Funding program for livestock producers has Oct. 1 deadline

The Animal Welfare Institute (AWI) established a program three years ago that recognizes livestock producers who observe the organization’s standards with the Animal Welfare Approved seal, which also informs consumers with food labeling that indicates producer compliance with animal husbandry and slaughter standards.  Last year AWI achieved financial footing that will allow the program to offer Good Husbandry Grants — of up to $5,000 — to farmers with ideas for projects that will improve farm animal welfare. Among the proposals awarded grants last year was  a low-stress loading facility that a group of Midwestern farmers now shares, and a mobile processing facility for a group of North Carolina poultry producers. Grant applications are now being accepted for the 2009 Good Husbandry Grants, and the application deadline is Oct. 1. The selection committee’s four areas of specific interest for the 2009 funding cycle are genetics, outdoor access (mobile housing in particular), welfare improvements in the slaughter process and non-lethal predator control.