Back British Farming Day took place on Wednesday (September 10) Picture: NFU

Majority of people in south west would pay more for higher-welfare British products, survey reveals

Tait ap EllisSeptember 12, 20250 Comment0

MORE than half of south west shoppers would pay more for British higher-welfare labelled products rather than settle for cheaper alternatives, a survey has revealed.

A YouGov poll, carried out for RSPCA Assured found that 65% would stay loyal to British products.

The findings come as RSPCA Assured supported Back British Farming Day on September 10 by urging those who eat meat, fish, eggs or dairy to choose trusted higher-welfare labels.

This includes free-range, organic and RSPCA Assured-labelled products.

Charlotte Thomas, regional assessment manager at RSPCA Assured, said: “Every time you choose a product with a higher-welfare label, you help ensure farmed animals live better lives.

“With this one simple choice, you’re saying no to cages, no to fast-growing chickens, no to inadequate enrichment and bedding, no to routine antibiotic usage and more.

“You’re also protecting those British farmers who adhere to higher-welfare standards from unfair competition from cheaper, lower welfare imports.”

Higher-welfare farming is ensures animals live free from unnecessary stress and suffering and goes beyond minimum legal standards, provides enriched environments, space to move, access to veterinary care, freedom to express natural behaviours and more.

The survey findings highlight just how much the UK public values animal welfare and how willing they are to back those farmers who adhere to higher welfare standards – such as free-range, organic and RSPCA Assured – with their weekly shop.

With support from retailers and industry partners, more than 1,800 RSPCA Assured-labelled products are now available in supermarkets and on menus across the UK – giving shoppers plenty of choice when they look for higher-welfare options.

“However, globally billions of animals are still kept in cages, overcrowded sheds or barren pens with little opportunity to move freely or express natural behaviours,” a RSPCA Assured spokesperson said.