For the third consecutive year, Perdue Farms achieved a Tier 2 ranking from the Business Benchmark on Farm Animal Welfare (BBFAW), the leading global measure of policy commitment, performance and disclosure on animal welfare in food companies.
“Animal welfare and animal care has always been a big part of our business,” Randy Mitchell, PhD, the Vice President of Technical Services for Perdue Foods, said. “One of our biggest priorities is to understand more about chicken behavior and make sure we provide birds with the best environment possible.”
In the report, BBFAW recognized numerous aspects of Perdue’s animal welfare program, including Perdue’s Research Farm, the company’s Animal Care Report and the annual Animal Care Summit, as well as other welfare initiatives.
Perdue’s Research Farm is involved in the study of alternative chicken breeds, as well as the effects of brighter light, more space, outdoor access and enrichment on bird performance and welfare.
The Tier 2 ranking places Perdue Farms in the top 15% worldwide and the top 7% in the U.S. The top two tiers of the six-tier ranking system are reserved for companies that demonstrate a strong commitment to farm animal welfare.
Only one other U.S. poultry or meat company achieved a Tier 2 ranking or higher.
The 2019 BBFAW analyzed 150 companies throughout the world and is supported by Compassion in World Farming and World Animal Protection. The Business Benchmark was established in 2012 and is considered the first global measure of company performance on animal welfare.
“The 2019 findings demonstrate that the BBFAW continues to be an important driver of change. An increasing number of companies are using the annual benchmark to drive continuous improvement in farm animal welfare practices, performance and disclosure,” Nicky Amos, Executive Director of the Business Benchmark on Farm Animal Welfare, said in a statement.
Like what you just read? Sign up now for free to receive the Poultry Future Newsletter.
