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Farmers moan constantly and on everything, so the stereotype. However, that they criticize the distribution of subsidies, does not fit this picture. But that's exactly what started on Monday with the Swiss Farmers Association (SBV). He has been studying the federal government's agricultural policy for the last three years and has had a "mixed record", including through the provision of direct payments.
The federal government spends about 78 million francs a year on animal housing systems. "These include parks in which animals can move or sometimes have a compartment without roof for the beak," says Francis Egger SBV. "It's a lot more animal-friendly than tying with fewer exercise options."
Lucky cattle. But from the point of view of farmers stinks the case. Because urea mixes with urine urine, ammonia is produced. It spreads like a gas in the air and thus contributes to the formation of fine dust. In addition, it modifies sensitive ecosystems such as forests, peat bogs, natural grasslands or waterways, endangering animals and plants.
Emissions Remain the Same for Ten Years
There is more ammonia in the atmosphere than in the attachment, "explains Egger. "The state exactly supports the stables, which are more harmful to the environment." Decisive is the largest area on which precipitates mix. And if an outlet is not covered, the gas can escape directly into the atmosphere.
The Swiss Federal Research Station for Agriculture and Rural Engineering confirmed this a few years ago. "On average, emissions versus attachment are more than three times higher in stockyard farming," the report says in a study.
The problem has also been known for a long time in Bern. On many occasions, the Confederation has set targets as to the scope of ammonia emissions. Finally, they wanted to reach 41,000 tons a year. However, with the latest statistics for 2015, the figure was still 47,700 tonnes – exactly the same as it was ten years ago. The majority of them were cattle, followed by pigs and chickens. Despite these measures, emissions remain at a high level. Christine Zundel, Expert in Agro-Environmental Systems and Nutrients
"We have been in recent years a lot has been done over the years," says Christine Zundel, expert in agri-environmental systems and nutrients at the # 39, Federal Office of Agriculture. "The federal government is promoting the tow hoses, for example, with which manure can be distributed in the field to produce less ammonia." Grazing and planting Reduced nitrogen supply are also supported financially because it reduces emissions. "And since 2018, we have promoted measures in the barn, such as urinary channels, through which urine flows out. quickly, "says Zundel
However, she states:" Despite these measures, emissions remain at a high level. "at the accommodation." With regard to ammonia, the polluted runways are a pro bleme, you have to say it. "
However, there are more and more BTS stables, as shown by the federal figures. At the turn of the millennium, a fifth of the cattle came from a subsidized farm with stable housing particularly respectful of animals – every fifteen years 15 years later
"Maybe the healthy border did it was reached "
solid, ammonia or not. "We are aware that emissions have a big target gap that needs to be reduced in the future," says Zundel. It is the task of agricultural policy to reconcile social expectations in the areas of animal welfare and the environment.
Basically, the SBV is of the same opinion. However, Francis Egger says: "At least discuss how parks are supported before discussing the next agricultural package." It was shocking that direct payments had a negative impact on the environment. "Maybe that's the healthy limit for the welfare of the animals reached."
Swiss animal welfare is not a real dilemma. "In stables, more ammonia can actually escape," says general manager Hansuli Huber. "It is therefore important to ensure greater cleanliness, to eliminate feces and urine as quickly as possible in the manure pit." It was also better for animals. Huber: "It is unacceptable to go back to the 1970s and 1980s just because of emissions, and keep animals in hermetically sealed stables without direct sunlight and extremely limited space." Here, visibility is lacking.
(SonntagsZeitung)
created: 21.07.2018, 23:27
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