Alūksnes Putnu Ferma is vehemently disputing allegations made in a recent Latvian television program, “Aizliegtais paņēmiens” (Forbidden Technique), broadcast on March 30th. The company asserts the program presented an incomplete and biased portrayal of its operations, potentially misleading the public. At the heart of the dispute is the claim that hens at the farm have had their beaks amputated – a practice the company categorically denies.
According to a statement released by SIA “Alūksnes putnu ferma,” all approximately 700,000 hens at the facility retain their beaks. The company argues that footage shown in the program, supplied by the organization “Dzīvnieku brīvība” (Animal Freedom), is inaccurate and raises serious questions about the credibility of the materials used. Notably, the program’s producers declined repeated invitations to visit the farm and verify conditions firsthand, a decision the company’s leadership finds troubling.
“We understand that people were not pleased to see the content of this program,” said Hermanis Dovgijs, Chairman of the Management Board of SIA “Alūksnes putnu ferma.” “That’s why we deeply regret that the program’s creators refused several invitations to visit our farm in person and verify the situation on site. This raises legitimate questions about their willingness to present the situation objectively, rather than relying solely on materials provided by third parties. However, we remain open to welcoming both media representatives and cooperation partners to ‘Alūksnes putnu ferma’ so they can gain firsthand assurance of the animal welfare standards we maintain.”
Beyond the specific claim of beak amputation, the company stresses its adherence to both European Union regulations and international food safety and quality standards. It maintains certifications and undergoes regular planned and unplanned audits, consistently receiving high evaluations. However, the company acknowledges a broader challenge facing the poultry industry: the presence of mites, a problem it says is widespread across the EU and currently has no complete solution.
A more significant risk, according to the company, comes from deliberate breaches of biosecurity – unauthorized access to production facilities. Such intrusions, it argues, pose a real threat to flock health, food safety, and the reputation of Latvia’s egg production industry. AS “Agrova Baltics,” the parent company of SIA “Alūksnes putnu ferma,” is evaluating legal options to protect its reputation and is cooperating with law enforcement regarding these security concerns.
The dispute comes as “Agrova Baltics” plans a transition to 100% cage-free egg production at “Alūksnes putnu ferma” by 2028, positioning the company as the first in the Baltic states to fully implement this change. The decision is driven by growing demand in export markets and retail chains for eggs produced outside of cages.
What is at stake for Alūksnes Putnu Ferma?
The allegations leveled in “Aizliegtais paņēmiens” pose a significant reputational risk to Alūksnes Putnu Ferma, potentially impacting consumer confidence and export opportunities. The company’s swift and forceful denial, coupled with its offer of access to the facility, suggests a proactive effort to counter the negative publicity and restore trust.
What does the company say about the video footage?
Alūksnes Putnu Ferma asserts that the video footage presented in the program is inaccurate and misleading. They specifically deny the claim of beak amputation, stating that all of their hens have intact beaks. They question the source of the footage, provided by the organization “Dzīvnieku brīvība,” and highlight the program’s refusal to independently verify the claims on-site.
What is the company’s position on animal welfare standards?
The company maintains that it operates to high animal welfare standards, complying with EU regulations and international certifications. They emphasize that they have not received any penalties for animal welfare violations since resuming operations in 2016/2017 and that a recent inspection by the PVD found no issues.
What is the broader context of mite infestations in poultry farming?
Alūksnes Putnu Ferma points out that mite infestations are a widespread challenge for the entire poultry industry across Europe, not just in Latvia. While acknowledging the issue, they emphasize that a more significant threat comes from deliberate breaches of biosecurity, which can jeopardize flock health and food safety.
Given the conflicting accounts and the company’s denial of the central allegations, will independent verification of conditions at Alūksnes Putnu Ferma be enough to quell public concern?
