Understanding politicisation of farm animal welfare through stability and change in public trust

Abstract

The issue of farm animal welfare is gaining increased attention, new insights, and involvement from more stakeholders, alongside private initiatives aimed at its improvement. Changing public perceptions of animal welfare further pressures institutions responsible for its oversight. This trend of shifting animal welfare from expert-driven governance to a political issue illustrates its growing politicisation. Research indicates that politicisation processes can lead to declining trust and increasing polarisation across various areas. This study uses the theoretical lens of politicisation to explore how trust in farm animal welfare has evolved over time within Norwegian food production. Norway is a unique case, as surveys from 1997 to 2007 revealed some of the highest trust levels in responsible food and meat production across Europe. However, rationalisation in the agricultural sector, media scrutiny, and heightened activity from private actors are pressuring policymakers and the agricultural sector to maintain legitimacy amid demands to ‘deliver’ good animal welfare as a common interest. As the debate intensifies, this study examines 2020 survey data to evaluate Norway's position 13 years after the previous survey. The results reveal both change and stability in public trust regarding farm animal welfare. First, trust has declined, though primarily from high levels to greater uncertainty. Second, public trust differs by gender, education, place of residence, and political affiliation, but these differences have not increased since 2007—suggesting that polarisation has remained stable.