Organic animal husbandry: comparison of organic seals
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Agriculture wants to counteract industrial factory farming with organic animal husbandry. You can find out what the different badges on animal products stand for and when it is worth taking a closer look here.
Criteria for organic animal husbandry
In order for a fattening farm to be able to call itself "organic" in Germany, it must either become a member of an organic farming association or pass the test by an external organic inspection body. This ensures that there are adequate conditions for the animals on the farm.
- Animal husbandry: Part of a species-appropriate life means that the animals can move freely. For pigs, cows and chickens, the space that is available to each animal is therefore shown.
- Feeding: It is also crucial how the feed is composed and whether genetically modified feed or antibiotics are used. For example, germs often form in the silage feed, causing the animals to become ill more often.
- Other: The various organic seals regulate in detail what may and may not happen to the animals. An important criterion is, for example, how far the animals are transported to the slaughterhouse.
The EU organic label
Almost everyone knows the light green organic seal, on which twelve stars form a curved leaf. Although it covers the largest market, it also applies the lowest organic standards.
- Animal husbandry : A full-grown pig is entitled to a maximum of 1.2 square meters and a cow 6 square meters. Compared to factory farming, this is progress, but it is not enough on its own. For example, cow trainers, who bring cattle into position with electric shocks, are permitted in principle.
- Feeding: Feeding from silage is permitted all year round. Genetic engineering is not permitted. A ban on fishmeal is not planned, however. In many places, this special type of feed is blamed for massive overfishing.
- Other: The animals are expected to be transported for up to six hours. That means stress and poor hygiene.
"Organic" seal of approval
The most famous among the agricultural associations in Germany is "Bioland" with its dark green, square badge. He sells his products, among other things, through the food discounter LIDL.
- Animal husbandry: Compared to the EU seal, "Bioland" does a good job. The individual animal has the same area. However, the number of pigs that can be housed together is 35%, and the number of chickens is reduced by more than half.
- Feed: At least half of the animal feed must come from our own farm. Stored silage feed may only be added in winter when less fresh feed is available. Fishmeal is completely prohibited at Bioland.
- Other: Cattle and poultry can be transported for up to four hours - but only if the total distance is no more than 200 kilometers. This is not only more relaxed for the animals, but also keeps the CO emissions within limits.
Demeter Association
Demeter is the oldest agricultural association in Germany. Its orange logo adorns high-quality organic products. The eponym is the Greek fertility goddess.
- Animal husbandry: When it comes to the area and transport of animals, criteria similar to those used at Bioland are used. As the only label presented here, Demeter prohibits the controversial dehorning of cattle.
- Food: The animals generally only get organic food. Two thirds of the annual quantity must have Demeter quality. Instead of antibiotics and medication, there is homeopathy and naturopathy.
- Other: Due to its origins, the club has an esoteric-mythical flair. The animals should not care.
- Conclusion: While the EU specifies minimum standards, the different organic agricultural associations have different priorities. If you really want to do something good for the animals, look for the organic circle or the Naturland seal . The individual animal is given enough space here so that it can move and grow up healthy.
If you want to do without meat more often, we have a few tips for you in the next article.