The end of tethering in Austria also applies to beef
The “permanent” tethering of cattle to new buildings in Austria has long been prohibited. The Animal Welfare Act provides for a transitional period until 2030 for existing stables.
In the past few months, AMA-Marketing, together with representatives from agriculture and the food chain, has implemented two measures for a changeover. The further development of the AMA seal of quality for dairy kitchens, which was decided in the summer, was the first step. This means that milk and dairy products with the AMA seal of approval will in future no longer come from farms with permanent tethering
Now the AMA Marketing sets the second: The expert committee decided that the regulations for all cattle farms in the AMA program are to be standardized. This means that from January 1st, 2024, beef and beef products with the AMA seal of quality will no longer come from farms with permanent tethering.
10 – 15% of the companies use the exemption
According to AMA Marketing estimates, around 10-15% of the approximately 8,500 companies in total still make use of the exemption. “Austria is one of the countries with the highest animal welfare standards. By further developing the seal of quality, we are further expanding our pioneering role and upgrading the AMA program. However, this step is not easy for local farmers. That’s why I’m putting together an investment program to support farms that will switch by the end of 2027,” said Minister of Agriculture Norbert Totschnig.
The aim is to get farms that can move out of permanent tethering up to two years before the statutory deadline – i.e. by the end of 2027 –switch to financial support. €30 million per year is available for this, and it will start in early 2023.
Agriculture expects positive impact on beef sales
george Strasser, Chairman of the Agriculture Committee, is convinced that the end of the exceptions to permanent tethering will strengthen Austria’s global pioneering role in animal welfare. With this course set, the domestic dairy and cattle industry would remain competitive with a view to the international markets.
In addition, every farmer would benefit from more animal welfare. “Because only a healthy animal is also an excellent animal! But farming families in mountainous and disadvantaged areas in particular are making this switch immensely challenging. We have to give these companies backing. The investment program for the transition is the first step. Now it is the turn of retailers and consumers to pay for the costs of the switch and the higher husbandry standards.”
Purchase guarantee required for a further 24 months
Sebastian Auernig, Chairman Rinderzucht Austria, takes the same line: “The affected farms now need support measures and assistance to find solutions to enable further management of the farms.”
Specifically, Josef Moosbrugger, President of the Austrian Chamber of Agriculture, proposes a purchase guarantee for a further 24 months received. “Because conversions for the affected farms usually involve a are associated with challenging costs, there is an urgent need for a corresponding one expanded special investment program. Also in terms of security of supply need to help as many farms as possible to build their stables in the required time to be able to remodel. It is important that consumers also go along with their shopping and opt for the high domestic level of animal welfare.”