That may sound like chicken feed until you realize that the Danish poultry industry produces more than 100 million birds per year. But there are important benefits that are not included in the bottom line. Danish consumers now have the luxury of purchasing antibiotic-free chicken. Furthermore, the industry has stopped contributing to the possible creation of antibiotic-resistant superbugs. Meanwhile, back in the USA, poultry producers gear up for a more aggressive defense of agribusiness as usual.
Agriculture needs to counter false charges and educate the general public and government officials.
However, there are challenges. Consumer activists are perceived as credible. The consumer views of poultry are generally good because poultry has many positives - nutritious, low fat, low cost, etc. However, there are some negatives which are increasing in their concern to various groups - animal welfare, worker safety, antibiotic use, environmental contamination, etc. Agriculture must aggressively defend itself and educate the general public and government officials.