In the struggle for better conditions in animal husbandry, a much-noticed commission of experts is dissolved. The body around the former Federal Minister of Agriculture Jochen Borchert (CDU) decided on Tuesday to end its work, the ministry announced. In a statement, the Commission stated that the conditions for the successful implementation of its recommendations had not been created either in the previous legislature or in the first two years of this legislature. “Even the draft of the federal budget for 2024 does not show the necessary breakthrough.” Hence the work is finished.
As early as 2020, the “Competence Network for Livestock Husbandry” had presented a concept for the conversion of animal husbandry in steps towards significantly higher standards. It also provides for long-term secured financing in the billions. This is to prevent farmers from being left with additional costs. The traffic light coalition has initially decided to provide a boost of one billion euros, but has been struggling for months to obtain more permanent funding.
The Commission recently warned that the 2024 budget must clarify the financial requirements for the conversion. If the current lack of funding and the unreliability of the payments remain, the work will be stopped, it said in a statement at the beginning of June. According to the Commission’s recommendations, an “animal welfare tax” on animal products is under discussion. A surcharge of 40 cents per kilogram of meat would be conceivable.
BUND: A wrong move
Minister Cem Özdemir (Greens) thanked Chairman Borchert and the members for a “successful and forward-looking work” that brought together different interests. It is clear that additional money would be needed for further steps. He will “fully commit himself” to this. The coalition factions are working on permanent funding.
The Bund für Umwelt und Naturschutz Deutschland (BUND) called the end of the commission a wrong step. In particular, she could remind Finance Minister Christian Lindner and the FDP not to continue blocking the restructuring at the expense of farmers, said Chairman Olaf Bandt. The Central Association of the German Poultry Industry also regretted the end. Union expert Albert Stegemann (CDU) spoke of a “resounding slap” for Özdemir’s politics. The government must live up to its responsibility for agriculture and not just give Sunday speeches.
In autumn 2022, the so-called Borchert Commission accepted a new mandate from the ministry to continue supporting the conversion process, but even then protested against a standstill in funding. The committee included representatives from business associations, science, environmentalists and the federal states.