Farmed Animals

Farm Bird Welfare Standards Internationally

Poultry welfare standards vary enormously between countries, creating welfare disparities and trade distortions.

Key Facts

EU welfare standards for poultry are significantly higher than those in many exporting countries
Lower standards in non-EU producers create cost advantages that can undercut higher-welfare European producers
Trade agreements that allow imports of products produced under lower welfare standards undermine progress
The UK is developing its own post-Brexit animal welfare standards for trade
Consumer labelling can help distinguish products produced under different welfare regimes

Welfare Considerations

International variation in poultry welfare standards creates both welfare disparities across billions of birds and economic injustice for producers investing in better welfare. Trade policy must not allow welfare to be used as a competitive advantage. Harmonising standards upward is the appropriate goal.

What You Can Do

Oppose trade deals that allow imports of animal products produced under lower welfare standards
Support mandatory country-of-origin and production method labelling for all poultry products
Choose domestic higher-welfare products where available
Advocate for inclusion of animal welfare standards in international trade agreements