Commission approves Danish aid scheme to support pig welfare

The European Commission has approved a Danish scheme to support higher animal welfare standards for pigs. The scheme is allowed under EU State aid rules and has a budget of approximately €20 million (DKK 151 million).

The scheme supports pig farmers with the implementation of measures that reduce the risk of tail-biting, caused by stress and sub-optimal living conditions. The measures help to avoid the need for tail-docking. The preventive measures supported by the scheme include extra supervision, extra feeding and drinking places, and improved housing conditions.

Direct grants and subsidised services

The scheme will run until 31 December 2029 and will be open to pig farmers in Denmark. Under the scheme, the aid will take the form of direct grants and subsidised services (such as training and development activities) and will cover up to 100% of eligible costs.

Rules

The Commission assessed the scheme under EU State Aid rules, in particular under Article 107(3)(c) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU. This allows member states to support the development of economic activities under certain conditions, and the 2023 Guidelines for State aid in the agricultural and forestry sectors and in rural areas.

The Commission found that the scheme is necessary and appropriate to achieve the objective pursued, namely the promotion of animal welfare in the pork livestock sector, while supporting the objectives of the Common Agricultural Policy and the Farm to Fork Strategy. Furthermore, the Commission concluded that the scheme is proportionate, as it is limited to the minimum necessary, and will have a limited impact on competition and trade in the EU. On this basis, the Commission approved the Danish scheme under EU State aid rules.

The non-confidential version of the decision will be made available under the case number SA.114488 in the State aid register on the Commission’s competition website once any confidentiality issues have been resolved.