The European Commission has approved a €20 million scheme to support Danish farmers reduce tail biting among pigs and avoid the need for tail-docking.
The scheme is aimed at supporting pig farmers in the implementation of preventive measures that reduce the risk of tail-biting among pigs, which the Commission said results from stress and sub-optimal living conditions.
The preventive measures supported by the scheme include extra supervision, extra feeding and drinking places and improved housing conditions. The aid will take the form of direct grants and subsidised services, such as training, and will cover up to 100% of eligible costs.
The scheme, operating under state aid rules, will run until the end of 2029 and will be open to pig farmers in Denmark.
The Commission assessed the scheme under EU State Aid rules and found that it is necessary and appropriate to achieve the objective pursued, namely the promotion of animal welfare in the pork livestock sector, while supporting the objectives of the Common Agricultural Policy and the Farm to Fork Strategy.