Preface – This document defines the FRFAIncVic accreditation requirements in extension to the National Model Code of Practice for the Welfare of Animals – Domestic Fowl and the Victoria regulations issued as AG1143 www.dpi.vic.gov.au. (Follow leads via agriculture and food/animal welfare/legislation and codes of practice/poultry) The National and State regulation issue codes contain significant new requirements for the Alternative Systems and must be read in association with this document.  

Definition – Free Range Farmers Association: Free Range : Birds kept or produced without mutilation in natural conditions, having access for their natural behavioural requirements either being run in an open range situation or an appropriately fenced and managed area.

Part A - HOUSING  

1. Hens must have permanent access to weatherproof housing with either slatted, mesh or deep litter floors that   contain sufficient perches to enable normal roosting for all birds.  

2.  Stocking density in housing shall not exceed 15 kg per square metre of usable area.  

3.  Maximum flock numbers per house shall not exceed 1,000 hens.  

Part B - FEEDING  

1. The use of growth promotants and hormones are not permitted.                                      

2. Clean dry feed comprising only natural products, grains and natural sources of vitamins and minerals must be used. If meat by-products are included in the diet they must be heat treated.

Part C - FREE RANGE RUN.  

1. The maximum stocking density must be sustainable and in any case not exceed 750 hens per hectare.  

2. Hens must have unrestricted access to the free-range run during the daylight hours.  

3. The area where the hens are permitted to range shall have adequate shade/wind/predator protection and be capable of long-term sustainability with adequate natural ground cover. If vegetation disappears under adverse seasonal conditions then alternative natural range is be implemented until ground cover can be re-established.  

Part D - HUSBANDRY PRACTICES.  

1. All bird mutilation practices are unnecessary at the above stocking densities and are prohibited. (Beak trimming, etc)  

2. Under extreme temperature conditions the hens must have access to additional cool drinking water and other “keep cool” types of environmental relief.  

Part E - GENERAL REQUIREMENTS.  

1. All accredited farms must be able to demonstrate egg collection, cleaning, candling, storage and transport compliant temperature and hygiene provisions to the Shell Egg Code and Food Safety Victoria provisions.  

2.  Audit trail records are mandatory for all eggs stored, sold and/or interchanged within its accredited farms. This association does not allow packaged/unpackaged hen eggs produced by other systems and unaccredited members to be brought onto, held or distributed by its accredited farms. 

3. Age dated vaccination certificates are required to Victoria Regulations.    

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