Today’s consumer is constantly searching for factual information about the food they buy. To answer those questions, the North American Meat Institute unveiled a new and improved consumer and industry-focused Veal Farm website. The website opens the barn doors to the consumers to the on-farm practices of raising veal and what farmers do to ensure the well-being of the animals under their care.
“Consumers are increasingly interested in how their food is produced,” said Eric Mittenthal, vice president of sustainability at the North American Meat Institute, a contractor to the Beef Checkoff. “Created for everyone, from consumers to farmers, the Veal Farm website offers a window into how special-fed veal calves are raised today.”
The updated website features three new videos which show how veal calves are raised. Visitors to the website will see calves are almost exclusively raised in group pens, untethered, and with space to move around and engage in natural behaviors. The videos feature veal farmers, a veterinarian, and a nutritionist who address key questions such as “What do veal calves eat? and, how are they raised?“
The Veal Farm website also provides resources for industry professionals who conduct education and certification training for the Veal Quality Assurance program. The VQA program is a collection of science-based best management practices and resources developed by farmers, veterinarians and other industry experts to ensure that veal calves receive quality care through every stage of life and are raised using production standards that result in a safe, wholesome, high quality product that meets regulatory and customer expectations. Specifically, VQA is designed to address all aspects of animal care and on-farm practices.
Veal farmers are committed to ensuring the food they produce is safe. According to their website, “Farmers strive to provide excellent animal care, maintain clean barns and adopt sound practices so consumers can be confident the food they purchase for their families is safe.”
The North American Meat Institute invites all consumers to come to the farm. There’s lots to learn at www.VealFarm.com.
