Consumers Attitudes About Animal Welfare
More than 9 out of 10 respondents have some role in household food shopping, 3 out of 5 are the primary shopper. Out of the respondents 27% have lived or worked on a farm for one month or longer.
Health care/Medical and food/nutrition were the top two areas of interest.
In considering various industries in the U.S., the most favorable groups (in rank order) were school teachers, veterinarians, physicians, farmers and ranchers, and clergy.
84% agree that farmers and ranchers do a good job of producing healthy food at reasonable prices; 84% are concerned about food safety; 81% are concerned about the well being of their animals; 76% care about the environment.
The advocate believability regarding the treatment of animals by animal activists rated 55% in 1998 and 29% in 2004.
Reported meat consumption compared to one year ago:
- About the same (64%)
- A little less (17%)
- A lot less (10%)
- A little more (5%)
- A lot more (4%)
31% are willing to pay 5% more for humanely raised food, 23% are willing to pay 10% more and 11% are willing to pay 20% more.
The percentages of respondents willing to pay a premium of (1993,1998,2004):
- 5% – (51%,44%,31%)
- 10% – (27%,20%,23%)
- 20% – (10%/6%/11%)
86% agree that consumers should have the right to choose what they eat and not be dictated by a minority of activists.
79% agree that while it is important to be concerned about how farm animals are raised, there is nothing wrong with raising animals solely for food purposes.
52% agree that farmers and ranchers treat their animals well routinely.
47% agree that scientists should be free to use science and genetics to breed farm animals to be resistant to bacteria that can cause human illness.
23% agree that animals have the same rights as humans.
94% of 1998 respondents and 86% of 2004 respondents believe that consumers should have the right to choose what they eat.
90% of 1998 and 79% of 2004 respondents believe that nothing is wrong with raising animals solely for food purposes.
The activities of animal rights groups have little influence on respondents food choices:
- Extremely influential (3%)
- Very influential (4%)
- Somewhat influential (19%)
- Not very influential (31%)
- Not at all influential (39%)
- Unsure (4%)
Healthcare/new medical discoveries and food and nutrition are the most relevant issues today.
People in certain professions more than organizations are viewed as credible sources.
It is believed that farmers do impact and have a strong role in healthy and cost effective food production.
Meat consumption is increasing for some and decreasing for others.