As EU citizens expect animals reared in organic farming systems to enjoy high animal welfare standards, an increase of interest in animal welfare issues is highly welcome. The numerous references to animal welfare in the adopted text are cohesive with the ambitions of the EU Parliament to continue down the path of improving animal welfare standards. 

However, some opportunities were missed - important language on issues related to animal welfare, such as labelling and increased consumption of plant-based foods, was not included in the adopted report. 

A group of MEPs tried to make the text stronger by tabling amendments on the aforementioned issues, however, these amendments have been rejected in the plenary. 

We look forward to further developments in organic farming in the area of animal welfare, as the sector is affiliated with high animal welfare standards by EU citizens and has the potential to be on the forefront of animal welfare improvements, providing a good example to conventional farmers.