Today the European Commission published its Communication on the revision of the Common Agriculture policy (CAP). Eurogroup for Animals is disappointed that the Commission has not used this opportunity to put animal welfare at the heart of agricultural best practice. This goes against the concerns of Europe’s citizens who expect their food to be produced without animal suffering.
The Communication published today mentions that farmers must respect EU animal welfare rules but does little to concretely support the move to high welfare and more sustainable animal production systems.
"The Commission has focused on competitiveness, public goods and sustainable use of resources as some of its key objectives and improving animal welfare in agriculture has the potential to deliver on all three," said Véronique Schmit, Executive Officer Policy of Eurogroup for Animals.
"The future CAP must improve animal welfare by incorporating it in both pillars of the policy, through direct payments to farmers and through rural development measures. It is also essential that compliance with EU legislation is ensured through stricter controls," she concluded.
Eurogroup for Animals will work with the European Parliament and the Council to ensure animal welfare is incorporated more robustly in the CAP. We hope that policy makers will recognise animal welfare as a public good and support the demands of Europe’s citizens.
