A new survey conducted by BEUC (the European Consumer Organization) shows that the majority of consumers support better welfare for farm animals and expect decision-makers in the EU to take action.

BEUC and its members urge the EU Commission to take into account consumers' concerns and fulfill its commitment to animal welfare by proposing new laws and updating existing ones.

The main findings from the survey are:

• Nearly 9 out of 10 consumers support new laws to improve the welfare of farm animals in the EU, such as providing more living space, banning cage systems, and mutilations.

• Consumers want to know more about how farm animals are raised and need trustworthy labeling.

• The transition to higher welfare systems for farm animals must be fair for both farmers and consumers.

Monique Goyens, Director-General of BEUC, commented:

With 9 out of 10 consumers supporting new laws for better animal welfare, our survey confirms that how we treat farm animals matters to people. It is time for the EU Commission to live up to its promises to review EU laws on farm animal welfare.

Just as there are for eggs, 3 out of 4 consumers would like information on how animals have been raised on products such as meat and dairy, as they feel they do not know enough. On the other hand, few of them trust company claims about how well they take care of animals. The industry should think twice before engaging in "animal welfare washing" as it can tarnish their brands' reputation for a long time.

As they move towards higher animal welfare standards, the EU and governments must ensure that the costs of this transition are fairly distributed along the value chain and not borne solely by consumers.

Farmers should not bear the burden either. Most consumers would like the EU to fund farmers to improve welfare practices and agree that food imports should adhere to the same rules.

Looking at the bigger picture, with the majority of Europeans consuming excess meat, consuming "less but better" animal-origin products would bring benefits not only to consumers' health but also to the climate and animals. Consumers need a helping hand so that healthier food becomes the easy option. The industry, retailers, and food service sector should do more to offer consumers a wider range of affordable, healthy, and convenient plant-based options.

Further findings:

• Better labeling: 3 out of 4 (72%) consumers want production method labeling to be extended to other products besides eggs.

• Lack of knowledge: over 6 out of 10 consumers believe they have a low level of knowledge about animal welfare practices. Tests we conducted confirm this and showed that they tend to overestimate and underestimate welfare conditions.

• Support for farmers: consumers agree (78%) that imports of animal-origin products should be subject to the same welfare rules as those produced in the EU. A strong majority (74%) would like the EU to provide funds to farmers to implement higher animal welfare standards.

• No "welfare washing": consumers have low trust in company claims regarding animal welfare, and 84% would react negatively to welfare washing.

BEUC believes financial support is needed: 7 out of 10 consumers are willing to pay more for higher animal welfare standards, but to varying degrees (up to 5% for only half of those willing to pay more). While a vast majority of consumers consider improving animal welfare standards important, the EU and national governments must ensure that the costs of this transition are fairly distributed and not borne solely by consumers. (Photo: Freepik)