Animal welfare support for the dairy cattle sector launched

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The call for proposals, code KAP-RD30-1-24, entitled “Animal welfare support in the dairy cattle sector”, co-financed by the European Union – which is being implemented within the framework of the CAP Strategic Plan – is essentially a continuation of a support measure previously available as part of the Rural Development Programme, which continues to improve the general welfare of female dairy cattle. For many years, when planning the use of EU agricultural subsidies, the Ministry of Agriculture has been consciously increasing the number of support schemes related to animal husbandry that represent higher added value and the size of the related financial resources to the greatest extent possible. The present support scheme helps to improve animal welfare conditions through mandatory requirements for animal density, more caretaker supervision, preventive interventions and milking technology, and feeding, while beneficiaries can also make a commitment to ensure natural conditions (as an optional requirement) in addition to and together with the mandatory requirements. During the 5-year commitment period starting on 1 January 2025, farmers can receive a non-refundable subsidy of up to EUR 284 per animal unit per year for cows and EUR 222 per animal unit per year for heifers and calves for complying with the mandatory and optional requirements.

AM