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On 8-9 October, some hundred researchers and experts in the field of animal health from the EU and other countries gathered in Uppsala, north of Stockholm. The conference marks the conclusion of the Welfare Quality Project that has engaged researchers in the work on animal welfare for over five years.Speech by Mr Eskil Erlandsson. See all videos here
"An important driving force to improve animal welfare is the concern felt by the public", said Harry Blokhuis, Project Leader of the Welfare Quality Project, in his speech at the Animal Welfare Conference.
Harry Blokhuis pointed out that livestock farming has been intensified and that the way that it is conducted today does not tally with the expectations of many, with animals moving around freely on small farms. In the long run, this has given rise to increased public awareness and led to demands for better animal care.
This was the driving force when the EU-financed Welfare Quality Project started in 2004. Two other driving forces was that consumers lack information on animal well-being and that farmers wish to take good care of their animals and can see the link between healthy animals and production quality.
Focus on animal wellbeing
"During conferences such as this one, we often speak of the needs of farmers and consumers. But it is important to point out that, above all, the wellbeing of animals is important to the animals themselves. Animals are living beings and we have an obligation to treat them as such", said Minister for Agriculture Eskil Erlandsson in his opening speech.
The Welfare Quality Project has developed a number of criteria and strategies to asses animal welfare. These criteria are not only about good premises, fodder and health but also about how animal behaviour reflects their wellbeing.
The conference marks the conclusion of the Welfare Quality Project. In his speech, Eskil Erlandsson expressed his hope that researchers continue to work on these issues in a way where disciplines and viewpoints can be combined.
Strong citizen support
Androulla Vassiliou, the Commissioner responsible for animal health and wellbeing, also attended the conference. In her speech, she said that the European Commission has noted strong support from the EU citizens in the work for animal wellbeing. She also said that it is important to connect issues such as protection, health and quality.
"Producers investing in animal welfare can market their produce easier and get good returns on their investments. Studies show that consumers are prepared to pay more for products that come from healthy animals", she said.
In connection with the conference, Eskil Erlandsson and Androulla Vassiliou visited Svista gård outside Uppsala, a large family-run farm that is about to modernise its milk production.
http://www.se2009.eu/en/meetings_news/2009/10/9/above_all_the_wellbeing_of_animals_is_important_to_the_animals_themselves
