Swan Valley named as Australia's first Humane Food Region

The Swan Valley has been named Australia’s first Humane Food region. City of Swan Mayor, Charlie Zannino, said the achievement was the result of a partnership between the City, the RSPCA WA and a commitment from 30 of the region’s restaurants and cafes. “This is a very exciting announcement for the region and will bring real benefits to the Swan Valley,” he said. “The Swan Valley has long had a reputation for producing quality wine and, as the Mayor and also a local resident of the Valley, I am very proud of the quality of food which is also produced in the region. We know that already 63 per cent of the visitors to the Swan Valley come here to dine; this is a testament to the quality dining experiences already being provided by local venues. On a broader note we are seeing an increasing consumer trend and sentiment concerned with the ethics of food production. With the introduction of the Humane Food program to the region, we will be helping consumers to know that we share their ethics.”
Swan Valley/Gidgegannup Ward Councillor, Darryl Trease, said the program was a natural fit with the region. “When talking to local business owners and chefs about the program, we found that many businesses in the area were already making humane food choices,” he said. “For some businesses there were very few changes to make to their operations to meet the Humane Food criteria, which perhaps isn’t surprising when you look around the Valley. We are a rural area, and connected to the land from which our produce is derived; it is a fairly natural fit.”
So, too, is the City of Swan’s championing of the Swan Valley’s journey to Australia’s first Humane Food region, according to Mayor Zannino. “The City is very proactive in supporting the local tourism industry, so much so that, at a national level, earlier this year we won the inaugural Local Government category at the Qantas Australia Tourism Awards,” he said. “The City has invested heavily in the Swan Valley as a premier food and wine tourism destination and I am proud of the innovation and growth in the Valley. The Humane Food program is part of the Swan Valley’s efforts to differentiate itself as a region committed to providing an exceptional dining experience.”
For more information visit www.swan.wa.gov.au/humanefoods
What is humane food?
Humane food is food that is animal welfare friendly. Standards on humane or higher welfare farms are higher than those in conventional systems and those required by law. Their environment allows animals the opportunity to behave naturally. For example, eggs from hens that are cage free, barn laid or free range are sourced over eggs from hens in cages. Layer hens, pigs and meat chickens are the most intensively farmed species in Australia and are the focus for this program.