Minister Wiersma, Ministry of LVVN: “The Dutch farmer has been providing high standards in animal welfare for years. With this covenant, we set the course for further improvement, without asking the impossible. We do this together with the sector, Animal Protection, Caring Farmers, and market and chain parties, with an eye for the animal AND the farm. Because only a realistic path is also a feasible path.”

Research from Wageningen University & Research and Connecting Agri & Food shows that the proposed measures could have significant financial implications for the sectors. Farmers cannot make this transition directly and especially not alone. Therefore, it has been agreed in the covenant that supermarkets, processors, and other market parties also take their responsibility. Products must be purchased at a fair price so that farmers can earn a reasonable income even with higher costs.

In the coming years, all involved covenant parties will work together to develop more knowledge, conduct practical trials, and make agreements with other market parties. This way, we discover what works in practice, and frontrunners can take steps faster. For this, the government has made 51 million euros available.

The newly established Authority for Animal-Friendly Agriculture measures, monitors, and reports whether the goals of the covenant are being met and keeps track of progress. In 2028, 2033, and 2038, it will be evaluated whether all conditions are met for the next step. Examples of those conditions include a good earning model for farmers and the possibility of obtaining a permit.

The covenant closely aligns with the General Administrative Regulation (AMvB) Animal-Friendly Agriculture 2040, which was opened for internet consultation today by Minister Wiersma. This AMvB describes how dairy cattle, calves, pigs, and chickens can be kept in an animal-friendly manner. The rules are based on recent scientific insights and practical experiences from the livestock sector. Where possible, they are goal prescriptions, allowing farmers to determine how to apply them within their business. The measures will be legally binding for all livestock farmers.

With the signing, the covenant is immediately official, and we can start implementing the agreements right away. Interested citizens, businesses, and organizations can still respond to the draft AMvB from Minister Wiersma via the internet until August 5. After that, responses will be processed, and legal checks will be carried out. The AMvB is expected to be presented to the House of Representatives and the Senate this fall.