This project shall develop a harmonized inspection approach for animal welfare in organic farming and corresponding training concepts for organic inspectors. Such an approach does not exist in the European Union up to now. The focus on animal-related indicators is an innovative audit solution which supports best – according to recent European research and development projects – a good life of farm animals.
The training concept shall use a blended learning approach, consisting of the use of an E-learning-Platform, lectures and practical exercises on organic farms to ensure the learning success of the participants. The training shall involve specialists from different EU member states. The output of the project applied for may not only be used by organic inspectors, but also by official animal welfare inspectors in future.
As animal welfare inspections require specific audit methodology, particular observational skills of organic inspectors with regard to animal related indicators and a different documentation methodology (descriptive part of the inspection report instead of checklists, photo documentation), this project tackles a new and innovative inspection methodology with regard to animal welfare which shall be included into the inspection toolbox developed within the project IRM-Organic