Animal Health and Welfare in the SOPA Standards
The SOPA organic farming standards take the EU Organic Regulation 834/2007 and Implementing Rules 889/2008 as the starting point.
It is illegal for our standards of animal production to be lower than the EU baseline.
The SOPA standards are based on the IFOAM prinicples and the Five Freedoms for Animal welfare.
The SOPA standards are specifically written to meet the needs for healthy and well-cared for animals in our unique Scottish conditions - whether it be using Scottish native breeds, traditional rearing practices such as hefting and gathering, and recognising that the harsh Scottish climate and different soils present challenges that need local solutions. Long winter nights and different feeds need special recognition so that animals can be reared with the additional attention that is required here.
The SOPA standards aim to keep livestock in good health by promoting high standards of animal welfare, and using appropriate diets and good day-to-day care of stock. If animals are ill, it is mandatory that the farmer must give appropriate treatment and seek veterinary advice.
Antibiotics and other conventional medicines are used under veterinary advice and only where no alternative treatment is available or where necessary to save an animal's life or to reduce suffering. Where antibiotics or veterinary medicines are used, the standards are strictly enforced; up to date records must be available and extended withdrawal periods of at LEAST twice the legal minimum will be enforced.
SOPA also demands requirements to ensure humane conditions for animals in transport and at slaughter.
We have strict controls for notifiable animal diseases and demand that all organic members conduct risk analysis of biosecurity protection on the farm.
All organic farmers certified by SOPA will be requried to operate a comprehensive Livestock Managment Plan covering livestock health, breeding, feeding and housing.
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