Perception et prise en compte des demandes de la société envers l’élevage de porcs par des responsables de groupements de producteurs

Perception and taking into account of societal demands regarding pig production by leaders of producer groups In a context of social questioning of pig production methods, four AGROCAMPUS-Ouest students conducted interviews with leaders of seven producer groups representing 70% of national pig production, and who were invited to answer two questions: i) How do economic actors perceive the questioning of pig production by society? ii) What actions are they taking to address them? The environment was cited by 10 of the 11 leaders interviewed as being society’s primary concern, before animal welfare; the third concern of society was the reduction in antibiotic use. Social representation of associations that support these claims is disputed. Faced with these demands, the profession highlights its compliance with regulations, developing innovations to reduce the environmental impact or the use of antibiotics, or to improve animal welfare. Communication is considered to be strategic. The questioning of intensive production is not considered, nor the expansion of differentiated products. A proactive and collective strategy to respond to societal demands is not mentioned, although this route has been selected in some other countries.