Farm animal welfare and the World Trade Organisation

The World Trade Organisation (WTO) was formed in 1995 with the aim of making international trade a smoother process. Since then, it has resulted in a succession of obstacles for those trying to advance animal welfare.

WTO rules currently prohibit countries from distinguishing between products on the basis of the way in which they have been produced. This means that animal products imported for sale in Europe do not have to meet European standards for animal welfare.

Animal welfare organisations and members of the public have fought long and hard for better farm animal welfare in the UK and Europe. And Europe has responded by introducing legislation to 'phase out' some of the cruellest practices.

Animal welfare under threat

The WTO rules seriously threaten this ban ever coming into effect. It is unrealistic to ask farmers in Europe to raise their environmental and animal welfare standards yet, at the same time, allow goods from other countries that don’t meet these standards to flood the market. If Europe wants higher standards, then it must be prepared to protect those standards in international trade from cheaper imports from countries which do not meet those standards.

WSPA in action

The only way to ensure farm animal welfare in Europe continues to improve is through hard lobbying and negotiations at the WTO. WSPA is working with two other leading animal welfare organisations, the RSPCA and Eurogroup for Animals to ensure advancements in animal welfare in Europe are not eroded in favour of international trade.

The way forward

• Import controls to be gradually re-introduced to protect those goods which can be produced domestically from imports which could otherwise threaten the rediversification of national agricultural systems;
• Greater support for farmers to enable them to prosper and produce healthy food using environmentally sustainable farming methods;
• The ending of long-distance transport and live exports of animals;
• Restriction of the concentration and market power of the major food corporations and retailers through new competition laws;
• A fair pricing system for farmers and consumers alike (rather than the current system of low prices for farmers and high prices for consumers);
• The encouragement of rural regeneration and jobs.