Citizen Attitudes to Farm Animals in Finland – A Population-Based Study

Citizen attitudes and opinions form an important driving force for improvements in the ethical status of farm animals in society. Hence, it is important to understand how attitudes to farm animals vary in society and what factors, mechanisms and social processes influence the development of these attitudes. In this study we examine the relative importance of socio-demographic background, animal related experiences and social-equality attitudes in the formation of attitudes to farm animals in Finland. The research is based on a nationwide survey (n = 1890). Our research findings suggest that female gender, young age, urban residency, a non-farming background and social-equality attitudes are linked to greater concern for farm animals. A farming background, valuing social equality, and gender have the strongest connections to farm animal attitudes, followed by age and place of residence. Having a companion animal and education level have a relatively modest connection to attitudes to farm animals. In order to accumulate comparative evidence of social-group differences in attitudes to farm animals, further research should continue to develop improved indicators for attitudes to farm animal welfare and rights. Moreover, explanations for social-group differences in citizen attitudes to farm animals should be subjected to further empirical testing.</p

Organic Aquaculture: Economic, Market and Consumer Aspects

This book addresses, reviews and evaluates key themes in organic aquaculture and is set out to show how these relate to the challenges and bottlenecks for a responsible organic aquaculture production in Europe. The key themes reflect the main challenges facing the organic aquaculture industry: guarantee and certification system, nutrition, reproduction, production system design and animal welfare. In addition, it assesses the impact of new and future potential development of new knowledge to update and modify the criteria and standards for organic aquaculture. Organic aquaculture is an alternative production approach driven by the growing interest in sustainable utilization of resources. It is rightly viewed as an important contributor to the economy and to the well-being and health of communities. This work will contribute to the scientific knowledge that needs to strengthen effective organic aquaculture. The collation of information on research and data will be of applied value to researchers, university students, end users and policy authorities in the EU and worldwide