Dataset Information

Current Consumer Perceptions of Animal Welfare across Different Farming Sectors on the Island of Ireland.

ABSTRACT: There has been increased public interest and concerns in issues such as farm animal welfare (FAW) on the island of Ireland, stoked in part by political and governance changes, such as Brexit and COVID-19. Front-of-pack food labelling represents a primary information channel for many people. In advance of considering formalised food labelling schemes, specifically relating to FAW, it is important to ensure an up-to-date understanding of current consumer perceptions of FAW. With this aim, the current study utilised a mixed methodology. Nine focus group discussions (n = 41) and an online survey (n = 972) with food consumers in Ireland and Northern Ireland explored perceptions of FAW. Results suggest that overall perceptions of FAW are high, and consumers perceive FAW to have improved in the last decade. Quantitative (ANOVA) and qualitative results show variations in perception of FAW between sectors. Results from the focus group discussions identified factors underlying consumers' perception of FAW: the living conditions of the animal, size and intensity of the farm, national standards and schemes, and visibility. Information insufficiencies and knowledge gaps were identified. The findings are discussed in relation to policy implications for the role of public engagement, front-of-pack welfare labelling, and quality assurance schemes.

SUBMITTER: Sweeney S

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8773355 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Current Consumer Perceptions of Animal Welfare across Different Farming Sectors on the Island of Ireland.

Sweeney Sharon S Regan Áine Á McKernan Claire C Benson Tony T Hanlon Alison A Dean Moira M

Animals : an open access journal from MDPI 20220113 2

There has been increased public interest and concerns in issues such as farm animal welfare (FAW) on the island of Ireland, stoked in part by political and governance changes, such as Brexit and COVID-19. Front-of-pack food labelling represents a primary information channel for many people. In advance of considering formalised food labelling schemes, specifically relating to FAW, it is important to ensure an up-to-date understanding of current consumer perceptions of FAW. With this aim, the curr ...[more]

PMID: 35049808

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Dataset Information

Current Consumer Perceptions of Animal Welfare across Different Farming Sectors on the Island of Ireland.

Publications

Current Consumer Perceptions of Animal Welfare across Different Farming Sectors on the Island of Ireland.

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