EcoAnimal

The aim of the project is the (further) development of a reliable, transparent and practicable testing concept for animal welfare inspection in organic farming within the framework of organic inspection using primarily animal-related indicators that have proven to be valid in previous scientific studies. The starting point for this is the inspection concepts for animal welfare inspection already used in organic inspection by various organic inspection bodies and organic associations. Taking into account existing indicator and assessment systems for similar purposes, these are to be reviewed with regard to the criteria of validity, reliability and practicability and, if necessary, further developed. In addition to the great diversity of farms due to their location and structure, the possible time and financial expenditure for the training of inspectors and the implementation of animal welfare inspections within the framework of organic inspections represents a major challenge. Based on existing systems and in coordination with the German organic sector, the methodology for a risk-oriented, graduated inspection concept is to be developed in a participatory approach that incorporates existing farm data as well as animal-related data collected on the farms themselves. This self-collection can also be used by the farms for the farm's own inspection in accordance with the Animal Welfare Act. The aim of the animal welfare inspection as part of the organic inspection is to identify problem farms, to initiate an improvement in animal welfare on these farms and, if necessary, to derive measures and sanctions to be implemented if a deficient initial situation has not been improved. Online and barn training concepts are being further developed for the competence management of new and experienced inspectors.