Planos asegura que el bienestar animal es el futuro del sector agrícola
The Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Luis Plans, stated on Tuesday that «the rules regarding animal welfare are not only current but also the future of the sector» and that the regulations in force in Spain have been approved «with absolute agreement» with animal professionals.
«The sustainable production and welfare of animals must be maintained,» Plans said, addressing the opposition expressed by a sector of the animal industry and by the President of the government of Aragon, Jorge Azcón. The Minister made these statements during a visit to the International Animal Production Fair (Figura) at the Zaragoza Fair, where he emphasized the importance of understanding the issues before making any political statement.
He also emphasized the need to know «where we come from and where we are going» and the importance of assessing animal products, especially meat, based on consumer perception.
Regarding the current regulations in Spain, Plans mentioned that they had recently passed two decrees «with absolute agreement from the sector.» One decree will expand the approved standards in capacity by 2026, and the other will extend this capacity to farms with higher levels of animal welfare.
«I find both measures absolutely logical, as they are part of the agreements reached with agricultural organizations following last year’s mobilization, and I believe they are positive,» the Minister said.
Plans explained that the implementation of these measures until 2026 was approved «simply to provide greater adaptation facilities,» emphasizing the importance of achieving the set benchmarks rather than speed.
He also addressed the European Union’s animal welfare regulations, where Spain expressed disagreements with the European Commission’s proposal for the Transport of Live Animals. Plans acknowledged the improvements in conditions but highlighted the different circumstances in Spain due to distance and temperature.
The ongoing debate, initiated two years ago, «will continue,» as the Minister of Agriculture consulted with the Hungarian Commissioner, Olivér Várhelyi, to find a solution for the future.
«I believe these issues should be viewed from an environmental perspective, as well as an economic performance perspective, focusing on the profitability of farms,» Plans stated, emphasizing the maturity of the sector and its ability to manage without external lessons.
Plans also commended the efforts of all animal sectors in reducing CO2 emissions, managing manure, suspending or promoting organic fertilization. He emphasized the present and future potential of the sector, highlighting the growing consumer preference for natural and animal-friendly products, especially in the case of meat.
Lastly, Plans defended the irreplaceable role of animal protein and its fundamental importance in the industry.
FUENTE
