Study set to establish vital link between economics and welfare

UK - The Farm Animal Welfare Council (FAWC) has set up a Working Group to examine the challenges and opportunities surrounding economics and animal welfare.
calendar icon 3 August 2007
clock icon 3 minute read
It will consider the interactions between the two factors before making recommendations to government on relevant actions to safeguard and promote animals welfare. It will also highlight the benefits throughout the food chain.

The group is chaired by eminent animal scientist Professor Sandra Edwards, assisted by Dr Mike Appleby, Professor Richard Bennett, Mr Huw Davies, Mr Gwyn Jones, Mrs Ruth Layton and Mr Steven Tait. The scope of this study includes:-
  • Peoples willingness to pay for better farm animal welfare
  • The nature of the relationships between farm profitability and welfare
  • Market mechanisms and the interactions between farmers, processors, retailers and shoppers
  • Welfare standards and international trade

It is seen as a logical successor to FAWC's previous advice to Government on farm assurance schemes and labelling in relation to welfare provenance. Once approved by FAWC, a report will be submitted to Ministers and published.

Professor Chris Wathes, FAWC chairman, said that the groups's aim is to analyse the relationships between economics, livestock production and farm animal welfare.

Opportunities
"It will deal with questions relating to the profitability of farming and its consequences for welfare, the economic opportunities afforded by animals raised to higher welfare standards, and issues relating to world trade in animal products," he added.

Comments are now being sought from interested parties and FAWC has produced a questionnaire that is available to all industry stake holders. It hopes the information collected will allowed the Council to identify key concerns and potential solutions.

In addition, FAWC will contact organisations or individuals on specific areas. Some may also be invited to discussions with the group. Completed questionnaires and contributions should be submitted to FAWC by 14 September 2007. This will allow collation of responses prior to our stakeholder consultation meeting on 28 September 2007.

Contributions can be sent either by email or by post. For further information go to FAWC (pdf)

Click here for a questionnaire

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