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Pig rearing in organic farming
Photo:
agricultural motifs / IMAGO
To finance the switch to more sustainable animal husbandry, Bioland President Jan Plagge is bringing higher taxes into play. “Before nothing happens and there is no animal welfare tax, VAT remains the starting point,” the head of the organic farming association told SPIEGEL. The reduced tax rate of seven percent currently applies to meat.
A higher VAT is actually viewed critically in the organic sector because it would make already high-priced products even more expensive. For organic producers there should therefore be more support from the additional tax revenue, says Plagge. This is intended to compensate for the higher running costs of organic farming. “Higher husbandry levels should not become a luxury,” said Plagge.
Federal Agriculture Minister Cem Özdemir (Greens) had brought up an animal welfare tax in view of the farmers' protests. The proposal has been around for years and is difficult to implement. Separate administrative structures would have to be created and the tax would have to be brought into line with EU law. Plagge demands that Özdemir should work with trade and agriculture to develop a practical solution for such a levy.
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