About the ethical consequences of the agricultural policy

Abstract

At least some general conclusions can be drawn from these examples. A good system should be financially rewarding for those who take good care of their animals. If the subsides cannot be rewarding, they should at least be financially neutral. The system should also be neutral in time, so that there is no incentive to delay the culling out of unproductive animals or animals with lesions. In a good system, the best available technology from the animal welfare point of view is used. A good system is also transparent for the consumers. An open system, where the consumer can get all the information they need about the products, is the best way to guarantee the future market of European products. Disinformation and concealment, like that connected to BSE, does not increase the consumerŽs confidence in the political system and in the products.