Perception of Farm Animals in France: Interim Findings from a Multidisciplinary Mission
This study presents interim results from a GIS Avenir Elevages mission (April 2025–October 2026) that integrates literature review, expert panels, and researcher interviews across human, biological, and agronomic sciences to explore societal perceptions of farm animals in France. Initial findings show a cross-disciplinary move away from the 'animal-as-machine' view toward recognition of animal sentience and a consensus that causing suffering is unacceptable.
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Detail description
The GIS Avenir Elevages commissioned a multidisciplinary mission from April 2025 to October 2026 to examine how society perceives farm animals in France. Researchers conducted a comprehensive literature review, expert panel discussions, and semi-structured interviews with specialists in social sciences, humanities, biology, and agronomy. Expert groups highlighted the complexity of defining livestock farming and its purposes in modern France. Eleven interviews at the November 2025 INRAE Innovation Forum revealed strong convergence across disciplines. Experts rejected the traditional 'animal-as-machine' model in favor of viewing animals as sentient beings. They agreed that animal suffering is now broadly deemed unacceptable. These interim findings reveal evolving societal debates and underscore the need to reassess animal welfare practices in livestock production.
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Contribution detail info
- Project
- Location
- France
- Authors
- Clémence BIECHE-TERRIER ; Elsa DELANOUE ; Anne-Charlotte DOCKES ; Christine ROGUET ; Luc MIRABITO ; Jean-Pierre BIDANEL ; Joanna LITT ; René BAUMONT
- Purpose
- Adopt innovative practices
- File type
- document
- Created on
- 01 Meith 2026
- Origin language
- French
- Official project website
- Innovations agronomiques
- License
- CC BY