Farmers’ President Joachim Rukwied has called on Agriculture Minister Cem Özdemir to quickly clarify the financing of new animal welfare stables. “The conversion costs about four billion euros a year. We need the money,” said Rukwied der New Osnabrück newspaper. With the restructuring of animal husbandry, keepers could reinvent themselves. “The farmers are ready for it,” said the President of the German Farmers’ Association. However, the project can only succeed if a decision is made quickly on how the new stables should be paid for and the financial pool created. Expert commissions of the Federal Government have also identified a need for billions for investments in better stables.
Rukwied referred to the crisis in pig and cattle farming, where prices have fallen. “I’m concerned about the continued existence of animal husbandry in Germany,” he said. “The companies are giving up in rows.” The number of animals kept in Germany is lower than it has been for a long time. The traffic light coalition has set itself the goal of introducing mandatory animal husbandry labeling from 2022, which will also include transport and slaughter. In addition, farmers are to be supported in converting animal husbandry in a species-appropriate manner. The Green politician Özdemir called for more appreciation for food on Friday.