VIDEO. The Happy label, a label to ensure the well-being of farm animals

“The breeder is asked if he is able to drink from the drinking trough of his cows“For Léna Joannès, zootechnical engineer in charge of the Happy approach, the cleanliness of the water is an extremely important criterion for the animals. The Chalets d’Oche farm is the first “Happy” certified farm in Haute-Savoie, a label which ensures the well-being of animals on farms. The breeder Yoan Favre then lent himself to the game and quite simply tasted the water from his cows. Verdict? “She is good.”

The approach of the “Happy” label is therefore to ensure the “happiness in breeding“as much for the animals as for the farmers. The label also works on the good place of the farm in its environment. Starting from the natural needs of the animal, it ensures in particular that the facilities meet these needs correctly. By For example, the calves are reared outside in hutches filled with straw which protect them from cold drafts.Also, the cow is an animal that naturally lives in herds and the Chalets d’Oche farm therefore ensures that the animals can live together as adults.

In total, the “Happy” label brings together more than 200 criteria to ultimately establish a score. If the score is above 80%, the farms can be labeled “Happy”. This is followed by a support program to continue to improve on certain points.

The farm produces its own cheese and sells it directly. “This Happy farmer label also brings satisfaction to the breeder, we know that our animals are well“, rejoices Yoan who adds that the aspect of the consumer is also essential in his eyes. For Léna, this creates a “virtuous circle“which she hopes to see become widespread on French farms.