Die Bio-Tierhaltung aus Sicht der Gesellschaft
Erwartungen, Vertrauen und Marketingperspektiven
Organic animal husbandry from the perspective of society
Expectations, trust and marketing perspectives
Cumulative thesis
Date of Examination:2023-10-30
Date of issue:2024-11-15
Advisor:Prof. Dr. Achim Spiller
Referee:Prof. Dr. Achim Spiller
Referee:Prof. Dr. Imke Traulsen
Referee:Prof. Dr. Doris Läpple
Sponsor:This work was financed by the Federal Office for Agriculture and Food (BLE) and the Federal Programme for Organic Farming and Other Forms of Sustainable Agriculture (BÖLN).
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Abstract
English
The aim of this dissertation was to assess citizens’ expectations and trust in organic animal husbandry and to identify expectation–reality gaps in organic animal farming. Strengthening consumer trust is an important aspect for the politically aimed expansion of organic animal husbandry, which is why this aspect was also given particular importance in this thesis. The first part of the thesis gives a general overview of consumer associations regarding sustainability in relation to the size of livestock farms. Furthermore, existing sustainability challenges of organic poultry farming are presented by means of a literature review (hotspot analysis) and classified in terms of a potential trust risk among consumers. The results show a very positive perception of small farms with regard to sustainability aspects such as animal welfare, the environment, and social issues. Organic animal husbandry is also associated with small farm structures. A comprehensive literature analysis (hotspot analysis) identified in particular the upstream and downstream sectors (breeding, transport and slaughter) as potential hotspots for a loss of trust among consumers. But also deficits in animal health or large farm structures can disappoint consumer expectations. The second part of the study looks at consumer confidence in organic animal husbandry. Along the value chain, there is a particularly high level of trust in organic retailers and farmers, while less trust is placed in the processing sector. Overall, consumer trust along the value chain of organic animal husbandry can be described as moderate to good. The studies conducted in this thesis also confirm the positive relationship between organic consumption, knowledge, trust, and information interest. Once trust is established, it seems to be quite stable in the face of scandals and disappointed expectations, as many consumers currently perceive organic animal husbandry as the best available alternative. In order to strengthen consumer trust, especially among less convinced buyers, a less idyllic and more fact-based and realistic communication is recommended. Practices such as mother or nurse rearing of calves and further reduction of flock sizes in poultry are also rated as particularly trust-building by consumers. Alternative slaughtering methods are also largely viewed positively by citizens. In addition, a relatively high willingness to pay for products from alternative slaughtering methods such as pasture shooting was found, especially among regular organic buyers. Slaughtering, which is the subject of the third part of the paper, shows a particular potential for disappointment due to the current lack of regulations for organic animals and high consumer expectations for the slaughter of organic animals. In particular, regular organic consumers support the introduction of stricter standards for the slaughter of organic animals. However, many consumers would like to see all animals treated equally at slaughter. This dissertation provides some starting points to further strengthen consumer trust in organic animal husbandry and thus support the expansion of a more animal-friendly husbandry system.
Keywords: Organic animal husbandry; Organic farming; Consumer trust; Consumer expectations; Alternative slaugther methods