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In 2008 a “health check” of the CAP
took place. No change was approved that could
bring major farm animal welfare improvements.
However under the new regulations, the transfer
of funds from direct aid to rural development
will increase slightly and Member States will
have the possibility to use this additional rural
development funding for new challenges such as
tackling climate change, which could mean more
extensive farming, with potential benefits for
animal welfare. There will also be the possibility
for member states to use part of their direct
aid budget to support quality products or to support
specific sectors such as meat or milk production.
Member States have prepared their national and
regional rural development plans for the next
seven years. However, the 2005 rural development
Regulation did not make it compulsory for Member
States to include animal welfare payments. Consequently
only 16 programmes out of the 94 approved by the
European Commission include animal welfare payments.
Eurogroup has been concerned that the limited
funds available for rural development are not
necessarily enough of an incentive for Member
States to implement the new animal welfare measures.
Member States can amend their plans once a year,
but without increased rural development funding
there is little chance that animal welfare measures
be included at a later stage.
Eurogroup is monitoring the reports made available by Member States.
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