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Piglets in a barn in Berlin: The conversion of the stables will cost billions every year
Photo: Inga Kjer / Photothek via Getty Images
Farmer's President Joachim Rukwied has called on Agriculture Minister Cem Özdemir (Greens) to quickly clarify the financing of new animal welfare stables.
“The conversion costs around four billion euros a year.
We need the money,” said Rukwied of the “Neue Osnabrücker Zeitung”.
With the restructuring of animal husbandry, keepers could reinvent themselves.
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"The farmers are ready for it," said the President of the German Farmers' Union.
However, the project can only succeed if a decision is made quickly on how the new stables are to be paid for and the financial pot is created.
Expert commissions of the federal government have also identified a need for billions for investments in better stables.
Mandatory animal husbandry labeling from 2022
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.
He also wants to put an end to a tough price war at the expense of the farmers.
Statements by the Greens' Minister of Agriculture, published over the Christmas holidays, according to which there should be "no more junk prices for food" had provoked criticism.
Social organizations pointed out that prices had already risen sharply in recent months and that it was already difficult for people on low incomes to eat appropriately and healthily.
fdi/dpa
