February 10, 2022

AHDB finds UK consumers concerned over humane treatment of livestock

A new study by the UK Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) and Blue Marble Trust has found that a majority of UK consumers are concerned over the humane treatment of livestock in farms, joining environmental, increasing energy costs, COVID-19, and the state of the NHS among the top tier of societal worries, AHDB reported.

4% of consumers have said they are very concerned. Data from The Institute of Grocery Distribution also found that 86% of consumers are concerned about animal welfare.

The AHDB also referenced a UK YouGov survey that found that 79% of UK consumers believe that the country has high animal welfare standards, but the consumers do not necessarily want to pay premium prices.

The same research also found that 48% of UK consumers are concerned about the use of artificial hormones in livestock. Only 30% of those surveyed are aware that UK farmers are prohibited from using growth hormones.

-      Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board