The European Environmental Bureau (EEB) and Compassion in World Farming today (25 September) brought together higher-welfare animal farmers from across Europe, with civil society organisations, and EU officials to discuss the real-world opportunities and challenges of moving to more sustainable, cage-free farming.

The roundtable event, titled Farmers’ Voices: Animal Welfare Success Stories to Inform Fair EU Policy Reform, also explored the support they need from policymakers to ensure a successful transition towards regenerative, cage-free farming systems.

With the expected revision of the Animal Welfare legislation and the ongoing reform of the Common Agricultural Policy, the discussion revealed the urgent need for high-welfare farmers to be supported financially and legislatively to lead the transition towards a fair, resilient, and sustainable food system.

Vinciane Patelou, Head of EU at Compassion in World Farming, said:

Hearing farmers from all across Europe share their real-life experiences with higher-welfare, cage-free farming is a powerful reminder that a pathway towards extensive and regenerative farming already exists in the EU. Now, policymakers must listen to these voices and ensure all farmers get the support they need through ambitious legislation and meaningful financial backing.

Isabel Paliotta, Senior Policy Officer for Sustainable Food Systems at the EEB, said:

Farmers from different regions and backgrounds in Europe are producing excellent food in ways that protect nature and human health while caring for animals. The problem? Policy doesn't reward their efforts, nor does it support more farmers to follow suit. Today's discussion made it clear: with a meaningful revision of EU animal welfare law, policymakers can help build a fairer, more sustainable food system that works for farmers, animals, people, and the planet.

Speakers at the roundtable, which took place at Farm Les Moutons Bruxellois in Brussels. included:

Andreas and Thomas Hubmann, pig and laying hen farmers from Austria
David D’hondt, sheep farmer from Belgium
Sjoerd Miedema, calf farmer from the Netherlands
Tomasz Jakiel, calf, pig, and laying hen farmers from Poland

Andreas Hubmann said:

Animal welfare is core to our farming and the animals' natural behaviours are part of our ecosystem. The chickens scratching and the pigs rooting build healthy soils that lead to a thriving farm. You don't need synthetic input and free range requires less cost, as there is less to manage.

Tomasz Jakiel said:

Current intensive systems, confining animals inside, are not natural. The animals on my farm can be outside whenever they desire, all year round. It’s lower input and we produce good quality products that are enjoyed, while also protecting our ecosystem.

+++ENDS+++

EU farmers join civil society's calls for high-animal welfare farming