Last Monday, Compassion in World Farming recognised over 40 hospitals, educational centres and local councils at the Public Procurement Good Farm Animal Welfare Awards in London. The Awards were presented to organisations that are committed to improving the welfare of farm animals in their supply chains.

VIPs and champions of ethical food gave inspirational talks. Host, Jenny Jones – Green Assembly Member and former chair of London Food – spoke passionately about her bid to improve the food we eat as a nation, while TV chef, Allegra McEvedy MBE, talked about the importance of opting for higher welfare meat.

In her speech, Allegra McEvedy said: “My connection to these awards and all that they are trying to change is a source of huge honour to me.  My MBE was for promoting healthier eating and ethical sourcing, and being a part of these awards brings both of these together.

“Any chef will be quick to tell you how much better food that has had a life tastes. But for once, flavour comes second. The primary reason I’ll do anything I can to promote better standards in farming is simply that a life is a life, and even though this industry is all geared in one direction – our tummies – that is no excuse to abuse animals.”

Awards were presented in three categories – Good Egg Award, Good Chicken Award and Good Dairy Award – and recognise the commitment these organisations are making to improving the lives of animals by specifying only higher welfare eggs, chicken or dairy produce for use in their catering operations. University of Birmingham was presented with a Good Egg Award.

The Public Procurement Awards are part of the Good Farm Animal Welfare Awards programme that has been awarding the food industry across Europe, since 2007. Over 265 million hens, chickens, pigs and dairy cows and calves are set to benefit each year as a result of winners’ policies.

Since its launch in 2007, Compassion in World Farming’s Food Business Team has pioneered a unique partnership approach – working with the European food industry to encourage and reward commitment, transparency, performance and innovation in the field of animal welfare.

Jenny Jones said: “The food choices that we make as individuals through our weekly shop, or as policy or decision makers in the public and private sector have clear impacts on the food chain. I think that as consumers of meat, we have a duty and responsibility to ensure that the choices we make ensure that animals are treated well, and raised as close to their natural behaviour as possible.

“Animal welfare concerns are a growing influence on consumer choices and purchasing habits and the food service sector must react to meet this consumer demand. It is our responsibility to accelerate this change by pressing for high ethical standards in procurement contracts to improve welfare standards in the industry.”

Katy Read, Head of Food Business at Compassion in World Farming said: “It is so great to see the public sector’s catering departments taking animal welfare into consideration when sourcing their meat, dairy and egg produce. Higher welfare food isn’t just the responsibility of the large corporations, but something that can be achieved at all levels. Well done to all our award winners – keep up the good work!”

List of 2011 winners

*Awarded a Good Egg AND a Good Chicken award