Consumer Demand and Production of Organics in the EU

Abstract

This paper will discuss organic livestock production in Europe with examples specifically from the poultry and livestock sectors. Although organic farming constitutes a small part of the total agricultural production and regulatory activity in Europe, consumers have demonstrated a strong demand for organic produce. Likewise, consumer organizations and lobbying groups are pushing for more regulation. Essentially, consumers are driving European Union policies with respect to organic farming, and are concerned with two issues on product quality. First, consumers perceive organic products as an important symbol of their standard of living and as more socially acceptable than products produced through conventional procedures. Second, consumers view the organic production system as better for the environment and animal welfare. Both of these views are important to the EU policy on organic production.