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Krajowy Związek Pracodawców Producentów Trzody Chlewnej POLPIG

POLPIG

Promocja wysokiej jakości produkcji zwierzęcą z zachowaniem dobrostanu zwierząt, zrównoważonego rozwoju i dobrej relacji z otoczeniem.

Lobbying Activity

Response to Modernisation of the EU legislation for on-farm animal welfare for certain animals

16 Jul 2025

Please find below the summary of the feedback of POLPIG on: On-farm animal welfare for certain animals: modernisation of EU legislation. The full version is attached. Summary: Key Challenges Facing EU Livestock Production 1. Undermining Competitiveness EU regulations, while aiming to improve standards, are weakening the global competitiveness of EU-based livestock producers. The allowance of imports from third countrieswhere production costs are lower and standards less stringentcreates an uneven playing field. This raises concerns about the long-term viability of livestock farming in the EU. Any regulatory changes regarding animal welfare, transport, or slaughter should be introduced with careful economic analysis, scientific backing, and input from practitioners. ________________________________________ 2. Production Costs According to InterPig 2023 data, pig production in the EU is already costly, even before implementing new welfare standards. Belgium has the lowest cost at 1.86/kg, while Germany ranges from 2.002.10/kg. In contrast, Brazils costs are significantly lower1.54/kg in Santa Catarina and 1.24/kg in Mato Grosso. The 0.62 difference between Brazil and Belgium highlights a major competitiveness gap. Upcoming investments in animal welfare and digital monitoring technologies (e.g., AI, IoT, sensors) will further increase EU production costs, widening this gap. ________________________________________ 3. Consumer Behaviour Despite expressing interest in sustainable, organic, or local products, consumers primarily base their purchasing decisions on price. PwC research shows that consumers are willing to pay only about 9.7% more for sustainable goodsinsufficient to offset higher production costs. Studies, including one from Germany, reveal a discrepancy between declared preferences and actual purchases, a phenomenon known as socially desirable responding. Consumers often say they support ethical products but choose cheaper alternatives at checkout. ________________________________________ 4. Demographics and Skills of Farmers Modern animal welfare systems require technical skills, such as managing sensors and interpreting AI data. However, rural areas face labour shortages, and younger generations are less inclined to pursue farming careers. In 2020, 68.4% of EU farm managers were men, and 57.6% were aged 55 or older. Only 11.9% were under 40. Moreover, 76% of farmers aged 65+ operated subsistence or very small farms with low income. This aging demographic and lack of skilled labour hinder the sectors ability to adapt to technological and regulatory changes. ________________________________________ 5. Trade Agreements Farmers are concerned about losing market share to cheaper imports from Mercosur countries (e.g., Brazil) and Ukraine. These imports often do not meet the EUs strict standards for animal welfare and food safety, creating unfair competition. The lack of harmonized production requirements undermines EU producers who must comply with more rigorous regulations. ________________________________________ 6. Investment Barriers The EUs current regulatory framework, particularly environmental impact assessments influenced by the Aarhus Convention, creates asymmetrical conditions for livestock infrastructure investments. Administrative procedures can be exploited by third parties without accountability, delaying or blocking projects. This discourages necessary modernization. The EU must avoid a scenario where it restricts domestic livestock production while increasing reliance on imports.
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