Focus on animal welfare: Citizens demand change

Awareness of sustainability and ethical consumption is growing. This means that the topic of animal welfare is increasingly becoming the focus of social discussion.

A recent survey of consumers in eight EU countries, including Germany, reveals a clear picture: the majority of citizens not only value higher animal husbandry standards, but are also willing to pay more for food produced under more animal-friendly conditions to pay.

This result is a clear signal to politicians and the food industry that the call for sustainable and ethically responsible animal husbandry is becoming louder and louder.

Europe-wide consensus for more animal welfare

The survey conducted by the European consumer protection organization BEUC shows that around nine out of ten consumers (88.5 percent) support raising animal husbandry standards. Almost seven out of ten respondents (69 percent) are even prepared to pay more for appropriately produced food.

This result indicates a strong awareness and willingness to pay for animal welfare across Europe and could serve as a basis for political and economic decisions to sustainably improve animal husbandry in Europe.

Role of politics and economics

Based on the survey results, the Federal Association of Consumer Organizations (vzbv) is calling for a significant increase in animal husbandry standards and a reliable funding policy. Politicians are now required to pave the way for more animal-friendly agriculture through clear framework conditions and support measures. At the same time, a temporary animal welfare levy that directly benefits farmers could cushion the financial burden of restructuring animal husbandry.

This underlines the need for a transparent and sustainable funding policy that benefits both animals and producers.

Consumer information and labeling requirements

Another key concern for consumers is transparency regarding the conditions in which farm animals are kept. A clear majority (72 percent) of European respondents would like to see animal-based food labeling, similar to the existing labeling for eggs. In Germany, 77 percent even support such expanded labeling.

This underlines the desire for more information and choice for consumers and could further increase demand for more animal-friendly products.

Questions and answers on the subject of animal protection

Question 1: How willing are you to pay more for animal-friendly food?
Answer 1: Almost seven out of ten respondents (69 percent) are willing to pay more for better animal welfare.

Question 2: What does the vzbv demand from politicians?
Answer 2: The vzbv calls for a significant increase in animal husbandry standards and a reliable funding policy.

Question 3: How many consumers support raising animal welfare standards?
Answer 3: Around nine out of ten respondents (88.5%) support an increase.

Question 4: What labeling do consumers want?
Answer 4: A farming label for animal foods analogous to egg labeling.

Question 5: What could promote more animal-friendly agriculture?
Answer 5: An animal welfare tax, a transparent funding policy and improved labeling requirements.

Conclusion

The results of the survey clearly show that a social change is taking place towards greater animal welfare and ethical consumption. Consumers are not only increasingly informed and more aware of their purchasing decisions, but are also willing to pay more financially for animal welfare. It is now up to politics and business to support and shape this change.

The implementation of higher animal husbandry standards, a clear and transparent funding policy and comprehensive husbandry labeling are essential steps towards achieving sustainable and ethically responsible animal husbandry.

It is time for everyone involved to take responsibility and work together towards more sustainable and fairer food production.

Source: consumer advice center

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