As of: March 23, 2024, 4:00 p.m
By: Johanna Furch
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By-elections (from left): Chief Master Philipp Gantner and the auditors Josef Bachmaier and Andreas Lobermeier.
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Head master Philipp Gantner from the Erding butchers' guild criticizes the introduction of the animal welfare cent.
Lengdorf
- Chief master Philipp Gantner spoke about political innovations and the recruitment of trainees at the annual meeting of the Erding butchers' guild in the Gasthof Menzinger in Lengdorf.
He pointed out to his butcher colleagues that proof of animal origin, displayed visibly for customers, was now mandatory in stores.
The country of origin ranges from pork and minced meat, poultry as well as sheep and goat meat.
Only a few steps are necessary for this proof, but things look different with the lower maximum levels for nitrate and nitrite.
These should take effect from October 2025, which means, among other things, a sometimes complex change to recipes.
“It’s not going to make it any easier for us,” emphasized the head master.
This can also be seen in the possible upcoming animal welfare cent.
“This is nothing more than a meat tax,” said Gantner.
The Ministry of Economic Affairs expects 40 to 50 cents per kilo.
The problem for the butchers: the funds are not tied up, which means “they can be used to plug budget holes”.
The head master criticized the fact that this money could, for example, be used to convert stables in a species-appropriate manner.
But according to current considerations, it could be used anywhere.
Another point of criticism: “Meat is being made into a luxury good.” The animal welfare protection cent is moving it away from being a staple food and making it unaffordable for ordinary citizens.
The topic is still in its early stages and needs to be worked out.
“We don’t believe that this will happen in the current legislative period,” he reassured the guild members.
It was precisely such topics that made a capital office necessary, which was decided upon at the German Butchers' Association Conference.
“We have to be where decisions are made, otherwise decisions will be made without us,” emphasized Gantner.
In addition to political decisions, young talent is also important for the future of the craft.
That's why the head master presented a partner program in which young people from Vietnam come to Germany and are trained in the companies.
“68 salespeople have already been placed in Bavaria,” which would help counteract the shortage of trainees.
The Vietnamese come with some initial knowledge of German, but they need support, for example when looking for an apartment, “so that they can build a life here.”
He also spoke about being present at training fairs.
For example, young people were attracted to the stand with the VR Leberkas simulator.
There they can virtually make their own meat loaf and gain a first insight into the craft.
In addition to events such as the acquittal of the apprentices and the training day at the vocational school, the taxes to the regional association were the largest expenditure item in the budget.
These have increased “and not too little,” says Gantner.
He therefore pointed out that in a few years the surplus will be reduced and an increase in contributions will be necessary.
The subsequent elections for auditors were extremely straightforward: Josef Bachmaier and Andreas Lobermeier stood for re-election and were unanimously confirmed in their positions.