Where does our beefsteak come from? How are animals fed and treated? The European Commission discussed farm animal welfare research at the European level with researchers and other stakeholders during a seminar held in Brussels yesterday [Tuesday].
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In the aftermath of the mad cow and other food scare crises, European consumers are more and more concerned about “farm to fork” food safety. EU research can help improve animal breeding and living conditions, said the Commission in a press release.
Participants at yesterday’s seminar addressed results so far achieved by EU-supported research, and identified the European Union’s requirements for future research in this area. The Commission currently supports projects directly related to animal welfare with €7.5m (US$6.7m).
In addition, several animal health projects also contain aspects of welfare research. Research projects include studies into the transport of cattle over long distances, locomotory dysfunctions in turkey production and genes associated with stress in pigs.
This is the first time that scientists involved in EU-funded research have been brought together with representatives of consumer and welfare groups to discuss how research can help implement and develop innovative animal welfare and food safety policies.
For further information on the seminar, click here.
