On the occasion of the agricultural ministers’ conference in Würzburg, the Federal Association of Cattle and Pigs (BRS) calls on the federal and state governments to implement a reliable agricultural policy to safeguard domestic livestock farming.
In its statement, the association emphasizes the importance of livestock farming for food security, regional value creation, and vibrant rural areas. In light of geopolitical crises and increasing uncertainties, the supply of domestic food must once again become a central focus of agricultural policy. High costs, bureaucracy, increasing regulation, and a lack of planning certainty are impacting the competitiveness of farms. For the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) after 2028, the BRS calls for greater remuneration for the services provided by livestock farming – from the production of high-quality food to grassland management and regional nutrient cycles, all the way to the development of rural areas.
Sow farming needs a future
The BRS sees a particular need for action in German sow farming. Investment support for the conversion of livestock farming must be reliably structured for the long term. The association demands grandfathering or significantly longer transition periods for existing farrowing pens and functional barns. Investments already made must be appropriately taken into account. Otherwise, a further decline in domestic piglet production and increasing dependence on imports are imminent.
The German Livestock Breeders’ Association (BRS) is also calling for a fundamental revision of the Animal Husbandry Labeling Act (THKG). If this proves impossible, the law must be suspended.
Uniform rules and fair competitive conditions:
Basic requirements for animal husbandry and animal welfare should be regulated uniformly nationwide, and ideally across Europe. Differing regulations between states lead to distortions of competition and make investment decisions more difficult. New requirements must be accompanied by sufficient transition periods, realistic financing, and practical approval procedures.
Securing export opportunities – advancing regionalization:
Reliable export conditions are also crucial for the competitiveness of German cattle and pig farming. The BRS demands that negotiations on regionalization agreements and veterinary certificates be pursued consistently. Regional outbreaks of animal diseases should no longer prevent exports from disease-free regions of Germany.
Wolf in the Federal Hunting Act: Uniform management plans required:
The BRS considers the inclusion of the wolf in the Federal Hunting Act an important step. Now, a uniform implementation across Germany is essential. Management plans must be subject to binding criteria – particularly regarding the assessment of wolf populations, the handling of livestock depredation, and the conditions for culling. Only in this way can legal certainty and reliable framework conditions for livestock farmers be guaranteed.
Stephan Schneider, deputy managing director of the BRS, commented: “Domestic livestock farming doesn’t need ever-new individual regulations, but rather reliable prospects, fair competitive conditions and planning security. Only then can our farms continue to make their contribution to food security, regional value creation and a high-performing agricultural sector.”
