New minister questioned – animal welfare? “I take care of my core area”

„krone“: Minister, the editor-in-chief of the “Krone” was originally supposed to have nominated our animal expert Maggie Entenfellner as the interviewer for this interview, but your spokeswoman turned it down. Let’s not do it with her, was the statement. Now politicians can’t just pick journalists here, like in the bazaar, but I’m here instead of her because I’m curious: what do you have against Maggie Entenfellner?
Norbert Totschnig: I have nothing against Maggie Entenfellner.

(Now the “stunned” spokeswoman joins in. “Why are you accusing the minister of things I’ve done?” she says. A discussion ensues about the meaning and importance of a press spokeswoman and press freedom).

What words did Karl Nehammer use to persuade you to take this job, or was it political stability that convinced you after three chancellors, three health ministers and a total of 14 reshuffles since the inception of turquoise-green?
Karl Nehammer asked me if I wanted to take on this position. And I’m used to getting things done.

lYour first promise didn’t go through because you got sick from Corona. In the same week, Chancellor Karl Nehammer said at the ÖVP party conference: “So many viruses in one room. But now we don’t care anymore.’ What did you think?
I only learned about it later and the Chancellor commented on it. That’s the end for me.

You didn’t even stream the party conference?
I’ve watched parts of the home, but I haven’t seen the whole convention.

Let’s talk about your future Work. With fully slatted floors, the pigs live on rock hard floors with stool scratches until they are killed. According to animal rights activists, 92 percent of animals have inflamed joints. The death rate is said to be up to three times that of animals living on straw. The eyes are red from the stench of ammonia and the lungs are inflamed. Out of boredom, the pigs bite each other in the ears or tail. That seems like torture to me.
In this area, the federal government has agreed that further development will take place. I don’t have the numbers you’re giving now. My concern is simply that we work on animal welfare standards, but always in the overall picture. It needs food, on the one hand it needs security of supply and on the other hand the consumer who buys the products.

What is development? Can you imagine a ban on fully slatted floors in all companies?
I think the compromise on the table is a very good compromise. And it determines that this conventional fully slatted floor will no longer be possible for renovations and new construction from 2023.

You were director of the powerful Farmers’ Union and once even responsible for the calendar for young farmers. I found this photo in the archive (see below). A woman in tight panties surrounded by piglets. The question “Why is straw here?” doesn’t come up, because it isn’t there. Looks more like a full slatted floor. What aesthetic do you think this photo should convey?
The last time I was responsible for the young farmers’ calendar was 17 years ago. At that time, there was an initiative to show a modern side of agriculture.

Why is castration of piglets without anesthesia still allowed in Austria? Are there no alternatives?
There is finally agreement with the farmers on how to proceed in the future. That’s where we are at the moment and for me it’s something to consider.

But you went into politics to change the status quo, didn’t you?
You know that animal protection agendas are the responsibility of Federal Minister Johannes Rauch. I’ve been in the office for two days now. I ask for your understanding that I take care of my real core areas in the first place. These are agriculture and forestry, water management and regions. I’ll start with that.

So animal welfare isn’t that important right now?
Animal welfare is always important, but animal welfare is the responsibility of the Minister of Health. We will work together constructively and I will focus on agriculture.

Then we come to what is probably the most urgent construction site at the moment: everything is becoming more expensive, including for farmers. Prices of feed and equipment rose to 50 percent, fertilizer prices even to 300 percent. When will there be a farmer’s aid package and how heavy will it be?
The help package is already well developed. In the next two or three weeks we will present it to the media.

Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen also addressed the climate crisis when he was sworn in. From the dying spruce to the drying up of Lake Neusiedler to the burning grapes on the vines. Please tell me the three most important measures for you to save agriculture in the long term and support it in the short term.
When it comes to climate change, agriculture and forestry are the first to be affected. We want to make our contribution to climate protection. For example, due to the increased use of renewable energy sources. Secondly, climate-friendly forests, ie forests with different tree compositions that are more heat-resistant and more resistant to it. Soil protection needs to be further developed and there is a lot of hope in the field of digitalisation. In this way, it is possible to work in a more resource-saving and resource-saving manner.

Her predecessor Elisabeth Köstinger attacked the retail giants last year: According to Köstinger, agriculture and suppliers had “no chance” against the purchasers of Billa, Spar and Hofer and spoke of “excessive conditions”. Far too little money remains with the farmers. Would you agree?
A lot has happened in the past two months and this is an important milestone in the issue of fair dealing with retail chains. This is the creation of the Fairness Bureau, which has started its work and will deal specifically with the whole topic of “unfair business practices”. I know almost all the responsible bosses of the retail chains. My approach is an intensive dialogue.

Let’s move on to other topics. I mentioned it before. Three chancellors, always new ministers and castling, swear as if on an assembly line. Wouldn’t new elections be fairest to Austrians?
We have a very good coalition climate with the Greens. My first impression was that there is a will to move forward. And it is now my job as newly appointed minister to make a constructive contribution.

But don’t you think it’s a bit confusing to keep track of everything? When I entered the ministry, I asked the lady in the porter’s lodge who the agriculture minister is at the moment. She knew the last name because I told her, but she had no idea of ​​the first name. Even the staff of this establishment don’t know who you are.
I know the ladies, I am always very friendly. Now I am going to delve into it and I am confident that my fame will increase.

As other nations join NATO, or at least discuss it, in light of Putin’s warmongering, we debate whether neutrality should even be discussed. Can one?
Neutrality is part of Austria’s identity, and that’s how I see it. Austria is a neutral country, we are militarily neutral, but at the same time a country with a tradition as a bridge builder, and that’s how I see this issue.

I think, It was important for your spokesperson in advance that I also ask personal questions to shed light on your personality. So please: What’s your favorite color?
Vegetable.

Thank you for the conversation.