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

The program aims to support pig farmers in the implementation of preventive measures that reduce the risk of tail-biting among pigs, which results from stress and sub-optimal living conditions of pigs, and that help avoid the need of tail-docking (the shortening of tails) of piglets. The preventive measures include extra supervision, extra feeding and drinking places, and improved housing conditions.

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

The commission assessed the project under EU State Aid rules, in particular under Article 107(3)(c) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU, which allows member states to support the development of certain 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 project 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 plan 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 project 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.