Austria on the sidelines: New German federal government revolutionizes agriculture
Citizens’ initiative oekoreich appeals to the federal government to implement the demands of the animal welfare referendum by December 9th
It is grotesque: Just in Germany, the previous factory farming pioneer, our demands are now being implemented, while in Austria the ÖVP is still blocking the necessary progress. If Germany can tackle the restructuring, Austria must now follow quickly – otherwise there is a permanent threat of smallholder structures falling apart. We appeal again to the government to reach an agreement and not to forget the involvement of the consumers. We will certainly not accept dubious backroom deals ”
Sebastian Bohrn Mena
Vienna (OTS) – In its coalition agreement, the new German federal government has made a strong commitment to further development in the direction of animal, environmentally and climate-friendly agriculture. Mandatory animal husbandry and origin labeling, the change in agricultural subsidies, tightening of the transport of live animals and higher penalties for cruelty to animals are just a few of the points. THEY meet the demands of the animal protection referendum, which has been signed by over 416,000 people.
In view of these developments, Austria is now in danger of falling completely behind in the agricultural use of animals, unless progress is quickly agreed on in the short term. Fully slatted floors, the killing of chicks and the export of calves must finally be banned. Before the final meeting of the responsible committee in the National Council, which will take place on December 9th, the initiators of the animal welfare referendum are now calling for a clear commitment to the implementation of their program:
“It is grotesque: Just in Germany, the previous factory farming pioneer, our demands are now being implemented, while in Austria the ÖVP is still blocking the necessary progress. If Germany can tackle the restructuring, Austria must now follow quickly – otherwise there is a permanent threat of smallholder structures falling apart. We appeal again to the government to reach an agreement and not to forget the involvement of the consumers. We will certainly not support dubious backroom deals”
says Sebastian Bohrn Mena, authorized representative of the animal welfare referendum and spokesman for the oekoreich successor initiative.
Inquiries & contact:
Citizens’ initiative oekoreich, spokesman Dr. Sebastian Bohrn Mena, +43 660 703 88 64, initiative@oekoreich.com