Document type: societal article published in Frontiers in Animal Science
Author: Terhi Simonen-Jokinen
Abstract in French (translation):
Finnish farmers’ perceptions of the respective roles of farmers, public authorities, and the private sector in livestock welfare, as well as changes in subsidies
Farmers’ perceptions of animal welfare policies are a topical issue in agricultural policy-making. A thematic analysis of twelve semi-structured interviews conducted with Finnish cattle and sheep farmers identified their perceptions of the respective roles of farmers, government authorities, and industry in promoting animal welfare.
The participating farmers considered that the role of farmers included responsibility for husbandry conditions and their own well-being.
Industrial partners were identified as key stakeholders in animal welfare and played a role in the economic management of farms and quality assurance systems.
The role of authorities was perceived as including the provision of financial support through subsidies and the oversight of regulatory compliance. Investment grants were considered effective in promoting animal welfare, while welfare premiums were often perceived as having limited additional impact.
Farmers considered the competence of both farmers and authorities to be essential for the successful implementation of animal welfare regulations. Stable incomes, a reduction in the administrative burden, and clear rules developed in collaboration with farmers and supporting the goal of improving animal welfare emerged as proposals for the development of subsidies.
These findings underscore that improving animal welfare requires a policy approach in which subsidy design, regulatory practices, and administrative processes are evaluated through an impact analysis on animal welfare and aligned with the economic and practical realities of farmers.
Preview:
Farmers’ perceptions of animal welfare policies are topical issues in the development of agricultural policy. Thematic analysis of twelve Finnish cattle and sheep farmers’ semi-structured interviews identified their perceptions of the roles of farmers, authorities, and industries in supporting animal welfare.
The participating farmers perceived that the role of farmers’ included responsibility for farm conditions and farmers’ own welfare.
Industry partners were identified as important actors in animal welfare and played a role in farm business economies and quality systems.
Authorities’ roles were perceived to include providing financial support through subsidies and supervising compliance with regulations. Investment subsidies were considered effective in supporting animal welfare, whereas welfare payment was often seen as having limited additional impact.
Farmers perceived the competence of both farmers and authorities as important for the successful implementation of animal welfare regulations. Steady income, reduced administrative burden, and clear rules co-created with farmers that support the goal of improving animal welfare emerged as subsidy development proposals.
The findings highlight that improving animal welfare requires a policy approach in which subsidy design, regulatory practices, and administrative processes are evaluated through animal welfare impact assessment and aligned with farmers’ economic and practical realities.
