Thecertificationis awarded to farms that adhere to

standards crafted by experts based on the Fur-Bearing

Animal Farming and Breed Technical Directions by the

Chinese Forestry Administration, Administrative Measures

on Livestock and Poultry License by Chinese Ministry of

Agriculture with reference to European WELFUR standards.

MrLiuoverseeing mink on the farm.

In October 2018 the IFF visited Yichun in North-East China to

meet with the GOOD4FUR farmers and assess the progress

of the program. During this trip IFF visited GOOD4FUR

member Mr Liu's farm. The farm was established in 2014 and

holds white, brown and silver blue hair mink. The trip

showcased the transparent and open nature of this

GOOD4FURcertifiedfarm. As Mr Liu conducted the visit with

IFF and a representative from the China Leather Industry

Association, he was happy to discuss all issues related to the

running of the farm and the requirements of the GOOD4FUR

program.

Animalwelfare is the primaryconcern ofallthosewhowork

on the farm. Atesting lab is located close byto examine

animals fordisease and ensure theirgood health. The farm

also receives visits from veterinarians to assess the animals

health and wellbeing. Employees frequentlyengagewith the

animals, stimulating themwith constant interaction. In

addition, the farm boasts a sophisticated heating system

which keepswatersupplies constant during the colder

periods.

The on-site testing lab.

As the farm is GOOD4FURcertifiedit is biannually visited by

independent officials to check that the animals are

demonstrating good health and behaviour. During the week of

the visit a veterinarian from the General Administration of

Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine of the People's

Republic of China (ACSIQ) visited the farm. The GOOD4FUR

program is seen by its members as an opportunity to

showcase good farming practices and in turn drive standards

in China. This can help to secure the future of mink farming in

China.

SustainableFarming

The farm is not only a success story in terms of animal welfare,

it also operates with a strong focus on sustainability. Mr Liu

owns a feeding facility located in the same area. The feed is

comprised of the by-products of thefishindustry (from the

nearby coast) as well as bean powder and duck oil in order to

adhere to the correct nutritional demands of the feed

standards.

MrLiu’sGOOD4FUR farm inYichun.

MrLiu explained to IFFthat he is a committed memberofthe

GOOD4FUR program because ofthe high animalwelfare

standards that are required.MrLiu, alongwith other

GOOD4FUR members and farmers, are keen forthe program

to expand to include more farmswhich meet the strict

standards and principles.