Agricultural – Hanover – Associations call for labeling of origin for pork – economy
Hanover/Münster (dpa) – The agricultural associations in Lower Saxony and Westphalia-Lippe have asked Federal Minister of Agriculture Cem Özdemir (Greens) to introduce an originating origin and husbandry label for pork. A European solution would take too long, said the Vice President of the Landvolk Lower Saxony, Jörn Ehlers, and the President of the Westfälisch-Lippischen Landwirtschaftsverband (WLV), Hubertus Beringmeier, in a press statement on Monday: “The German pig farmers have no more time.”
Lower Saxony and Westphalia-Lippe are considered the strongholds of German pig farming. Pig farmers are under pressure because of the consequences of the corona pandemic and international trade restrictions due to African swine fever (ASF). For many companies, the situation is threatening, says the association officials.
Funds from the Corona bridging aid are short-term help for farmers, but in the future a previous husbandry and origin labeling for the products from Germany is necessary. The associations want pork and products made from it in Germany to be labeled as having been born, raised, fattened, slaughtered and processed in Germany.
Consumers are very willing to support German pig farmers and their high-quality production combined with high animal welfare standards. However, it had to be clear at first glance where the animal came from, how it was kept, slaughtered and processed.
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