EU's poultry farming is in danger of collapse

According to Copa-Cogeca, the latest recommendations from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) on the welfare of broilers and laying hens spell the end for most EU poultry farms. New recommendations regarding the welfare of broilers and laying hens The recommendation to reduce the broiler stocking rate in conventional production to a maximum of 11 kg/m² is particularly shocking to the association. Currently, up to 26 broilers/m2 are allowed in the EU – this corresponds to approximately 42 kg/m2. In Austria and Switzerland, only 30 kg/m2 is allowed, which gives chickens almost 30 percent. more space. Loss of competitiveness in the global market This means expensive investments in poultry houses for conventional poultry farmers, while the number of animals would have to be reduced by 72%. Similar recommendations are contained in the EFSA report on laying hens. Copa-Cogeca criticize the report as unrealistic. The latest EFSA proposal means large investments for farmers who will ...