Principles for Small Flockers

SFPFC’s Principles                        Rev. 4   2013/10/24

We, the Small Flock Poultry Farmers of Canada, believe and support the following principles:

1. Serving the greater good of the public is paramount.
   
   
2. We believe in the “Freedom Five” as defined by the Farm Animal Welfare Council ("FAWC") for all animals that are directly and indirectly under the care, control or ownership of farmers.
   All animals have the right to freedom:

• from Hunger/Thirst;
• from Discomfort;
• from Pain/Injury/Disease;
• to Express Normal Behaviours;
• from Fear/Distress

3. If we discover or reasonably suspect significant violations of FAWC's Freedom Five, we have a duty to immediately rectify the situation and prevent its re-occurrence; or bring it to the attention of those responsible, or those who can legally protect the animal(s).
   
   
4. We believe in open and honest communications, competency, and predictability.
   
   
5. Canadians want and deserve the best quality food (ie. safe, nutritious, accessible, and affordable).
   
   
6. Canada as a whole, and each local region within Canada, must be sustainable and self-sufficient in its food production and distribution.
   
   
7. If it wasn't for farmers, rich people would only have money to eat.
   
   
8. All farmers, like all other people, need to be respected and appreciated for the work they do.
   
   
9. Skilful and hard working farmers must be able to earn reasonable financial gains from farming.
   
   
10. Incompetent and/or lazy farmers need to stay out of the way, or find another career.
    
    
11. If Supply Management ("SM") is the most effective means to serve the public, then we support SM.
    
    
12. If SM isn't today, but could become the most effective means to serve the public, and SM is willing and able to make the necessary changes in a timely and effective manner, then we support SM as long as those necessary changes are proceeding as planned.
    
    
13. The SM system, like all other systems, must continuously improve as rapidly as possible.
    
    
14. The SM system, like all other systems, must serve the public (ie. deliver the best quality food, minimize risks, maximize both trust and reliability).
    
    
15. Unlike the over-riding priority for maximum efficiency and profit sought by quota-based or industrialized poultry farming, small flock farming is also about participation in the circle of life;   an expression of life and participation in it;   a statement to the industrialized farms and society as a whole that we reject the principles behind industrialized farms;  a spiritual practice that transcends the acts themselves;   a system of education for self, family, and community;   and is part of a higher purpose.
    
    
16. The rights of individuals are more important than the rights of groups.
    
    
17. The rights of all citizens are more important than the rights of organizations.
    
    
18. While recognizing and protecting the rights of minorities, the majority shall lead towards the greatest good for all, and never take more than their fair share of the benefits.
    
    
19. The role of government is to set reasonable standards and monitor performance; then co-ordinate, facilitate, and assist its citizens where needed; otherwise stay out of their way.