91996E0741

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0741/96 by Robin Teverson (ELDR) to the Commission (26 March 1996)

Subject: EU incentives for good animal welfare farming practices

The failure of the EU to agree on many basic animal welfare issues can only be described as disappointing. In the agricultural area, there are nevertheless many farmers who would be willing to introduce better animal rearing practices but do not have the necessary funds to do so.

Is the Commission willing to look into the possibility of using structural funding in agriculture to compensate and encourage farmers to reach the highest animal welfare standards?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission (22 April 1996)

The Community has, since 1974, adopted legislation on the protection of animals on farms, during transport and at the time of slaughter. A declaration annexed to the EC Treaty, specifically calls upon the Parliament, the Council and the Commission, as well as the Member States, when drafting and implementing Community legislation on the common agricultural policy, transport, the internal market and research, to pay full regard to the welfare requirements of animals. In its proposals to the Council in the field of animal protection the Commission has always sought the highest practicable standards.

Concerning programmes under the structural funds, the Commission has already agreed, with the Member States involved, a number of specific measures to promote animal welfare. For example in some objective 1 programmes the Commission has approved co-financed measures to secure improvements in the welfare in particular of laying hens, pigs, and bovines. In addition, specific provision exists under the objective 5(a) (agricultural structures) measures to allow both Community and state aid investment in animal welfare projects even in those sectors where investment is normally excluded.