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The Federal Minister had put the topic on the European agenda for the first time and the decision represents further progress. She had already gained broad support for this issue at the Informal Meeting of EU Agriculture Ministers in Koblenz. The Federal Minister believes that, once the Commission has reviewed the issue, the EU should pursue the objective of introducing a mandatory EU-wide animal welfare label.
Federal Minister of Food and Agriculture, Julia Klöckner :
Today’s decision is a clear commitment to greater animal welfare in Europe and a significant step forward. We intend to achieve an equal understanding of higher standards across Europe. This will provide consumers with better guidance when shopping. A credible and transparent labelling scheme will allow them to act in accordance with their wish for greater animal welfare when purchasing food. At the same time, this labelling system will be an incentive for livestock farmers because it will make their efforts visible. We also intend to support farmers in adapting their stalls to animal welfare requirements. The new Common European Agricultural Policy also includes a new financing option to take into account animal welfare.
Key aspects of the EU Agriculture Council’s conclusions:
- Harmonised and transparent criteria for greater animal welfare are to be elaborated, going beyond the legally required minimum standards.
- An EU-wide animal welfare label will be developed for all livestock species, taking into consideration their entire life span.
- The label is intended to offer producers sufficient incentives to improve their animal welfare standards.
- A uniform and protected logo will be created.