On the occasion of the German Farmers' Day on June 26 and 27 in Cottbus, Thomas Schröder, President of the German Animal Welfare Federation, comments:
"In the run-up to the Farmers' Day, President Rukwied already stated* that they would remain a member of the Commission for the Future of Agriculture (ZKL) and continue to stand by the findings of the final report. The report states - with reference to the "Borchert Commission" - that animal husbandry in agriculture has no future if it does not change. The German Farmers' Association has repeatedly agreed with this - in the ZKL and in the Borchert Commission itself. The premise of "less consumption and therefore less production of animal-based food" in the ZKL final report also bears the signature of the Farmers' Association.
What is at stake now is the credibility and reliability of the agricultural profession. No more and no less. We are prepared to accept compromises if they take into account the desire for more animal welfare, which is also supported by the majority of society.
At the Farmers' Day, we expect Joachim Rukwied, President of the German Farmers' Association, to finally make clear statements on the direction in which he wants to develop agriculture in Germany: Does he stand by the basic principles of the Commission for the Future of Agriculture, i.e. the reduction of livestock while at the same time improving husbandry systems in favor of animal welfare? Or will it remain "grow or give way" - without regard for animal welfare and environmental protection?
*Source: Agrar Europe No. 24 from 14.6.2024
