The European Commission has announced its first-ever strategy for the future of farming animals in the European Union.
The new plan aims to help farmers deal with rising costs, animal diseases, climate change and changing public expectations. At the same time, the Commission says it wants to improve animal welfare and make Europe’s food system more resilient.
The strategy includes measures to help farmers prepare for future crises, including disease outbreaks and extreme weather. The Commission also plans to improve insurance systems and invest in farming that is more resilient to climate change.
It also wants to reduce Europe’s dependence on imported animal feed by growing more protein-rich crops, such as peas, beans and soy, within the EU.
Changes for farm animals
The strategy promises new animal welfare rules for laying hens, chickens raised for meat and pigs. The European Commission says these changes will be based on scientific evidence and will include transition periods and financial support for farmers.
The Commission will also continue supporting the move towards cage-free farming systems. One of the proposals focuses on reducing the distance animals travel before slaughter.
The Commission wants to support more small and mobile slaughterhouses across Europe. According to the strategy, this could shorten transport times for animals while also supporting rural communities and local food production.
Alongside the strategy, the Commission also presented a new Protein Action Plan. Only about one quarter of Europe’s protein crops come from within the EU. Most imported protein, especially soy from countries such as Brazil, Argentina and the United States, is used to feed farm animals.
Environmental organisations have warned for years that expanding soy production in parts of South America has contributed to deforestation and the loss of natural habitats.
European farming
According to the European Commission, farming animals accounts for around 40% of the EU’s agricultural value. Around seven million people work in the sector across four million farms. More than 8 billion farm animals are slaughtered for food in the European Union every year.
The Commission says its new strategy is designed to help farmers remain competitive while responding to growing concerns about climate change, sustainability and the welfare of animals.
While the strategy includes plans to improve conditions for some animals, many details, including the exact animal welfare rules and timelines, will be presented in future legislative proposals.
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Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: theanimalreader.com
