Livestock Farming Systems And The French Society: Key Controversies And Expectations

Abstract

"For several years, French livestock farming has been questioned by society. Those questions concern its environmental impact, sanitary risks or animal treatment and ask, more generally, livestock farming’s place among a society that is more and more concerned about its alimentation. Critics reflect different expectations towards agricultural systems: 25% of the French population want a gradual disappearance of intensive farming systems for the benefit of under official quality signs (organic, AOP, etc.) or implementing alternative practices; 10% want the development of intensive farming to increase the production and be more competitive; and between them many want a gradual but not radical improvement of the intensive system, with stronger environmental and animal welfare requirements.