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The German delegation informed the Council on parliamentary discussions in Germany on a national label distinguishing food produced in accordance with animal welfare standards exceeding the minimum legal requirements, and of Germany's position in favour of an EU-wide animal welfare label for such food. Nineteen of twenty-three responding Member States supported a harmonisation of animal welfare labelling.
A transparent and harmonised EU animal welfare label could meet rising consumer expectations regarding the availability of products produced to higher animal welfare standards. A label such as this would also open up a new market for farmers to sell products produced to higher animal welfare standards and would lead to an improvement of animal welfare in livestock husbandry
The information from Germany triggered statements by the majority of delegations. The voluntary nature of further measures in the area of animal welfare labelling was highlighted by ministers as the most appropriate way forward. Many delegations stressed on the need for further impact assessment and on ensuring that the new rules would not stigmatise farmers or create conditions for unfair competition.
January 20, 2020/ European Council.
https://www.consilium.europa.eu/
