The Intergroup has invited two speakers to discuss how to achieve better welfare outcomes for broiler chickens across the EU, focusing on the relation of the breed to welfare. Anja Brinch Riber, senior researcher at the Department of Animal and Veterinary Sciences at Aarhus University and Mia Bonnichsen, Food and agricultural policy consultant and veterinarian at Animal Protection Denmark will be speaking about the scientific basis for higher welfare broiler hybrids and the path to policy change on broiler breeds.

As the issue of broiler chicken breeds has been gaining visibility over the last years, with EFSA recommending moving away from fast-growing breeds and using slower-growing, higher welfare breeds, the upcoming Intergroup meeting will be an additional opportunity to gain a wider understanding of this crucial topic. Other changes happening throughout the last years involve many companies transforming their supply chains in line with the scientific findings pointing to a need to phase-out fast growing broilers among other welfare requirements. Over 500 companies committed to such a shift, clearly indicating to policymakers that the market is ready for decisive action on the welfare of poultry. Change is happening at all levels - time for EU institutions to take a step in the right direction.

Join us on Thursday at 10am in person or online!