The Western Australian government is taking steps to enhance animal welfare standards within the poultry industry. These proposed regulations, currently open for public comment, present an opportunity for agritourism operators to engage with the evolving landscape of ethical farming practices.

What’s Changing?

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) has released the first stage of draft regulations aimed at aligning Western Australia’s poultry industry with the nationally agreed-upon Poultry Standards. Key aspects of this first stage include:

• Phasing Out Conventional Cages: The regulations will set out a timeline for the phasing out of conventional layer hen cages, moving towards alternative housing systems that prioritize hen welfare.
• New Standards for Poultry Care: By July 1, 2025, all poultry raised, bred, or kept in captivity will be subject to new welfare standards, covering areas such as space allowance, environmental enrichment, and access to resources.
• Improved Water Provisions for Ducks: The regulations specifically address the need for adequate water provision for breeder ducks, ensuring their welfare needs are met.

Why is This Relevant to Agritourism?

As agritourism often intersects with on-farm experiences, understanding these regulatory changes is crucial. Here’s why:

• Transparency and Consumer Trust: Today’s consumers are increasingly conscious of animal welfare. By staying informed about these regulations and how they impact poultry farming practices, you can provide transparent answers to visitor questions and build trust with your audience.
• Marketing Opportunities: Aligning your agritourism offerings with evolving ethical standards can be a powerful marketing tool. Highlighting your commitment to animal welfare and showcasing farms that meet these new standards can attract visitors seeking ethical and sustainable tourism experiences.
• Industry Collaboration: This presents an opportunity to engage in dialogue with local poultry producers. Consider collaborating on educational tours or workshops that provide visitors with insights into responsible poultry production.

How to Engage with These Changes

• Review the Draft Regulations: Visit the DPIRD YourSay to access the full draft regulations and consultation paper.
• Make Your Voice Heard: The public comment period is open until October 20, 2024. Share your feedback with DPIRD and contribute to shaping the future of poultry welfare standards in Western Australia.
• Start Conversations: Use this as a springboard to initiate conversations with your visitors about animal welfare, ethical farming, and the importance of supporting sustainable practices.

By engaging proactively with these evolving regulations, WA Agritourism operators can demonstrate their commitment to responsible tourism and contribute to a more ethical and sustainable future for the agricultural industry.

Words by:

Andy Burns

Andy Burns is a driving force in the Western Australian tourism industry, currently serving as Vice-President of the WAAA. He’s the Founder of Scott Aussie Tourism Marketing, a South West WA-based agency specialising in helping tourism businesses thrive in the digital age. Scott Aussie offers a full range of marketing services, from strategic planning and branding to content creation, social media management, and AI-powered solutions. Andy’s deep understanding of the tourism landscape, combined with his expertise in destination marketing and community engagement, makes him a sought-after advisor, speaker, and trainer. He’s a regular presenter at industry conferences and workshops, sharing his insights on topics ranging from digital marketing strategy to the future of tourism. Andy is also a member of the Manjimup Tourist Bureau and a Councillor at the Shire of Manjimup. His previous leadership roles include six years on the board of Tourism Rockingham and five years as Chair of a Department of Biodiversity Conservation and Attraction (DBCA) advisory committee.