International participation grows despite criticism from Dutch producers

The number of German farms adhering to the Dutch animal welfare label 'Beter Leven' for broiler chickens is on the rise, reflecting a broader international adoption of the program. This expansion has sparked discussions within the Dutch poultry industry regarding the integrity of foreign operations.

Growing Certification

The Dutch animal welfare association reports a significant increase in the number of German broiler chicken farms certified under the Beter Leven label, growing from approximately six to about ten percent in recent years. While Poland has seen a slight decrease in participation, Belgium and Romania have also joined the program with several certified farms. In 2023, a total of 644 broiler farms and 264 laying hen farms were registered under the 1-star label, managing around 155 million broiler chickens and 6.2 million laying hens.

Market Impact

The Beter Leven poultry meat market saw a revenue of EUR 928 million in 2024, marking a nearly nine percent increase from the previous year. The retail market share for 1-star broiler chickens remained steady at 93 percent, while the share for 1-star eggs rose to 86 percent. To provide planning security, the Beter Leven Foundation has extended the transition period for outdoor space regulations until December 31, 2026, allowing farms to apply for new or extended exemptions.

Debate Over Foreign Production

The expansion of Beter Leven certification to foreign farms has been met with skepticism by some in the Dutch poultry sector. Concerns have been raised about the ability to maintain consistent control standards in Eastern European countries like Poland and Romania. The Dutch poultry association, Nepluvi, expressed doubts in 2021 about the monitoring processes in these regions, fearing that producers might gain cost advantages through less stringent feed controls.

Response from Animal Welfare Association

In response to these criticisms, the Dutch animal welfare association has affirmed that all EU-based farms must meet the same requirements and are subject to inspections by Dutch authorities. The association's goal is to enhance animal welfare across Northwestern Europe, regardless of the country of production.

Source