The effects of the Common Agricultural Policy (2014-2020) on practices affecting animal welfare and antimicrobial use are difficult to assess, “as there are no indicators to document progress in the implementation of sub-measures/types of operations focusing on animal welfare or antimicrobial use”, according to a study published on Wednesday 11 May by the European Commission.
The information gathered and interviews with stakeholders (management authorities, farmers’ representatives) highlighted the “limited effect of the CAP on the implementation of animal welfare friendly housing practices and conditions at the European level”, according to the study.
The authors of the study recommend: - establishing a limited set of animal-related indicators with stakeholders, animal welfare experts and farmer representatives; - quantified targets on antimicrobial use reflecting each Member State’s efforts to comply with the ‘Farm to Fork’ strategy.
The study shows examples of successful changes in practice - induced by rural development measures - in the Member States. Changes in housing conditions and animal health management practices have been identified (outdoor access and grazing for ruminants, more space allocated for pigs, poultry and cattle...)
Link to the study: https://aeur.eu/f/1l2 (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)