The AMA has introduced a new quality seal called “Animal Husbandry Plus.” This has angered some dairy farmers, as the majority of dairy farmers already produce to the higher standards. Some have announced opposition.
Franz Waldenberger, president of the Upper Austrian Chamber of Agriculture, is annoyed that additional investments are needed. These should be compensated. There is also opposition from Johann Konrad, director of the Austrian Agricultural Association (AGÖ), who is critical of the chamber. He announced that the new standards would be examined legally.
“The new regulation is extremely important for the production site to secure milk sales,” says Josef Hechenberger, chairman of the Chamber of Agriculture. The new AMA quality seal should guarantee better livestock farming and better health of dairy cows. Since the beginning of this year, keeping cows permanently tied up has been prohibited.
Pressure from German companies
The main reason for the introduction is pressure from German trade groups, who demand higher animal welfare standards from their suppliers. With 50 percent, Germany is the most important export market for domestic dairy companies.
In September, the AMA quality seal will also be extended to bread and pastries, initially also to flour. More products will follow in the coming year. “We also have to tackle the origin of bread,” says AMA representative Martin Greßl. Consumers know too little about bread and pastries.
Source: Krone
I’m Ben Stock, a journalist and author at Today Times Live. I specialize in economic news and have been working in the news industry for over five years. My experience spans from local journalism to international business reporting. In my career I’ve had the opportunity to interview some of the world’s leading economists and financial experts, giving me an insight into global trends that is unique among journalists.
