International Forum on Global Aspects of Farm Animal Welfare

Health and Consumer Protection

The Programme of the Conference on Global Trade and Farm Animal Welfare (20-21 January 2009) will be published in due time

22 - 23 April 2008
BRUSSELS
Jean Monnet Room
European Commission, Berlaymont Building
Rond-Point Schuman

The objective of this forum is to begin the process aimed at developing a global strategy for the welfare of farm animals. The outcome will then be used to input into the OIE in its conference in October, and then into the Conference which will be organized by the European Commission, RSPCA, WSPA, Compassion In World Farming and Eurogroup for Animals on 20-21 January 2009.

The Forum will therefore look at initiatives round the world, both national and international, and examine how such initiatives can be used to form part of a global strategy. To achieve this, an international panel of speakers has been invited. Furthermore, one half day will be left open so that the participants can exchange views and information informally. This should then lead to a round table discussion from which we anticipate that elements of future policy can be identified.

Tuesday 22 April 2008
AGENDA
14h00
Welcome address and Introduction to the Forum by Vida Čadonič- Špelič, Slovenian Chief Veterinary Officer , Sergio Pavon, SPS Unit, DG Trade, European Commission, Andrea Gavinelli, Deputy Head of Unit, Animal Welfare and Feed, Health and Consumer Protection DG, European Commission, and Adolfo Sansolini, Trade Policy Advisor for RSPCA, Eurogroup for Animals, CIWF, WSPA.

Click here to view Adolfo Sansolini's presentation (pdf)

14h50
Presentation (10 min.) by Margaret Wittenberg, Global Vice-president, Quality Standards and Public Affairs, Whole Foods Market, USA:
Voluntary schemes on farm animal welfare: challenge or opportunity?"

Click here to view Margaret Wittenberg's presentation (pdf)

15h00
Followed by discussion (10 minutes)
15h10
Presentation (10 min.) by Agnès Laszczyk, General Secretary of ERPA (European Rural Poultry Association), France:
"Animal welfare labelling in poultry - the Label Rouge experience in France"

Click here to view Agnès Laszczyk's presentation (pdf)

15h20
Followed by discussion (10 minutes)
15h30
Presentation (10 min.) by Leopoldo Stuardo, Deputy Head of Unit, International Trade Department, World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE)
"Impact of the standards of OIE Code on the global trade of animals and animal products and its role to ensure their welfare"

Click here to view Leopoldo Stuardo's presentation (pdf)

15h40
Followed by discussion (10 minutes)
15h50
Presentation (10 min.) by Maurizio Salvi, Head of the European Group on Ethics (EGE) Secretariat:
"The debate on cloning of farm animals in the EU"

Click here to view Maurizo Salvi's presentation (pdf)

16h00
Followed by discussion (10 minutes)
16h10
Coffee break
16h30
Discussion introduced by Robert Madelin, Director General for Health and Consumer Protection, European Commission - contributions from participants
18h00
End of Roundtable (first day)
Wednesday 23 April 2008
AGENDA
14h00
Welcome address and Introduction to the Forum by Ditte Juul Joergensen, Head of Unit SPS, DG Trade, European Commission, Andrea Gavinelli, Deputy Head of Unit, Animal Welfare and Feed, Health and Consumer Protection DG, European Commission, and Sonja Van Tichelen, Director of Eurogroup for Animals
14h50
Presentation (10 min.) by Daniela Battaglia, Livestock Production Officer, Agriculture and Consumer Protection Department, FAO:
"Potential implications of animal welfare policies for livestock development"

Click here to view Daniela Battaglia's presentation (pdf)

15h00
Followed by discussion (10 minutes)
15h10
Presentation (10 min.) by Márcio Portocarrero, Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, Farming and Supply, Brazil:
"Introduction of farm animal welfare policies in Brazil"

Click here to view Márcio Portocarrero's presentation (pdf)

15h20
Followed by discussion (10 minutes)
15h30
Presentation (10 min.) by David Bowles, Head of External Affairs, Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA), UK:
"Can the role of the consumer and public campaigning take the role of legislation?"

Click here to view David Bowles's presentation (pdf)

15h40
Followed by discussion (10 minutes)
15h50
Presentation (10 min.) by Ricardo Moralejo, Professor of Animal Production, Veterinary Science Faculty, University of La Pampa, Argentina:
"Higher animal welfare standards in La Pampa, Argentina. Benefits for animal production and local economy"

Click here to view Ricardo Moralejo's presentation (pdf)

16h00
Followed by discussion (10 minutes)
16h10
Coffee break
16h30
Discussion chaired by DG SANCO - contributions from participants
18h00
End of Roundtable (second day)