Sharp criticism of the German poultry industry
In its current form, the amendment to the technical instructions for keeping the air clean (in short: TA Luft) has met with sharp criticism from the Central Association of the German Poultry Industry. V. (ZDG). Friedrich-Otto Ripke, President of the ZDG, criticizes in particular the planned tightening of the de minimis limit for nitrogen emissions:
"The recommendation of the committees to amend the TA Luft is to be presented at the next meeting of the Federal Council on May 7, 2021. If the draft is approved in this form by the plenary, it will be a disaster for all efforts to improve animal welfare. The planned tightening of the de minimis limit for nitrogen emissions from five to 3,5 kg nitrogen per hectare and year alone means the end for the animal welfare progress specifically recommended by the Borchert Commission. More outdoor climate incentives and open stables with a run for our farm animals are practically impossible with this requirement.
It is extremely unfortunate that politicians are once again not in a position to consistently and logically go in one direction and make decisions. It plays emission rights off against animal protection laws – a contradictory action that we strongly criticize! For example, the planned amendment to the TA Luft will prevent the opening of barns through the construction of conservatories.
With this irresponsible approach, politicians are endangering the existence of our domestic producers and jeopardizing the future of an entire industry. We are already feeling a strong sense of insecurity among German animal owners, who no longer know how they can continue to exist in Germany - even though they are willing to invest in more animal welfare. We therefore demand that the new proposed amendment to the TA Luft should not be allowed to go through the Federal Council plenum in this form. Politicians must finally think holistically and act responsibly!
At this point, we would like to renew our offer to get involved in constructive and solution-oriented technical discussions on the clear definition of an opening clause of the TA Luft for stable construction measures that serve animal welfare. The whole thing based on the recommended husbandry criteria of the Borchert Commission.”
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.
