In the context of the International Green Week in Berlin, German Minister of Agriculture Cem Özdemir announced support for farmers in the reconstruction of stables to promote animal welfare. One billion euros will be provided as initial funding for pig farming, with other livestock species to follow, according to the minister in an interview with Deutschlandfunk.

The transformation of livestock farming regarding animal welfare is already underway. However, the reconstruction measures incur a high investment cost that must be covered by the farms.

Financial support measures from the federal and state governments in the form of grants or funding loans become crucial. We examined the announcement by Mr. Özdemir and looked into the current available options.

The federal government supports research projects to improve animal welfare, but currently does not fund investments in stable reconstruction.

The Federal Agency for Agriculture and Nutrition currently supports only research and development projects to improve the welfare of small ruminants (sheep and goats). Funding of approximately 50% is provided for health-related issues, herd and animal management, questions about feeding, and breeding approaches. Project outlines can be submitted until April 26, 2023.

Unfortunately, there is currently no federal investment program to support stable reconstruction for livestock farming.

The federal program for “Investment Promotion for Stall Reconstruction to Ensure Animal Welfare in Sow Husbandry” has already expired, and there have been no actions following the announcement by the Minister of Agriculture in this regard. Inquiries to the Federal Agency for Agriculture and Nutrition indicate that information on future programs cannot be provided at this time.

Federal States Take Responsibility

We have examined four programs where individual states are taking action:

North Rhine-Westphalia provides investment grants to improve animal welfare and health. Supported projects include open troughs in pig pens, as well as facilities for cooling animal housing, scrub brushes, or devices for providing edible organic enrichment material in pig pens. The program runs until December 31, 2024, with a subsidy rate of 40% of eligible net expenses.

Baden-Württemberg continues the previous programs under the “Promotion Program for Agricultural Environment, Climate Protection, and Animal Welfare (FAKT II)” for the period 2023-2027, including new measures to enhance animal welfare.

Bavaria supports mountain farmers in implementing various measures for alpine and home pasture farming. They receive funding for the construction and renewal of facilities for pasture farming, such as animal shelters or troughs. Applications can be submitted throughout the year.

Thuringia supports farmers in introducing or maintaining particularly animal-friendly husbandry practices. The “Thuringian Animal Welfare Funding Guideline” (T(h)ür Tierwohl) provides enhanced animal welfare funding with 30 million euros from the EU budget for the years 2023-2027. The application period for projects in 2024 is until September 30, 2023. While welcoming the announced transformation of livestock farming by Cem Özdemir, Thuringia’s Minister of Infrastructure and Agriculture, Karawanskij, criticizes the slow implementation. The draft lacks a concrete financing and support concept for stall reconstruction, including a long-term perspective for the farms. We also hope for a swift implementation of the announced federal funding program. Various federal state programs for agricultural investments and animal welfare are continuously adapted and renewed, requiring ongoing monitoring.

Regardless of potential funding, we specialize in the production of high-quality stainless steel troughs and drinking bowls for cattle, pigs, horses, sheep, goats, zoo animals, and dogs. We also offer customized solutions for special requirements. Our product range includes a variety of troughs, installation materials, spare parts, as well as feeding troughs and bowls. Additionally, we provide products in the areas of pasture accessories, hygiene, and rearing, such as calf carts and scales.

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