progress in China. Congratulations to all our award winners.”
Compassion in World Farming is the leading international farm animal welfare charity, campaigning to improve the lives of millions of farm animals through advocacy, lobbying for legislative change, and positive engagement with the global food industry. Our established international Food Business programme aims to achieve a holistic approach to sustainable food production by driving transformational change for farm animals, reducing our reliance on animal sourced foods, and moving the food industry towards more regenerative, nature friendly farming.
www.compassioninfoodbusiness.com
Good Farm Animal Welfare Awards
Compassion’s Good Farm Animal Welfare Awards recognise marketing-leading companies for their innovative work in the field of farm animal welfare and sustainable food production. Find out more here: https://www.compassioninfoodbusiness.com/awards/