WHEREAS, the group housing methodology has developed in the United States to the extent that slightly less than 10% of US veal production is now derived from this system, and

WHEREAS, many large retail and food service organizations now consider animal welfare issues in concert with their purchasing decisions, and

WHEREAS, group housing as a method of raising veal calves was imposed legislatively upon European veal producers more than a decade ago, and

WHEREAS, the American Veal Association Board of Directors (AVA Board) believes the following:

1. That the veal industry continues to bear the important responsibility of safeguarding the health and well being of all animals under its collective care, and
2. That research into group housing methodologies has progressed to the point where these methods may now be considered viable methods in which to raise calves and
3. That the veal industry must always be aware and mindful of consumer concerns with respect to the products placed into the stream of commerce, and
4. That recent events indicate clearly that consumers of veal and other products derived from livestock expect the highest standards of animal wellfare, and
5. That the trend of higher animal wellfare scrutiny from retail and food service organizations will continue into the future in response to such consumer expectations, and
6. That an ultimate veal industry conversion to a group housing methodology will promote industry stability and growth.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the American Veal Association officially recognizes both traditional methods and group based methods of veal production as viable and acceptable methods of raising veal calves in the US. However, in light of the factors listed above, the AVA recommends that the entire veal industry convert to the group housing methodology by December 31, 2017. In addition, the AVA encourages additional industry research to further refine and perfect group housing methods such that this new method of veal production may be available to all US veal producers in the near future.

Dale Bakke, President.Dated : May 9, 2006