Markos Kyprianou European Commissioner for Health and Consumer ProtectionAnimal Welfare – A Part of EU Food Chain Policy International Conference organised by the Austrian PresidencyBrussels, 30 March 2006 - Main contents

SPEECH/06/211

Markos Kyprianou

European Commissioner for Health and Consumer Protection

International Conference organised by the Austrian Presidency

Brussels, 30 March 2006

Let me start by saying that it is a great pleasure to open this landmark event - the very first conference at European level on animal welfare.

It is an excellent initiative and I wish to thank the Austrian Presidency for organising this event and for demonstrating enthusiasm in promoting it.

This conference follows the adoption of the Commission's Community Action Plan on Animal Welfare - a plan which embodies our commitment to European citizens, to stakeholders, to the European Parliament, and to the Council for a clear and comprehensive map of the Commission's planned initiatives for the coming years.

The title of this Conference strikes a chord with one of the main objectives of the Action Plan. It stresses the inclusiveness of animal welfare within an EU food chain policy - we are not talking about an "additional" element but an integral part of the system.

Reactions across Europe, and indeed worldwide, have confirmed the considerable interest in this initiative. The first debate in the Council showed that the majority of Member States support the broad direction of the Action Plan.

Judging by the list of participants for today, I think we have succeeded in bringing together a balanced forum reflecting the complex historical, social and scientific roots of animal welfare.

I take today's opportunity to invite you all to continue providing the Commission with your input which is valuable for the consideration of our action in the field of animal welfare.

People ask whether this is this the right time to talk about animal welfare as a priority issue in the food chain. The question is prompted by considerations such as:

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  the competition in animal production on the international markets; and
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  examples of specific sectors facing difficulties such as poultry meat, which has seen a drop in consumption in some Member States as a result of consumer reaction to avian influenza.

My answer to that question is a clear "Yes", this is the right time to talk and, more importantly, act on animal welfare.

The reaction of consumers in relation to outbreaks of avian influenza illustrates that the economic survival and success of animal farming, and the trade in derived products, depends on many factors and complex patterns, including the confidence of consumers.

In this respect, animal welfare can only play a positive role in gaining consumer trust. A great example is the Commission's proposal currently under discussion at the Council, on broilers.

Promoting the breeding of poultry raised for meat in a manner that respects the animals' welfare, and informing consumers on how this is done can only help in restoring consumer confidence on poultry meat. In fact, it will render EU-produced poultry meat more competitive as a product.

Recent surveys carried out by the Commission have highlighted that European citizens show a strong commitment to animal welfare and that they attach an economic value to that commitment.

In fact, consumers declared at the last Eurobarometer that they want to see welfare friendly products on the shelves, and they are ready and willing to pay for them.

These surveys confirm that a large majority of citizens consider animal welfare as an indicator of the product's qualities.

European citizens will therefore recognise efforts to attain higher welfare standards as a positive move to address their concerns and to satisfy their demands.

Ensuring animal-welfare friendly products in the market is thus also a great business opportunity for the industry. And this is the point which I wish to stress as I see the presence of interested stakeholders in the audience today.

The Commission is aware of the competitive pressures faced by EU producers arising from competition from Third Countries. These problems mainly stem from basic production factors - such as low land, feed and labour costs.

Compared to these fundamental components, welfare requirements have only a marginal impact on overall production costs. Cost is therefore an element of limited impact which is due time will even be eliminated as animal-welfare friendly products become more competitive.

European producers need to capitalise on the marketing advantages offered by animal welfare. Europe can, in fact, become the leading animal welfare-friendly products' market worldwide.

This is why our high animal welfare standards need to be considered, and indeed promoted, as a significant asset and a golden opportunity, rather than as an economic burden.

To ensure that this is the case, the Commission is considering complimentary initiatives such as labelling, which will provide the consumer tool for identifying and if effect preferring EU products which are animal-welfare friendly.

The vision of the Commission in drawing up the Animal Welfare Action Plan was to pave the way for better conditions for animals and increase the marketing opportunities for European welfare friendly production.

Today's conference is a chance to explore how this process can be achieved.

High standards of food safety, animal health and also animal welfare are important elements in moving towards more sustainable patterns of food production and consumption.

In this context, I would refer you to a draft Good Practice Note which has just been issued by the International Finance Corporation of the World Bank. This document deals with creating business opportunities through improved animal welfare and cites various cases where improved animal welfare has been shown to increase profitability.

May I once again say that I am particularly please to open this Conference, which further confirms that animal welfare is now a global issue which will continue to be discussed in the context of many policies at EU and national level.

The Commission is committed to working with all of you in this area, to secure real improvements in the welfare of animals and stemming from this, subsequent benefits to both business and to society.

I wish you a successful event.