Happenings
Launch of Asia Cage-Free Association Alliance (ACFAA): A Regional Collaboration to Revolutionize Poultry Farming in Asia by YB Tuan Prabakaran Parameswaran, Chairman of Malaysian Indian Transformation Unit (MITRA) and Member of Parliament for Batu.
November 23, 2024 - Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia In a landmark step toward promoting animal welfare and sustainable farming practices, the Asia Cage-Free Association Alliance (ACFAA) was officially launched today during the Malaysia Cage-Free Egg Producer’s Organisation (MCFEPO) inaugural event. The ACFAA unites cage-free associations from India, Malaysia, and Indonesia, signifying a new era of regional cooperation for advancing humane and sustainable cage-free egg production in Asia.The Asia Cage-Free Association Alliance (ACFAA) was officially launched by YB Tuan Prabakaran Parameswaran, Chairman of Malaysian Indian Transformation Unit (MITRA) and Member of Parliament for Batu.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) establishing ACFAA was signed by key representatives from the region: Shunmugam Sethuraman, Chairman of Malaysia Cage-Free Egg Producer’s Organisation; Manjunath Marappan, Secretary of India Cage-Free and Free- Range Poultry Producers Association; and Kristina Yolanda, Chairperson of the Indonesian Cage-Free Association. The signing ceremony was witnessed by YB Tuan Prabakaran Paramaswaran and Dr. Saravanakumar S. Pillai, Senior Adviser for Farm Animal Welfare, Policy, and Engagement at Humane Society International (HSI).
The launch of ACFAA is part of a broader effort by Humane Society International (HSI) to support and promote cage-free farming practices globally. By building strong regional collaborations, HSI aims to accelerate the transition to better welfare, sustainable food systems and ensure better lives for both farm animals and farmers.
The formation of ACFAA represents a unified commitment to fostering ethical egg production practices across Asia. By bringing together like-minded organizations, ACFAA aims to strengthen advocacy, research, and capacity building in the cage-free poultry sector. Through collaborative efforts, the alliance will strive to enhance producer knowledge, influence policies, and create a sustainable supply chain that prioritizes animal welfare and environmental conservation.
YB Tuan Prabakaran, Chairman of MITRA and Member of Parliament for Batu, highlighted the broader impact of ACFAA’s formation, stating “The establishment of the Asia Cage-Free Association Alliance is a proud moment for Malaysia and for Asia as a whole. This is not just about animal welfare, it’s about reshaping how we approach food production with sustainability and compassion at the forefront. By prioritizing cage-free farming practices, we are sending a strong message to the global community: Asia is ready to lead the way in ethical farming. This alliance will empower farmers with the knowledge and tools to transition towards cage-free systems, bringing tangible benefits to both producers and consumers. I am deeply honored to be part of this historic moment, and I look forward to seeing the positive ripple effects this initiative will have across our region and beyond.”
Dr. Pillai, emphasized the significance of this collaboration, “The formation of the Asia Cage-Free Association Alliance is not just another step forward, it is a transformative moment for animal welfare and sustainable farming in Asia. This alliance exemplifies what can be achieved when nations come together with a shared vision of improving lives not only for farm animals but also for the farmers and consumers who benefit from healthier and more ethical food systems. ACFAA will serve as a platform to exchange ideas, share best practices, and advocate for humane and sustainable solutions in the egg production industry. Together, we are breaking barriers, setting higher standards, and building a future where ethical farming becomes synonymous with progress and prosperity.”
Shunmugam Sethuraman, Chairman of the Malaysia Cage-Free Egg Producer’s Organisation (MCFEPO), also emphasized the importance of the alliance,“The formation of the Asia Cage-Free Association Alliance is a testament to the shared vision of India, Indonesia, and Malaysia to champion humane and sustainable egg production practices. For Malaysia, this is a significant milestone as it positions us at the forefront of this movement in Asia. At MCFEPO, we believe that empowering farmers with resources and knowledge to adopt cage-free systems is not only the right thing to do for animal welfare but also a sustainable business model for the future. With ACFAA, we now have a strong regional platform to amplify our efforts, share insights, and influence policies that will bring lasting change to the poultry industry. Together, we are laying the foundation for a kinder, greener, and more equitable food system.”
The ACFAA is committed to empowering farmers with the knowledge and resources to transition toward cage-free practices, while also engaging policymakers and industry leaders to adopt progressive animal welfare standards. This regional collaboration, supported by Humane Society International, marks a significant effort to drive humane and sustainable farming practices globally. By sharing expertise and resources across borders, ACFAA seeks to inspire widespread adoption of cage-free systems and ensure a brighter future for both animals and farmers.
This monumental event marks the beginning of a transformative journey for cage-free farming in Asia. The ACFAA’s efforts will be instrumental in building a compassionate, sustainable, and economically viable future for the poultry industry across the region.
Learn more about our work at hsi.org; https://cagefreeeggs.org.my ; https://cagefreeindonesia.org; https://www.freerangeindia.com
Media contact :
Dr Saravanakumar S.Pillai
+6012 5006316
drskpillai.vet@gmail.com