How can the change to species-appropriate animal husbandry succeed? For weeks, the traffic light coalition has been discussing possible financing that would also relieve the farmers.
Federal Minister of Agriculture Cem Özdemir is promoting financial security for farmers in the planned conversion of animal husbandry towards higher standards.
“I can’t tell the farmers that they should redeem the costs for more species-appropriate animal husbandry and more climate protection from one day to the next through the market,” said the Green politician of the “Welt am Sonntag”. This would accelerate the death of farms, and nobody could want that. “I want good meat from Germany to continue to be available in the future.”
Everyone actually agrees that investments in sustainable animal husbandry are needed for this – and that’s what he’s fighting for, said Özdemir. The traffic light coalition has been discussing financing for weeks so that farmers are not left with the costs of barn conversions and additional expenses. According to the recommendations of a commission of experts, a higher VAT rate or an “animal welfare tax” on animal products are under discussion. A surcharge of 40 cents per kilogram of meat would be conceivable. However, the FDP recently made it clear that it rejects price premiums for consumers in view of the high inflation.
Özdemir said the issue had been put on the back burner by the previous governments, despite a broad social consensus for better housing conditions. “It is not easy to tackle this in the middle of the crisis.” But the farmers deserve planning security. When it comes to financing, the proposals are on the table – and he has key players on his side. “I’m confident, after all, everyone knows what’s at stake,” said the minister.
The funding is part of a planned attitude marking, which is agreed in the coalition agreement. Özdemir wants to present key points on this Tuesday. Mandatory state labeling is expected to be implemented before the end of this year. She should then start with pork in the first step.
