The International Poultry Council (IPC) has prioritized five of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), representing key areas where the global poultry industry can truly make a difference in realizing a better and more sustainable future for all. These key areas are outlined in the “Declaration of São Paulo” — a joint affirmation of the IPC and the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) to work toward the sustainable development of the global meat poultry sector. Aviagen® CEO Jan Henriksen has written to the IPC affirming the company’s commitment to putting these five goals into practice through its balanced breeding approach reflected in its “Breeding Sustainability” theme and its Top Five Commitments.
The poultry industry promise
In the Declaration of São Paulo, the IPC highlights the five SDGs with greatest
relevance to the poultry industry:
-Zero hunger (SDG 2). Poultry breeders and producers help to put
#FoodOnEveryTable of families around the world by improving the poultry
meat chain, sharing good practices and promoting sustainable production and
consumption.
-Good health and well-being (SDG 3). Poultry is a lean, healthy and
affordable food choice; this goal is advanced through high product quality and
safety and the sharing of good management, manufacturing and nutrition
practices.
-Quality education (SDG 4). The poultry world helps build the capacity to
ensure high quality and sustainable production.
– Industry, innovation and infrastructure (SDG 9). The poultry sector
supports innovative and sustainable poultry and improvement of
infrastructures, while protecting the health and welfare of animals.
-Climate action (SDG 13). The industry works on continual improvements and
efficiencies to reduce greenhouse gases and other emissions
These goals are intrinsic in Aviagen’s Top 5 corporate commitments:
-Health, food safety and food security, with a high health status and secure
deliveries from supply bases in every continent
-Biodiversity, from a broad breed base ensuring choice and readiness for
future needs
– Balanced breeding, simultaneously improving bird health, welfare,
environmental impact, quality and performance
-Importance of flock management and stockmanship, which strengthen
poultry health and welfare and the sustainability of poultry production
-Transparency, communication and engagement with industry allies,
government organizations and all members of the global poultry value chain
The five SDGs selected by the IPC are part of a larger group of 17, with a target to
end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. The foundation of the 17
SDGs is the three pillars of sustainable development: Environmental (Planet),
Economic (Profits) and Social (People).
Thanking the IPC for its lead in this important initiative, Henriksen stated, “As an
associated member, Aviagen recognises the IPC as the poultry industry’s
representative on sustainability. By aligning our Breeding Sustainability theme and
our major commitment as a breeder to this promise, we aim to help strengthen food
security and safety for all and enhance bird health and welfare, while reducing the
impact of food production on our natural world. “
