ICFA News 5

ICFA NEWS N°5

JANUARY 2024

I started my farm in 1987 right after I graduated from college in accounting. I knew I was not suited for a desk job so I started looking for something to do and use the facilities of our hog farm that we had shut down a few years before. Alligator farming was a new thing in Louisiana and farms were supplying their hatchlings from the state who were collecting eggs from state owned property. The waiting list for hatchlings was long so a biologist from my part of the state requested that we collect eggs off of private property. We were the first farm to collect eggs from private property.

We started with around 500 and grew the farm each year to today harvesting over 50,000 eggs and raising up to 40,00 alligators a year.

My dad retired as a doctor in 1995, as he always wanted to be a farmer this gave him a way to be involved on a farm. I have three nephews that now run the day-to-day operations on the farm. All 3 started following me and helping with the farm and the egg collection when they were 14. They have all graduated college and now run the farm. As they have been involved with every aspect of alligator farming their whole life their experience is invaluable when it comes to running this farm.

Now my daughter is in college and helps on the farm on her time away from school (especially during egg season). This should lead to her to one day helping run the farm.

We have been blessed that in 36 years of operation we were able to hatch 3 sets of albino alligators. This is such a rare event. All our albinos have been donated to zoos around the U.S. for everyone to see and be able learn about them.

Donald farms main goal is to be a leader in the community with helping underprivileged kids to grow and become better citizens. We do this by being large contributors to the boys and girls clubs, med camps for disabled kids and our biggest contribution goes to St. Jude Children’s Research hospital to help children battling cancer.

The Donald family with rare albinos alligators

Did the standards prompt you to make some changes in your farming practices?

Yes, most of the changes were related to better record keeping. As I was involved from the start of icfa in writing the GOPs and also sat on the standards committee we starting implementing the small changes from the start. The largest additions and changes to the farm were a security fence around the perimeter and better security by putting in camaras. We started documenting every process down to the way we clean up around the farm. All the extra record keeping helps when we have to go back and try and figure out what might have caused certain problems or benefits with the alligators. The laborers have more incentive to do things the right way when they have to document anything that comes up that is out of the ordinary standard way of doing things.

What do you expect from the standards implementation?

Since these are outcome-based standards, I expect better quality and quality control throughout the farming processes. You can follow the growth processes closer to achieve a better-quality animal when it is time to harvest. As before there is documentation to fall back on when the outcomes are better or worse than the previous crop. Also, the laborers do the same thing over and over again and do not try and change the way we do things without first having a managers input for a yes or no change.

Why do you consider the need for certification?

Mainly to give our customers the assurance that our farming practices are the best in the industry with the best husbandry and animal welfare practices.

Before we were getting different audits from different customers that were not as much related to the animal welfare. Since ICFA standards have been fully implemented we can let the world know that this is the best farming practices in the world to assure that all precautions and process are being done to protect the animals from stress and harm.

How long did it take to obtain certification?

As before we were implementing certain small things (mainly documentation) as the GOP’s and standards were being written. There were not any major changes in our husbandry practices just minor changes. We were the second farm to receive certification and that was before covid hit, so I would say about 2-3 months.

What did you consider the most demanding in the certification process?

Documentation and putting the documentation in a format that we could easily access and find when we needed it. Writing of SOPs for every process of farming. Getting the staff to understand and follow why we were doing all these new things and making sure to write down any corrective actions.

What is the recent achievement that you are the proudest of?

Completion of my 4^th audit and certification without any major non-conformities. Also, the ICFA certification and documentation we went through and provided for certification was very helpful in our winning litigation against the state of California. Seeing the industry come together worldwide. After 35 years of growing animals, being able to say Donald Farms and Jeff Donald have been one of the leaders in taking this industry to where it is today. Proud that we as Louisiana alligator farmers and ranchers are the leader in conservation of a species that has come from the brink of extinction to a very healthy and sustainable population.

Do you already return some benefits from the standards implementation or the certification?

We see benefits both in our production and quality of our skins and animals. With the SOP’s and GOP’s to guide our workers, there is good assurance that we will deliver what we have promised our customers. Our customers are now demanding only ICFA certified skins and this is what will keep the industry moving forward instead of backwards. The attacks from animal rights extremist seems to be less and less as we move into the future.

Are there fields on which you consider that the standards could be more demanding?

There is always room for improvement but as I was part of the standards writing committee, I believe we did a very thorough job of covering all farming processes. But as we learn from research and science going forward, the sops and standards can be updated for improvement.

Now we are even looking at the environmental impact of our farming practices to see if there is a place for improvement.

On a last note, I would like to thank all the members and support group, such as exotic assurance, in bringing ICFA and the crocodilian farming up to the class of certifications that more common worldwide animal farming has already achieved.

In a heartfelt farewell, Professor Grahame Webb bid adieu to his role as the Chair of the Crocodile Specialist Group (CSG) after an illustrious 20-year tenure. Webb’s departure, announced in a letter to CSG members on September 10, 2023, marked the end of an era characterized by unparalleled dedication, groundbreaking conservation efforts, and a legacy of sustainable practices.

Webb’s leadership as an active CSG member and Chair has been instrumental in transforming the CSG into a global force for crocodile conservation since the 1980’s. The announcement of his retirement came with the appointment of new Co-Chairs, Charlie Manolis and Alejandro Larriera, along with Sally Isberg as the new CSG Executive Officer. Webb expressed confidence in the new leadership, ensuring that the CSG is in capable hands with institutional memory intact.

