Perceptions of ethical challenges within the LowInputBreeds project

TY - JOUR

T1 - Perceptions of ethical challenges within the LowInputBreeds project

AU - Jensen, Karsten Klint

AU - Michalopoulos, T.

AU - Mejboom, F.L.B.

AU - Gjerris, Mickey

PY - 2017

Y1 - 2017

N2 - This paper reports and analyzes the perceptions of researchers involved in the EU project LowInputBreed on the ethical challenges facing low input livestock production and how these challenges relate to the ambitions of the research project. The study is based on observations of two workshops; one at the beginning of the project and one at the end. The focus is on identifying common themes across the four species groups involved. The main findings of the study are that from a biological perspective a variety of ways to better meet the needs of low input production exist. However, these solutions share some of the problems regarding animal welfare that also characterizes intensive production systems. The question thus becomes whether these solutions will meet the consumer concerns that lies behind the choice of paying a premium for local, low input products or whether the quality of these products will disappear in the eyes of the consumers.

AB - This paper reports and analyzes the perceptions of researchers involved in the EU project LowInputBreed on the ethical challenges facing low input livestock production and how these challenges relate to the ambitions of the research project. The study is based on observations of two workshops; one at the beginning of the project and one at the end. The focus is on identifying common themes across the four species groups involved. The main findings of the study are that from a biological perspective a variety of ways to better meet the needs of low input production exist. However, these solutions share some of the problems regarding animal welfare that also characterizes intensive production systems. The question thus becomes whether these solutions will meet the consumer concerns that lies behind the choice of paying a premium for local, low input products or whether the quality of these products will disappear in the eyes of the consumers.

U2 - 10.1007/s41055-017-0010-8

DO - 10.1007/s41055-017-0010-8

M3 - Journal article

SN - 1753-9056

VL - 1

SP - 109

EP - 125

JO - Food Ethics

JF - Food Ethics

IS - 2

ER -