Many details on the livestock logo in Saxony are still missing

A clear majority of pig farms in Saxony have not yet provided any information on the animal husbandry logo by the deadline. So far, only three notifications have been received by the responsible Ministry of Social Affairs, according to a spokesperson for the ministry. According to the State Statistical Office, around 457,200 pigs were recorded in 120 pig farms in Saxony at the end of last year.

Pig fattening farms were required to report which type of farming they use by August 1. The law passed by the traffic light coalition in August 2023 stipulates that labeling for domestic products will be mandatory from August 2025. This will initially start with pork in supermarkets.

Five levels of animal husbandry labeling

The animal husbandry label distinguishes between five forms of husbandry. It starts with the "Stable" type of husbandry with the minimum legal requirements. The higher level "Stable + space" provides more space. The next levels are "Fresh air barn" and "Outdoor run/pasture". The highest form of husbandry is organic.

Ministry of Social Affairs not concerned

"We are not concerned that only three farms have registered so far," said the Ministry of Social Affairs. After all, the information on the form of husbandry is voluntary. "The farms must decide for themselves whether they meet the conditions or not."

According to the Ministry of Social Affairs, the law only stipulates what must be fulfilled in order to be able to submit this notification. "However, the law does not say what happens if you do not submit this notification."

According to the information provided, neither the Saxon Ministry of Agriculture nor the Ministry of Social Affairs have received any inquiries about the reporting deadline. It remains unclear whether it will be possible to submit information after August 1.

According to a spokeswoman for the Ministry of the Environment and Consumer Protection, the reporting of husbandry systems has been delayed in Bavaria because a portal for submitting reports still needs to be developed there. A few days before the deadline, it was still unclear in many places across Germany where the notification should be sent. In Saxony, the Ministry of Social Affairs is responsible for this.