The European Commission is reportedly considering abandoning the presentation of an ambitious proposal to review the rules on farm animal welfare.
By the end of 2023, the EU institution is due to present a proposal aimed at eliminating the use of cages for rearing animals, banning the crushing of male chicks and introducing European animal welfare labelling.
However, fears that the proposed changes could lead to an increase in the cost of food, which rose sharply after Russia invaded Ukraine last year, have led the Commission to reconsider its plans, according to sources quoted by the Financial Times on Monday 11 September.
Three European officials were quoted as saying that the Commission had completely abandoned these proposals. Another would have qualified that the Commission would propose a reduced version of the animal welfare proposals.
Ambitious European legislation could lead to an average 15% increase in farmers’ costs, a situation that would drive up consumer prices and increase imports, according to the Commission’s impact study on the subject.
Banning the killing of day-old male chicks would increase the price of a dozen eggs by 60 cents. Expanding the space where the broilers are housed would add 12 cents, according to the impact study. (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)