Source: John Strak, MEATINGPLACE, 7/26/11

In a new survey to mark Farm Animal Week in the United Kingdom, 70 percent of British adults cited cost as being a reason for not buying more "higher welfare food" (such as free range and organic products associated with increased animal welfare practices). According to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) -- which runs the Freedom Food program -- the actual cost of a basket of such food can be as little as $8 more than the cost of a basket containing conventionally produced products.

The RSPCA claims that this is less than the price of a box of chocolates. In its survey, the majority (67 percent) of people surveyed thought the price difference would be significantly more, between $11 more (41 percent) and $24 more (26 percent).

Celebrity chef and farm animal welfare supporter Antony Worrall-Thompson agreed that price perception can be a major barrier to buying food produced with an increased eye on animal welfare. “I often meet people that just assume higher welfare food means a much higher cost, and simply rule out these labels without even checking the price."

Yet as this survey shows, "good welfare doesn’t always have to cost as much as you might think,” said Worrall-Thompson. “A higher welfare chicken, such as Freedom Food, can cost just $1.40 more than a standard one. That’s less than the price of a lottery ticket. A small price to pay for good farm animal welfare.”

The survey also revealed that 38 percent of UK adults would be prepared to give up one of their regular treats -- such as lottery tickets or a bottle of wine -- and spend the money instead on higher welfare food.
In response to this news the RSPCA’s Freedom Food is urging people to switch one item in their shopping trolley for a higher welfare alternative during Farm Animal Week.

“It’s a really simple message," said Freedom Food Spokesperson Liam Kurzeja. "We want people to spare a thought for farm animals when they are shopping this week. Many of us have already stopped buying eggs from hens kept in battery cages, choosing barn or free range instead. We would like people to go one step further and look for the higher welfare Freedom Food logo on products like pork, chicken and salmon.”

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