On Monday 27 January, many EU Agriculture Ministers supported the establishment of a European system harmonizing the rules on labelling agricultural products certifying animal welfare. But most advocated a voluntary animal welfare labelling scheme.
Germany defended, in a document supported by the Belgian, Danish, French, Italian and Lithuanian delegations, the introduction of animal welfare labelling.
German Minister Julia Klöckner has even called for a “mandatory system covering all products under European legislation”, as well as the establishment of an animal welfare labelling system based on the organic labelling system.
According to Germany, this system would create new markets and new outlets for producers.
Spanish Minister Luis Planas supported Germany's requests in this area and asked the Commission to carry out a study to “identify concrete needs for harmonization at EU level”.
Spain and many other countries (including Denmark, Portugal, Poland, Luxembourg, Greece, Bulgaria and Malta) have called for a voluntary European labelling system certifying animal welfare.
For Sweden, which is also in favour of such harmonization, a “decisive step forward” must be taken. The Netherlands has called for a new EU strategy on animal welfare.
For Italy, this labelling should make it possible to reduce the use of medicines given to animals and to improve the quality of the products.
France welcomed Germany's “ambitious step” towards harmonizing animal welfare labelling practices. But French Minister Didier Guillaume, supported in this sense by his Belgian counterpart, insisted on the need not to point the finger at breeders, who generally “love their animals”.
Cyprus asked for an impact assessment and build upon scientific data.
The Commission has indicated that the issue will be addressed in the new ‘Farm to Table’ strategy to be presented around May. (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)