Reflecting on his two decades as CSG Chair, Webb expressed gratitude to the SSC for appointing new leaders and commended their wisdom in selecting Manolis and Larriera. He acknowledged the challenges faced by the CSG and emphasized the importance of adapting to continually changing priorities within the SSC and IUCN. Webb’s farewell letter conveyed a sense of optimism for the CSG’s future under the guidance of the new leadership.

Throughout his chairmanship, Webb played a pivotal role in advancing crocodile conservation on multiple fronts. His vision for sustainable use as a conservation strategy became a cornerstone of the CSG’s mission. Webb’s advocacy for sustainable practices was not confined to the CSG; he played a crucial role in the IUCN’s adoption of a policy on sustainable use in 2000, marking a significant milestone for wildlife conservation globally.

Webb’s influence extended beyond the CSG. Webb has made an enormous contribution to CITES, having attended 12 CITES CoP’s, been directly involved with many successful proposals, contributed to various Working Groups over the years, and helped counter efforts to complicate rather than simplify trade requirements. He held various esteemed appointments with institutions such as the University of Sydney, the Australian Museum, and Charles Darwin University. His dedication to wildlife conservation earned him accolades, including the prestigious Clunies Ross National Science and Technology Award in 2001. This award recognized Webb’s groundbreaking vision for wildlife conservation based on sustainable use.

In 2003, Webb received the Australian Centenary Medal for his contributions to crocodile research and the establishment of The Essington School in Darwin. His impact reached academic heights, and he was honored with the degree of Doctor of Science, Honoris Causa, by the Council of Charles Darwin University. In 2018 he was awarded a Fellow of the Royal Zoological Society, and in 2024 recognized by the Australian Government with the prestigious Officer of the Order of Australia award, for his long-term contribution to crocodile conservation and management.

Webb’s extensive career included the establishment of Wildlife Management International (WMI) in 1978, which initially focused on crocodile research, conservation and management, later expanding to encompass environmental management issues, nationally and internationally. Under his leadership, WMI served the needs of governments, conservation agencies, industries, universities, and individuals.

As Webb steps away from formal memberships in SSC and IUCN, including other Specialist Groups, he maintains his unwavering passion for crocodile conservation. His farewell letter highlighted his commitment to maintaining an interest in crocodylians and wildlife, and will continuing to nurture friendships with individuals dedicated to practical conservation in the field.

In bidding farewell to Professor Grahame Webb, the conservation community recognizes a leader whose tireless efforts, vision, and commitment have left an indelible mark on crocodile conservation since the 1970’s. Webb’s legacy will endure, inspiring future generations of conservationists to uphold the principles of sustainability and collaborative action in the ongoing efforts to safeguard crocodylians and their habitats.

ICFA has been active in the last months with leather industry stakeholders: the sustainability story of crocodilian farming is worth hearing!

It started early September with the reference “Sustainable Leather Forum” in Paris. Hosted at the ancient “Bourse” building in the center of Paris, the event is organized by the CNC, French National Leather Council. ICFA was holding a stand in the main hall and Grégoire Biasini participated to the round table about industry standards. He described how ICFA standards allow to guarantee the highest level of sustainability in crocodilian farming and reminded its contribution to conservation, biodiversity and local development.

Grégoire Biasini, ICFA communication officer, speaking at SLF in Paris

Later in September, ICFA board members were attending LineaPelle in Milan. An opportunity to discuss with members on their stands and build tighter links with UNIC, the Italian tanneries professional organization.

More information on unic website: https://www.unic.it/fiere/lineapelle

“Launched in 1981, it has become the most qualified international exhibition of leather and accessories, components, synthetics for footwear, leather goods, garments and furniture. The event takes place twice a year, in February for the summer and September for the winter collections, at the Milan exhibition centre.”

And on LineaPelle Linkedin page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lineapelle/

Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia – The International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Species Survival Commission (IUCN-SSC) Crocodile Specialist Group (CSG) is gearing up for its 27th Working Meeting, a significant event in the field of wildlife conservation. This eagerly awaited meeting is scheduled to take place from the 16^th to the 19^th of April 2024 in Darwin, Northern Territory of Australia, a region renowned for its rich biodiversity and unique ecosystems.

Event Details
• Venue: The DoubleTree Hilton Darwin, 116 Esplanade, Darwin City NT 0800
• Dates: 15^th – 19^th April 2024
• Drone and Veterinary workshops: 14^th April
• CSG Steering Committee meeting: 15^th April
• Website: For more information, visit www.csg2024.com

Conference Highlights
The conference theme, “Crocodile conservation: what works!”, encapsulates the essence of the event. It will offer an engaging platform for conservationists, researchers, industry professionals, and enthusiasts from across the globe to converge, share insights, and explore innovative approaches in crocodile conservation. Key features include:

• Keynote speeches by eminent personalities in wildlife conservation

• Diverse workshops focusing on practical and emerging aspects in the field
• Panel discussions and poster presentations highlighting recent advancements and trends
• Opportunities for networking and collaborative endeavors

About Crocodile Specialist Group
The CSG, under the IUCN-SSC, plays a pivotal role in the conservation of the world’s 23 species of alligators, crocodiles, caimans, and gharial. With around 700 members, including biologists, wildlife managers, government officials, and representatives from various sectors, the CSG is dedicated to ensuring the survival of these species in their natural habitats. The group works in close association with CITES and other international bodies to advocate for sustainable conservation practices and legal trade.

Registration
Participants are encouraged to register early for the conference. The full conference registration fee is set at $440 USD per person. This event promises to be a unique opportunity to engage with leading experts and contribute to meaningful discussions on crocodile conservation.

Join this landmark event in Darwin, where conservation meets innovation, and be part of a global effort to shape the future of crocodile conservation. For more information and to secure your spot, please visit www.csg2024.com

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