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Animal welfare organisations, market and chain players, and the Minister of Agriculture, Nature, Fisheries and Food Security signed a covenant to increase animal welfare in livestock farming. The document outlines steps to take til 2040, with a specific focus on a good earning model for farmers and space within permits.
The proposed measures can have major financial consequences for the sector. Supermarkets, processors, and other market parties must take responsibility to sell products at a fair price, so that farmers can earn a reasonable income even with higher costs.
The newly established Animal Husbandry Authority will measure, monitor, and report on whether the objectives of the covenant are being achieved. In 2028, 2033, and 2038, it will be evaluated whether all preconditions have been met for the next step. Examples of these preconditions are a good earning model for farmers and the possibility of obtaining a permit.
The covenant is closely linked to the General Administrative Order (AMvB) Animal-worthy Livestock Farming 2040, which opened for internet consultation on June 24 by Minister Wiersma. This AMvB describes how dairy cattle, calves, pigs, and chickens can be kept in an animal-worthy manner. The rules are based on recent scientific insights and practical experiences from livestock farming. Where possible, they are target regulations, so that farmers can determine for themselves how they apply them within their company. The measures will be legally mandatory for all livestock farmers.
With the signing, the covenant is immediately official, and all players can start working on the agreements. Interested citizens, companies, and organisations can still respond to the draft AMvB online until August 5. The AMvB is expected to be presented to the First and Second Chambers this autumn.
June 24, 2025/ Central Government/ The Netherlands.
https://www.rijksoverheid.nl
