Animal welfare mark - ZDG sees a need for improvement
The Central Association of the German Poultry Industry e. V. (ZDG) submitted a statement to the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture. The industry is fundamentally open to a national animal welfare label, but sees a concrete need for improvement with regard to five central aspects:
Beware of EU marketing standards - Yes to EU-wide mandatory license plates!
“When it comes to animal welfare, you can and must think big. It is absolutely right to use the positive momentum of the German EU Council Presidency and to strive for an EU-wide dimension", ZDG President Friedrich-Otto Ripke expressly welcomes the initiative of the Federal Government for an EU-wide mandatory animal welfare label. This must be brought together with the EU marketing standards, which urgently need to be amended at short notice. When designing the national labeling for poultry meat, it is important to pay close attention to EU conformity, since any type of husbandry labeling that deviates from the EU specifications is to be regarded as inadmissible. Ripke emphasizes that special attention is required here: "We must not let the animal welfare label in the poultry sector fail because of EU law!"
Secure financing and predictability in the long term: Reimburse additional costs!
The financing of the state animal welfare label is still unclear. From the point of view of the ZDG, an earmarked animal welfare premium with a term of at least 20 years is needed, which ensures that the additional costs are reimbursed in the long term and offers planning security. A moderate animal welfare levy to be paid by consumers can be considered as a financing instrument. "We welcome the motion for a resolution in the Bundestag, which calls on the federal government to submit a concrete proposal by the end of the legislative period," says Ripke. "The 'Borchert Commission' can provide valuable support here."
Criteria of the animal welfare initiative must apply to the entry level!
In order to achieve the desired broad effect with the state animal welfare label without long transition periods, the criteria of the Animal Welfare Poultry Initiative – in particular the stocking density – must be incorporated into the entry level. "The first stage must be practicable and affordable so that it is accepted by consumers - and so that German animal husbandry remains competitive," says Ripke.
Include bulk consumer segment in animal welfare labels!
"Animal welfare must not stop at the door to the restaurant or canteen!", ZDG President Ripke pleads for a uniform consideration of animal welfare standards across all marketing channels. It is therefore a central concern of the German poultry industry to include the highly relevant large-scale consumer sector with a volume share of around 65 percent in the use of the state animal welfare label. From the point of view of ZDG President Ripke, the link with an indication of origin is also the right way in gastronomy: "This is the only way we can contribute to a significant increase in animal welfare standards across the board."
Do not jeopardize competitiveness - impact assessment required!
It is essential that the introduction of the label is preceded by a comprehensive impact assessment for all sectors concerned. A neutral body must be commissioned with this. Ripke: "The competitiveness of the German poultry industry must not be jeopardized by the introduction of labelling, on the contrary: it must be promoted!"
About the ZDG
The Central Association of the German poultry industry e. V. represents as a trade roof and top organization, the interests of the German poultry industry at national and EU level towards political, official and professional organizations, the public and abroad. The approximately 8.000 members are organized in federal and state associations.
