The event will take place next month, Thursday 7 March. This annual event, now in its fourth year, will bring together academics, researchers, NGOs, major retailers, journalists and industry partners across the food sector.

Topics across the day include:

• technology used in farms to identify welfare issues;
• psychology of eating meat/dissonance;
• feed;
• customer attitudes - a sustainable future, freedom farrowing, halal slaughter, labelling;
  
• the cost to manage, enrich and improve environments for farm animals;
• African swine fever; and
• the health status of farm animals using volatile organic compounds and fluid borne markers.

Delegates will also be able to tour the pig and poultry facilities and abattoir.

Becky Whay, professor of animal welfare and behaviour at Bristol’s Vet School, said: “It is increasingly clear that consumers are wanting assurances that their food has been produced in ways that recognise the paramount importance of animal welfare. However, the supply chain is complex and while farm methods are much better, there is still a need to improve them across Europe.”

David Houghton, technical director for Winterbotham Darby, added: “We are really excited to host this event in conjunction with the University of Bristol. Each year we see our delegate list grow - a testament to the fact that this is the only event of its kind. We want this event to be a facilitator of change and to motivate; we want to raise the profile of the challenges and solutions that we need to face into when it comes to animal welfare. Whilst it is a complex issue we’re really pleased that so many delegates are keen to join us.”