The covenant Animal-worthy Livestock Farming was signed this week with a number of livestock farming organisations. Officially, this is called the covenant 'Steps towards animal-worthy livestock farming'. It was also signed by animal welfare organisations, market and chain parties and Minister Femke Wiersma of LVVN. However, not by all organisations, as is necessary for a required 'weighing of interests'. The poultry organisation NVP, among others, did not sign.
What exactly this means for the covenant is still unclear, but it could lead to complications for the enforceability and compliance of agreements.
The aim of the covenant is to work step by step on goals towards 2040, with a specific focus on the economic consequences for farmers and the scope within permits. A new 'Animal-worthy Livestock Farming Authority' monitors and reports on progress.
The covenant closely follows the general administrative measure 'Animal-worthy Livestock Farming 2040', which has been opened for a period up to and including 5 August by Minister Wiersma internet consultationThis describes how dairy cattle, calves, pigs and chickens can be kept in an animal-friendly manner.
The rules are based on recent scientific insights and practical experiences from the livestock farming sector, the ministry reports. Where possible, they are target regulations, so that farmers can determine for themselves how to apply them within their company. The measures will be legally mandatory for all livestock farmers. The general administrative measure is expected to be presented to the First and Second Chambers this autumn.
Major financial consequences
Research by Wageningen University & Research and Connecting Agri & Food shows that the proposed measures can have major financial consequences for the sectors. Farmers cannot make this transition directly and especially not alone. That is why it was agreed in the covenant that supermarkets, processors and other market parties also take their responsibility. Products must be purchased at a fair price, so that farmers can earn a reasonable income even with higher costs. Practice must show how this works.
In the coming years, all parties involved in the covenant will work together to develop even more knowledge, carry out practical tests and make agreements with other market parties. This will help to find out what works in practice, and enable pioneers to take steps more quickly. The government has made €51 million available for this purpose.