EU
Common Agricultural Policy ("Pillar II" payments)
Summary Description
Subsidy payments for producers implementing good practices (i.e. practices that go beyond minimum legal standards) in the field of animal welfare practices.
Topics
Species
Farmed animals
Jurisdiction
EU
Sub-Jurisdiction
N/A
Type of Act
Legislation
Status
Under revision
Legal Value
Binding
Date Enacted
2013
Date Updated
June, 2023
Official Citation
Regulation 1305/2013 of 17 December 2013 on Support for Rural Development by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD), 2013, O.J. (L 347) 487–548 (E.U.)
Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths
- Grants payments to producers for measures that improve the welfare of animals, such as the construction and renovation of infrastructures (e.g.: increased outdoor access, increased space allowances, construction of outdoor shelters), the provision of enrichment materials (e.g. straw, perches), or measures improving animal health (e.g.: feeding plans, hoof care).
- Payments include subsidies for producers to transition or maintain organic standards on their farm. (NEW)
Weaknesses
- EU law does not require that all Member States propose this type of subsidy.
- Other types of subsidies under Pillar II also encourage industrial farm animal production, such as the subsidisation of ventilation for indoor broiler production, or for the construction of manure lagoons.
The Coller Animal Law Forum is part of Jeremy Coller Foundation, a registered charity (No. 1163970) and a company limited by guarantee (No. 9696841) in England and Wales. | Copyright @ 2026