Germany Scraps New Livestock Welfare Subsidy, Relies on Existing Funds
The German government will not launch a new federal subsidy program for livestock farms aiming to meet higher animal welfare standards. Instead, funding will flow through an existing scheme—the Joint Task for the Improvement of Agricultural Structures and Coastal Protection (GAK). The decision comes after pressure from the Budget Committee and criticism from opposition parties over the handling of financial support for farmers. Federal Agriculture Minister Alois Rainer, of the CSU, rejected calls for a standalone federal initiative to retrofit stalls. He argued that the GAK already provides a framework for combining federal and state funds, making better use of limited resources. The ministry confirmed that no extra financial flexibility exists outside this scheme.
From September, €150 million will be allocated through the GAK to support animal welfare upgrades. The move follows years of evolving funding mechanisms, including the 2010 introduction of the *Gemeinsamer Aufgabenfinanzierungsgesetz* (GAFöG) and initiatives like *Initiative Tierwohl* (ITW). A mandatory animal welfare labelling system is planned for 2027, but funding transitions—particularly in pig farming—remain a challenge. CDU rapporteur Oliver Vogt defended the decision, stating that a new federal program would fail without stable finances, updated regulations, and completed reforms to the Animal Husbandry Labeling Act. He also dismissed criticism from Green Party rapporteur Leon Eckert, who claimed dissatisfaction within the coalition. Vogt countered that the CDU had thanked Rainer for quickly addressing concerns after leaked plans to cut GAK allocations caused uncertainty. The BMLEH added that the GAK allows states to tailor support and advice to regional farming needs. Bavaria has heavily used these funds, even pushing for its own *Bayerischer Schweinehaltungsförderungsfonds*, while Thüringen's pig farmers face ongoing uncertainties.
The government's decision means livestock farmers must rely on the GAK for animal welfare upgrades. The €150 million allocation starts in September, but debates over funding stability and regulatory hurdles persist. States will now determine how to distribute support based on local farming conditions.
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