The certification is 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.

Mr Liu overseeing 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

GOOD4FUR certified farm. 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.

Animal welfare is the primary concern of all those who work

on the farm. A testing lab is located close by to examine

animals for disease and ensure their good health. The farm

also receives visits from veterinarians to assess the animals

health and wellbeing. Employees frequently engage with the

animals, stimulating them with constant interaction. In

addition, the farm boasts a sophisticated heating system

which keeps water supplies constant during the colder

periods.

The on-site testing lab.

As the farm is GOOD4FUR certified it 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.

Sustainable Farming

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 the fish industry (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.

Mr Liu’s GOOD4FUR farm in Yichun.

Mr Liu explained to IFF that he is a committed member of the

GOOD4FUR program because of the high animal welfare

standards that are required. Mr Liu, along with other

GOOD4FUR members and farmers, are keen for the program

to expand to include more farms which meet the strict

standards and principles.