Welfare Science

Pig Welfare and Common Values

Finding common values between farmers, consumers, researchers, and animal advocates creates the foundation for collaborative welfare improvement.

Key Facts

Farmers who value animal welfare are more likely to adopt welfare improvements proactively
Common ground between welfare advocates and farmers includes shared concern for animal suffering
Adversarial approaches often entrench positions rather than achieving welfare change
Collaborative engagement respecting farmer knowledge and welfare concerns achieves faster change
Consumer surveys consistently show strong public concern for farm animal welfare

Welfare Considerations

Welfare improvement requires collaboration between people who share concern for animals but approach the issue from different perspectives. Finding and building on common values - shared desire to reduce suffering, support for practical solutions, respect for farmer expertise - creates more productive relationships than adversarial approaches. This does not mean compromising on the welfare standard, but engaging constructively about how to achieve it.

What You Can Do

Engage with farmers and industry on welfare through respectful, evidence-based dialogue
Find common ground between your values and those of people working in animal agriculture
Support organisations working collaboratively with industry on welfare improvement