Private farm assurance: a comparative review

A comparison of private farm assurance schemes has been undertaken to ascertain whether private standards are specific to animal welfare, determinate of a higher welfare experience, and communicated to the consumer; which extends beyond the private standards vis-á-vis EU norms. The schemes are: RSPCA Assured; M&S Select Farm; and the IFA Livestock Standard and Animal Welfare Add-on Modules of GLOBALG.A.P.. The schemes of M&S and GLOBALG.A.P. are business-to business schemes, in the first instance; RSPCA Assured is a business-to-consumer scheme which links RSPCA welfare standards through the RSPCA Assured logo to consumers of RSPCA Assured agri-produce. The mission, operation, and internal governance regime of each organisation are described, it being essential that the welfare standards and constitution of private schemes are accepted by the consumer. It is not possible to compare all species and standards; strengths, and instances where there is scope for improvement are highlighted and recommendations made, including the private labelling of produce.