Animal Welfare on Our Farms

Animal Welfare

Animal welfare at the heart of Valens Farms' values.

Animal Welfare

Our Commitment to Animal Welfare

Animal welfare is an essential part of our daily values and long-term commitments.

We work to ensure that animals are raised with care, receive a healthy diet adapted to their needs, and live in conditions that are as natural as possible. Our goal is to promote responsible farming practices that respect animals throughout their lives.

Our Standards

Excellent Breeding Conditions

Poultry are free-range and have access to the outdoors whenever the weather permits (free range and organic only). Our cattle are fed from our crops, and roam the pastures in summer. We adapt their diet to each season, and guarantee that organic animals are fed a diet free from pesticides, GMOs and synthetic fertilizers, so that their nutritional intake is as close as possible to their natural needs. We take great care to keep our animals free from antibiotics and growth hormones. We are certified organic by Ecocert Canada, and we take particular care to scrupulously follow the conditions of animal husbandry with respect for the animal's well-being.

Quebec Law

The 5 Fundamental Freedoms of Animal Welfare

Quebec's Animal Welfare and Safety Act (2015) guarantees compliance with strict rules for animals, from their daily care (nutrition, habitat) to their safety (transportation, veterinary care) throughout their lives. In order to guarantee animal welfare and meet their natural biological needs as closely as possible, 5 criteria must be respected (according to UPA du Québec):

Absence of hunger, thirst and malnutrition

The animal must have unlimited access to water for drinking, and be fed in sufficient quantity to meet its daily nutritional requirements. The quality of their diet is also a determining factor in the animal's good health.

Absence of fear and distress

If the animal is moved, it must be transported in a suitable vehicle (ventilation, space, safety) in accordance with the requirements of the 1990 Health of Animals Act. The Meat Inspection Act (1985) also lays down strict rules concerning slaughter (stress, procedure).

Absence of physical and thermal stress

The habitat must be clean, well-lit, protected from heat or cold, and large enough to allow the animal to move around freely.

Absence of pain, injury and disease

The animal must be able to receive appropriate veterinary care in the event of injury or suffering. Animals must not be mistreated: cruelty falls under the Criminal Code established by the Federal Law of the Land.

Freedom to express normal species behavior

All animals must be able to react according to their instincts, as easily as possible. Habitat, nutrition, relationships with humans — everything must be designed to best match the animal's primary behavior.