Promote welfare friendly UK veal
26 July 2000
‘Promote welfare friendly UK veal’
MORE must be done to tell consumers that British veal is produced to high welfare standards, claims a calf producer.
For although UK calves are no longer kept in darkness in tiny crates, the stigma of cruelty still remains, says Somerset organic veal farmer Matt Page.
He told the BBC Radio 4 Farming Today programme that if shoppers were more aware of the high welfare standards they would buy the meat.
He said: The British public should be made aware of the fact that English veal is raised on grass, suckling from their mothers.
If the British public knew this theyd feel that they could once again enjoy this great delicacy.
Mr Page said the market had completely collapsed and he was forced to sell his calves for half the amount get for a veal calf for human consumption
While crates are banned in the UK, a Europe-wide ban will not come into effect until 2007.
Mr Page said it was unfair that British farmers had to shoulder 50% extra costs from introducing admirable welfare standards.