IFOAM Organics Europe’s position paper on animal welfare practices and labelling

Explore our latest position paper outlining the status quo of organic farming’s view on animal welfare and current challenges in EU regulation. The paper focuses on organic approaches to animal welfare, offering recommendations for policymakers.

Organic farming, rooted in principles of ecology, health, care, and fairness, embraces a holistic, systemic approach. The EU organic regulation, recognised as a pinnacle of animal welfare by civil society, emphasises high standards for health, the environment, and animal welfare. It asserts that adhering to these standards is integral to the superior quality of organic products. Organic farming aligns with animal welfare standards, urging EU legislation for farm animals to follow suit and build upon organic legal requirements and best practices. Notably, many organic operators exceed the baseline set by the organic regulation.

IFOAM Organics Europe commends the European Commission’s initial efforts to revise EU animal welfare legislation and introduce a European animal welfare label, acknowledging the growing societal interest in enhancing animal welfare. However, it expresses disappointment that the current focus of the animal welfare package is solely on transport.

While supporting the reduction of transport time for animals, IFOAM Organics Europe urges policymakers to recognise the constraints faced by farmers regarding the scarcity of organic slaughterhouses. The organisation emphasises that farmers cannot be solely accountable for such limitations.

Regarding animal welfare labelling, IFOAM Organics Europe advocates for a system highlighting species-specific welfare practices. It proposes that the organic standard be prominently featured as a best practice within the labelling scheme. Recognising the exemplary efforts of organic livestock farmers in upholding animal well-being, IFOAM Organics Europe emphasises the importance of a European labelling scheme focused on elevating animal welfare standards. To achieve this, the organisation favours implementing mandatory method of production labelling for all animal species within the EU.