Isnt that just so typical dickie, the are going to dispute wether or not a pig is as intelligent as a three year old... dont worry about the other issues (they have no answers any way)

It will be interesting to see what all the 'industry' news has to say.

For the record, I think this campaign is the best any welfare group has done. Usually I wish they had consulted with people that knew more about pig behaviour, but this one really hits the mark - brilliant!

PF, one of th reasons that producers are not quick to walk away from certain industries where at the moment losses are being sustained, is the level of capital investment that they made in the infrastructure. Unfortunately this is a side-effect of specialisation - its hard to just change overnight. Mostly the better option is to try to ride through the tought times until the profit margins improve. Not much different to riding through a drought - you dont just pack-up stumps at the first sign of the sun coming out. This perhaps supports your argument against instensive industries that require high capital investment from an economic view-point - if you cant convince someone on your moral views, then try hitting them with the economics!

Yabby is spot on when he talks about what is sought by most consumers. Sad fact of the matter is that a high percentage of the population cant afford to pay anymore for their groceries. Blame it on anything you like, but thats just the way it is. Those that can afford it and have the belief system to do so will buy organic or GM-free or free-range, but most of the population cant afford to add 10%+ to their weekly grocery bill.

Hi all
Country Gal, do you think it is about people not being able to afford it? I think it has more to do with public ignorance, and perhaps apathy really. PF, what would the price differential be? I have no idea, because I have no idea of meat prices.

I think public ignorance will be strongly countered by this campaign, but I think there HAS to be some truth in labelling come in. Interestingly, APL has said it hasn't got the funds to match Animals Australia's campaign. PF, what do you think they have done or said that isn't right - have you let them know, by any chance?

Cheers
Nicky

Nicky - the APL spin doctors are hard at work as usual. They cannot counter these ads full stop. There is no justification. They keep trying to deflect attention away from factory farming and AA keep bringing them into the spotlight. They are attempting to play the only card they have. Unfortunately it relies on people being aware of what has been happening in the pork industry re drought, grain prices, imports etc.

Well you know what? People could care less about all that than they do the welfare of the pigs. APL are trying to get the sympathy vote for intensive farmers and they will be pushing it up hill.

No money?? What a joke. Wonder how much they paid the consultant that came up with this strategy.

Andrew Spencer, CEO of APL (nothing more than a talking head) has yet again embarrassed members with his comments in the media. Good one Andrew - i sometimes wonder whos side you are on!

CountryGal - people are so ignorant when it comes to intensive animal production. Hopefully, as they learn the truth, and make change in their purchasing decisions either on animal welfare or human health grounds, they will be prepared to pay a fair price for their food. When that happens, farmers are far more likely to accept change and give the consumer what they want. Before you say, 'but some just cant afford it' the price currently being paid for pork is not sustainable and the industry will collapse if prices dont rise.

There are many alternatives to intensive production, not just free range, and if they should become the 'norm' I dont imagine pork would be that much more expensive - only if we get to stage were farmers are being paid a fair price to start with.

PF, you were asked a simple question: "what would the price difference be under your preferred production regime compared to intensive practises?"

Care to have a go at answering?

Hold on Antiseptic while I just whip out my crystal ball .....