The alert was launched a few weeks ago. farmersespecially those who raise chickens, pigs and rabbits. After reading the draft standard prepared by the European Commission meat production model At Twenty Seven, Coordinator of Farmers and Livestock Organizations (COAG) It was warned that if some of the measures in the document are implemented, chicken meat sales prices will increase. They would triple. The agricultural platform therefore says that currently the price of this bird is 3.25 euros per kilo, and if the regulations are approved, it can reach 9.75 euros per kilo. It will be another bucket of cold water for consumers amid rising inflation.
For now, Brussels is officially silent, but voices are already coming. they denied, or at least reduced the intensity of the crisis that Spanish producers feared. Unofficial sources of the Commission have assured that only drafts and open negotiations are available for now, but they insist that there are some drafts and open negotiations for now. no documents or positions accepted. Moreover, all progress made so far in this regard has been paralyzed, because its impact needs to be carefully evaluated. They also insist it is just one leg of a much broader strategy to streamline the so-called ‘farm to fork’ process. In conclusion, add the same resources: farmers put the bandage before the wound because today It is not possible to calculate how much it costs. chicken because it is not known what precautions farms should take.
“We have been hearing for some time that Brussels intends to tighten conditions for raising livestock species, and this too much worry In an industry consisting of very fragile companies“Jordi Armengol, head of Livestock of the Unió de Pagesos union, admits. Armengol is aware of “the existence of the threat”, but he also remembers that meat producers are one of the most transformed unions in recent times. “The way the current production rates are changing has nothing to do with, for example, 10 years ago,” he points out. Farm For now, the owner says: “We have been told that the arrangements have been postponed, and this is not the time either. further straining domestic economies consumers”.
Free range chickens at free range prices
The origin of all the debate lies in the report prepared by COAG on the socioeconomic impact of the new regulation of the European Union (EU) and its repercussions on food inflation due to increased costs for livestock farmers. According to this study, compliance with new regulations medium sized farms means one Additional cost to farmers of nearly one million euros It will lead to the closure of over half a million poultry farms and 95% of rabbit farms for pigs.
According to the agricultural coordinator, one of the proposals the EU is planning is as follows: reduce broiler population density conventional up to a maximum of 11 kilos per square metre. If implemented, union federation continues; This will mean that Brussels will ask traditional poultry producers to carry out these practices. Significant investments in farmsThe number of birds on farms will need to be reduced by 72%. For example, a standard farm of 1,800 square meters Now has a capacity of 33,000 chickensWith the new regulations, only 11,000 animals can be sheltered in this area. The farmer will see his income reduced by a third, and this will sooner or later be passed on to the consumer, who will pay almost the same price for farmed chicken as for free-range chicken.
“Animal welfare does not need to be improved by these measures, reassures the industry. Existing buildings are prepared with heating systems, cooling systems and ventilation systems that provide optimum levels of comfort.” optimum temperature and air quality conditions. Lower density breeding does not equate to better control of these parameters. In fact, it may be more difficult and expensive to maintain adequate temperatures,” COAG poultry sector head Eloy Ureña told Europa Press.