An empirical analysis of the export potential of pork produced under higher animal welfare standards

Rebecca Derstappen, Inken Christoph-Schulz and Martin Banse

No 319352, Thünen Working Paper from Johann Heinrich von Thünen-Institut (vTI), Federal Research Institute for Rural Areas, Forestry and Fisheries

Abstract: Livestock farming and especially pig husbandry are controversially discussed in European society. As a result, the demand for higher animal welfare standards is rising. However, higher animal welfare standards imply higher production costs for farmers and other partners along the processing chain. Therefore, farmers are concerned about their future perspective. Since Germany is a net exporter for pork, the question arises, whether German pork produced under higher animal welfare standards might have a chance on foreign markets? Thus, within this study, four case studies for Poland, Italy, Japan and South Korea were selected to assess the possible export potential for German pork produced under higher animal welfare standards. Two survey methods were used: First, a market analysis to generate market information and second, interviews with market experts in all four countries to receive additional insider information regarding the respective pork market. The expert interviews were evaluated based on a qualitative content analysis. According to the interviewees the issue of animal welfare plays a distinct role in each country covered. Particularly large disparities have been observed regarding the attitude towards animal welfare in European and in Asian countries. Besides the aspect of animal welfare further criteria seem to be relevant for consumers. Therefore, purchasing criteria such as quality (in particular meat quality including colour, water capacity, freshness), taste, price and the country of origin have to be considered. These criteria already indicate a possible outcome of our analysis that the export potential of German pork produced under higher animal welfare standards varies depending on the individual target market. Therefore, multiple aspects and market data need to be analysed in order to understand the mechanism and speciality of foreign markets. Nevertheless, further research steps need to be carried out in order to be able to make a clearer statement regarding the export potential of German pork produced under higher animal welfare standards.

Keywords: Agribusiness; Agricultural and Food Policy (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Pages: 69
Date: 2022-02-10
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-agr, nep-his and nep-int
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:ags:jhimwp:319352

DOI: 10.22004/ag.econ.319352

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