Polish farmer and consumer preference for product produced within standards respected animal welfare

In the last two decades, public concerns regarding animal welfare have increased significantly worldwide. These in turn, put pressure on policy-makers to act, by imposing stricter regulations on how animals are reared and treated. This is particularly the case in the European Union, who leads globally in the development of international conventions for the protection of animals and where animals are officially recognised as 'sentient beings'. Research into animal welfare within the natural and social sciences has also flourished. Given the growing public concerns, more research regarding a better understanding of consumers' attitudes and behaviour regarding animal welfare friendly products is needed.

This study aims to examine consumers' awareness regarding farm animal welfare. More specifically, it focuses on Polish consumers' attitudes towards animal welfare when making decisions on purchasing animal products. Respondents were divided in two major categories of consumers, i.e. farmers and non-farmers. Research conducted in Poland among farmers being consumers of animal products shows that less than 50% have encountered the concept of animal welfare. In the case of the non-farmers, the share of respondents familiar with the concept of animal welfare was lower (38%). [Publisher's text].