European poultry meat sector launches sustainability charter

The Avec Sustainability Charter, which aims to pave the way for continuous improvement, takes the form of a list of ambitions put forward by the sector in the following areas:

• Environmental impact
• Packaging
• Animal welfare
• Antibiotics

The journey to sustainability and resilience in each EU country is different and must be considered and respected, said Oplaat. The Charter is designed to evolve over the years and amongst Avec’s members. In parallel, Avec invited its members to translate and adapt the Sustainability Charter to their national strategy towards sustainability.

The sustainable and resilient future of the EU agricultural sector is in the hands of producers, consumers, and policymakers. The European Union and its institutions will play a crucial role in the successful implementation of the Avec Sustainability Charter, and Avec and its members believe they each part of the solution.

Political decisions should strive for the best balance between the 3 pillars of sustainability. Oplaat: “To that end, Avec would like to submit to the European Commission a list of policy measures that are required to ensure the success of our Sustainable Charter 2022.” According to his organisation, a few important points are highlighted:

• Imported products must mirror the requirements imposed on EU products – also on animal welfare.
• Guarantees for a level playing field for meat imported from third countries at EU borders by increasing the frequencies of the controls should be provided.
• Investment in better control of residues in meat imported from third countries to ensure EU standards are met.
• Audit missions in third countries should lead to control of the whole supply chain from the hatchery to the slaughterhouse. Controls on the farm and feed mill are particularly important.
• New legislation on mandatory labelling of origin for all products containing poultry meat (especially in out-of-home consumption) must be introduced.