Document type : article published in Eurogroup for Animals
Author: Eurogroup for Animals
Preview: As the 8-month-long process of the Strategic Dialogue on the Future of EU Agriculture reaches its conclusion, it is welcoming to see consensus by all stakeholders on the urgent need for a revision of EU animal welfare legislation by 2026 and a phase-out of cage systems, in line with scientific evidence that has consistently highlighted the repercussions of industrial agriculture on the welfare of animals, planetary boundaries and the sustainability of agri-food systems. Eurogroup for Animals, a participant in the Strategic Dialogue, welcomes the final reportnoting its important contributions relating to policies on animal welfare, trade, "public money for public good", labelling, and the need to empower consumers to make sustainable and high welfare food choices. The report rightly acknowledges that a transition towards sustainable agri-food systems needs to prioritise high animal welfare standards, which should be supported by public money, not least from a reformed Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) as well as the newly created Just Transition Fund. Such new financial arrangements should support farmers to move to higher welfare standards including cage-free farming. It is therefore crucial, for all relevant stakeholders, that updated animal welfare legislation is published without further delay, allowing investments in future-proof solutions.
Eurogroup for Animals also welcomes the report's call for demand-side policies ensuring that sustainable and healthy food is widely available, accessible, affordable and attractive to European consumers while rebalancing the intake of animal and plant-based protein and shifting more towards the latter. VAT reductions, an action plan to support the development of the plant-based food sector, and better food in public canteens would catalyse a shift in dietary patterns, as overdependence on animal products continues to threaten the entire food system. Consumers should have access to knowledge on their food choices, through a comprehensive, multi-tiered EU-wide animal welfare labelling scheme, including all meat and dairy products originating from and/or processed in the EU, the report recommends. It is also welcoming to note a recommendation for faster regulatory pathways for innovative products and processes focused on sustainability - this should allow for unhindered approval of innovative alternative proteins, an important piece of the puzzle allowing for fewer animals to be farmed to higher welfare standards. The report explicitly calls for the adoption of "import requirements in EU law consistent with the rules of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), including to benefit animal welfare". This will warrant that EU consumption does not fuel unethical and environmentally damaging practices elsewhere in the world. The report also suggests that the Commission reassess market access sections in trade agreements, to address "current challenges stemming from diverging standards", such as on animal welfare. The Strategic Dialogue was launched by the European Commission (EC) in January, bringing together farmers' associations, organisations representing consumers' interests, academics, retailers, and NGOs. Its conclusions are set to inform the EC on its vision for agriculture and food, promised to be presented in the first 100 days of the new term.
Report " Strategic Dialogue on the Future of EU Agriculture - A shared prospect for farming and food in Europe " (pdf link)
