Broiler welfare: Who is behind Global Animal Partnership?

Foodservice and restaurant companies following the recent trend of adopting broiler welfare standards have typically been pledging to adopt standards set by the Global Animal Partnership (GAP) by 2024.GAP standards call for the following:Using broiler breeds scientifically proven to have markedly improved welfare outcomes,Providing chickens with more space (maximum stocking density of 6 lbs./sq. ft.) and improved environments, including lighting, litter and enrichments. Eliminating live shackling and dumping and ensuring birds are rendered unconscious through multistep controlled atmospheric stunning. But other questions commonly asked are what is GAP and who are the people that make decisions on behalf of the GAP? GAP is presently governed by a seven-member board. None of the board members are involved in broiler production, although one is involved in pork production and another is involved in beef production. Also present on the board is a Whole Foods Market representative and leaders from four animal rights or animal welfare organizations, including Wayne Pacelle, head of HSUS.