Austrian Government Secures Future of Pork Production

In a significant development for the agricultural sector, the Austrian government has reached an agreement to extend the transition period for the use of full slatted floors in pig farming. This decision is seen as a vital step in ensuring the continued production of pork in Austria, a meat that enjoys immense popularity among consumers.

Statistics from Austria indicate that pork is the most favored type of meat in the country, and the recent negotiations led by the Austrian People's Party (ÖVP) have helped secure the future of domestic pork production. The government has established a deadline of mid-2034 for the complete phase-out of unstructured full slatted floors, but crucially, a hardship clause has been included for farms that invested in compliance between June 2018 and 2022. These farms will be granted an extended transition period of 16 years.

Furthermore, starting June 1, 2029, regulations will require that pigs are provided with more enrichment materials and that measures are implemented to address stocking density. This initiative is designed to facilitate a shift towards more humane and sustainable farming practices.

ÖVP consumer protection spokesman Andreas Kühberger emphasized the importance of this agreement, noting that the extended transition period allows pig farmers to adapt to new housing standards without facing immediate financial pressures. He pointed out that a shorter transition period would have forced many farmers to abandon pig farming, leading to potential shortages and increased prices for consumers.

The backdrop to this agreement includes a previous decision by the former black-green government in 2022, which set 2039 as the end date for unstructured full slatted floors and introduced a new housing standard known as 'group housing' for the construction and renovation of pigsties effective from 2023. However, the Burgenland governor, Hans Peter Doskozil, challenged this legislation in the Constitutional Court, prompting the need for a reassessment of the transition timelines.

Recently, the government, in collaboration with industry stakeholders, has successfully negotiated a more practical solution that balances animal welfare with the economic realities facing farmers. It is noteworthy that while the new agreement modifies the deadlines, the 'group housing' standard established in 2023 remains unchanged and will continue to guide new builds and renovations.

Had the government failed to reach this agreement, many Austrian pig farms would have faced the prospect of operating illegally starting in June, which could have had dire consequences for farmers, their families, and consumers alike.

As a spokesperson for consumer protection, Kühberger expressed satisfaction with the practical resolution, asserting that it secures the future of pork production in Austria. This agreement not only benefits farmers but also ensures that consumers can continue to access high-quality pork products.